Creating a Bot

Need help creating a WA Chatbot? You've come to the right place!

What is WhatsApp Bot?

A WhatsApp Chatbot is an automated tool that helps businesses communicate with their customers directly on WhatsApp. It can send messages, answer queries, share information, and perform tasks without needing a human to respond every time. Using a WhatsApp Chatbot, businesses can handle customer support, promotions, and updates efficiently, ensuring faster and more consistent interactions.

Benefits of WhatsApp Bot

🎯 Automates customer communication at scale.
🟢 Ensures compliance with WhatsApp and Meta commerce policies.
⚡ Reduces setup time with Meta’s automated onboarding.
✅ Centralizes bot management in BotPenguin.
💳 Supports payment integration for conversation charges.

Pre-requisites for WA Bot

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary prerequisites in place, such as access to the BotPenguin platform, WhatsApp number, etc.

A number once used on a WhatsApp bot cannot be used for other purposes till the chatbot is deleted and the number is deleted from the connected business portfolio

A phone number that is
- Active & capable of receiving SMS.
- Not registered on WhatsApp or WA Business App.
Registered legal business
An active website with a valid privacy policy
Business use case compliant with WhatsApp and Meta commerce policy.
A valid payment method (Debit or Credit card) capable of making international payments to Meta for conversation charges.
GSTIN Number, Only if the business is registered in India.

If you have all of the above checked, You are good to start with WhatsApp Cloud API Bot.

Please note that a single mobile number can only be utilized on one of the WhatsApp services at a given time, namely WhatsApp, WA Business, or WhatsApp Business API. If you wish to use your existing number, you must remove your account from one service before using it on another.

Create a WhatsApp Bot

Select the required use case for the platform on the next page.

Provide the required details and follow the bot creation process. Once done, click on the "Create Chatbot" button.

The user can choose to connect their actual number to the WA bot, or use a demo number for the same process.

Should the user choose to proceed with the Demo Number, click on the "Try Product with Demo Number" link and proceed with the creation of the Demo Bot.

Alternatively, the user can proceed to make an actual bot, by clicking on "Connect a new number". Click all the checkboxes, or click Select all to select all the boxes.

Choose Automated or Manual onboarding. In this document, We will talking about Automated onboard.

It will open up a new pop-up window where you have to complete the Meta onboarding. Complete the Meta onboarding process.

Please make sure that you have not blocked the pop-up window in your browser, If yes, Please enable the same.

Upon successful completion, Your bot will be connected to WhatsApp. But as a last step, You have to update your payment method.

Adding the Payment Method

To ensure smooth and uninterrupted transactions for your WhatsApp Business Cloud API, it’s recommended to add or update your payment method in Meta Business Manager. This step helps avoid any billing or payment interruptions when your bot starts engaging in conversations.

Access WhatsApp Account Settings: In the "Meta Business Manager," locate and click on the "Payment Setting" button for your WhatsApp Account.

Navigate to Billing and Payments Page: On the "Billing and Payments" page, click on the "Add Payment Method" option to add a new payment method.

Select Payment Method Type: Choose the payment method type that you want to use for your WhatsApp account.

Enter Payment Details: Enter the necessary payment details based on the selected payment method.

Verify Payment Method: Once you have entered the payment details, proceed with the verification process.
Update Business Information: After successful verification, make any necessary updates to your business information.
You have successfully updated the payment method on your WhatsApp account.

Congratulations! You have successfully created the BotPenguin WhatsApp Bot using the WhatsApp Business Cloud API and integrated it with the BotPenguin platform. Your WhatsApp Bot is now ready to interact with users and provide automated responses.

Please note that specific steps and requirements may vary based on updates and changes in the BotPenguin and WhatsApp Business Cloud API platforms. If you encounter any difficulties during the process or have further questions, please refer to the official documentation of BotPenguin and WhatsApp Business Cloud API, or contact their support teams for assistance.

FAQ's

Can I use my existing WhatsApp number to create a bot?

A single WhatsApp number can only be used on one platform at a time — WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business App, or WhatsApp Business API. If you wish to use your existing number, you must first delete or deactivate it from any currently linked WhatsApp service before connecting it to BotPenguin.

Do I need a business account to create a WhatsApp bot?

Yes. Only registered businesses can use the WhatsApp Business Cloud API. You must have a verified business profile and an active website with a valid privacy policy.

Can I test the WhatsApp Bot without connecting my actual number?

Yes. BotPenguin allows you to create a demo bot using a temporary demo number. This helps you test all functionalities before connecting your real number.

What is the difference between Automated and Manual Onboarding?

Automated Onboarding is a guided setup where Meta verifies and connects your WhatsApp number automatically. Manual Onboarding, on the other hand, requires manual submission of business and API credentials. Automated onboarding is faster and recommended.

What should I do if the Meta onboarding window doesn’t open?

Ensure your browser allows pop-ups. If pop-ups are blocked, enable them and restart the process to complete Meta onboarding.

What are the prerequisites for creating a WhatsApp bot?

You need: - Access to the BotPenguin platform - An active WhatsApp number (not used elsewhere) - A verified business and website - A valid payment method capable of international transactions - GSTIN (if registered in India)

Why do I need to add a payment method?

Adding a payment method in Meta Business Manager ensures smooth billing for WhatsApp conversation charges. Without it, your bot may face interruptions in processing messages.

Can I change or update my payment method later?

Yes. You can update or replace your payment method anytime through your Meta Business Manager under Billing and Payments.

How long does it take to connect my WhatsApp number?

With Automated Onboarding, the process usually takes only a few minutes once all prerequisites are met and Meta verification is complete.

Can I use the same WhatsApp account on multiple bots?

No. A single WhatsApp Business number can only be connected to one bot at a time.

Is there a cost for using the WhatsApp Cloud API?

Yes. Meta charges a small fee per conversation initiated through the WhatsApp Business Cloud API. Payment details are managed within Meta Business Manager.

What happens if my payment method fails?

If your payment method fails, message delivery may be paused until billing issues are resolved. Always ensure your payment method remains valid and active.

Do I need to provide business verification documents to Meta?

Yes. During onboarding, Meta may request business verification documents such as legal name, business address, and website details for compliance.

Can I switch from demo bot to a live bot later?

Absolutely. You can start with a demo bot to explore functionality and later connect your verified WhatsApp number to go live with the same bot setup.

Where can I get support if I face issues during setup?

If you face difficulties, you can refer to the official BotPenguin or Meta documentation. Alternatively, contact our support team at **[email protected]** — we’ll respond within 48 hours.

If everything is correct and you are still unable to move forward, write to us at [email protected]. We will respond back within 48 business hours.

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Last updated 20 days ago

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