> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.botpenguin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/prerequisites-for-whatsapp-bots.md).
# Prerequisites for WhatsApp Bots
### How to Get Here
1. From the left sidebar, click Chatbot.
2. Select your WhatsApp bot from the dropdown.
3. Click Install Your Chatbot.
4. On the Connect with WhatsApp screen, click Connect with WhatsApp API.
***
### Step 1: Confirm Prerequisites
You will land on the WhatsApp Bot Pre-requisites screen.
Read through each item and check the box once you have confirmed it is in place. Click Select All to check all boxes at once, then click Proceed.
| # | Prerequisite | Details |
| - | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 1 | **Legally registered business** | Your business must be officially registered with the relevant authorities in your country |
| 2 | **Valid website with a data privacy policy** | Your website must be live and must include a publicly accessible privacy policy page |
| 3 | **Valid business registration document** | GST Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, MSME/Udyam, or equivalent. Required for Indian residents. |
| 4 | **Valid payment method** | A debit or credit card enabled for international payments — required to pay Meta for WhatsApp conversation charges |
| 5 | **Valid use case in compliance with WhatsApp commerce policy** | Your intended use must comply with the [WhatsApp Commerce Policy](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/commerce-policy) |
| 6 | **Phone number not registered on WhatsApp** | The number must not be active on WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business App, and must be capable of receiving SMS |
{% hint style="warning" icon="lightbulb" %}
A single phone number can only be active on one WhatsApp service at a time. If your number is currently in use on WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business App, remove it from that service before proceeding.
{% endhint %}
Once all boxes are checked, click Proceed.
***
### Step 2: WhatsApp Phone Number Setup
You will now see the WhatsApp Phone Number Setup screen with two options:
#### Option A: Continue with Facebook *(Recommended)*
1. This is the fastest setup method. Use this if you have admin access to your Facebook page. It connects your number through Meta's embedded signup flow.
2. Click Continue with Facebook to proceed with this method.
#### Option B: Connect using Cloud API *(Advanced)*
1. Use this if you already have a verified phone number, Phone Number ID, WABA ID, and system user token — or if you want to set these up manually.
2. Click Connect using Cloud API to proceed with this method.
***
### Step 3: Choose Your WhatsApp API Provider
If you clicked Connect using Cloud API, you will see the Choose your WhatsApp API Provider screen.
#### Enable the Toggle
1. You will see the question "Do you have WhatsApp Business API?" with a toggle next to it. Turn the toggle on.
2. Once enabled, a dropdown will appear with two options:
| Option | When to use |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **WhatsApp Cloud API** | You already have your Phone Number ID, WhatsApp Business Account ID, and System User Token ready |
| **None** | You do not have these credentials yet and need to set them up from scratch |
***
#### If you select WhatsApp Cloud API
Enter the following three credentials and connect:
* Phone Number ID — Found in your Meta Developer Dashboard under your WhatsApp app
* WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID) — Found in Meta Business Manager
* System User Token — Generated when you assign a System User to your WABA
Once all three are entered, click Submit to complete the setup.
***
#### If you select None
Click Next. You will be guided through the full manual setup process, starting with creating a Meta App.
The steps are:
{% content-ref url="/pages/hlli1Vs81Y121IX2RGWs" %}
[Create a Meta App](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/create-a-meta-app.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/B63gtTrCVccKbdQa7kpc" %}
[Register & Verify your WhatsApp Number](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/register-and-verify-your-whatsapp-number.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/njGzcgpvAiuR7WKLMcQz" %}
[Subscribe WA webhook with BotPenguin](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/subscribe-wa-webhook-with-botpenguin.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/mXRICYBfVKoZWqQrjzyt" %}
[Update WA account Payment Method](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/update-wa-account-payment-method.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/IDK2uxxMkfnjtwtFtjqv" %}
[Assign System User to WhatsApp Account](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/assign-system-user-to-whatsapp-account.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/mwUvYF7281sZGC4Ce6db" %}
[Getting all the necessary details from Meta Developer Dashboard](/bots/whatsapp-bot/bot-setup/whatsapp-bot-creation-with-manual-onboarding/getting-all-the-necessary-details-from-meta-developer-dashboard.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% hint style="info" icon="lightbulb" %}
Need help? On the prerequisites screen, click WhatsApp Now or Email Us on the right side panel to request assistance from the BotPenguin team.
{% endhint %}
***
### Support
If everything is correct and you are still unable to move forward, write to us at . We will respond back within 48 business hours.