> 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/getting-started/system-requirements-and-setup-checklist.md).

# System Requirements & Setup Checklist

### Overview

This checklist helps you verify that your environment — browser, account access, and target platform (Website, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, MS Teams, or SMS) — is correctly configured before you start building. It's relevant to anyone setting up a new bot for the first time, or troubleshooting why a channel won't connect. Reviewing this before you begin avoids the most common causes of failed integrations and delayed approvals.

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### Browser & Account Requirements

Make sure your setup environment is ready before opening the BotPenguin dashboard.

**Browser compatibility**

* Use a supported browser: Chrome (recommended), Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Brave
* Enable pop-ups for the BotPenguin dashboard
* Confirm a stable internet connection (10 Mbps+ recommended)

**Account requirements**

* A valid email address or phone number to sign up/log in
* An active BotPenguin account
* Email and phone number accessible for verification and communication

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### Platform-Specific Requirements

Requirements vary depending on which channel you're connecting.

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th>Platform</th><th>Key Requirements</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Website</td><td>Ability to add a script snippet to your site header/footer; supported on WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, Squarespace, or custom HTML/CSS</td></tr><tr><td>WhatsApp</td><td>Phone number not currently on WhatsApp, Meta Business Manager account, business website.</td></tr><tr><td>Facebook</td><td>Facebook Page</td></tr><tr><td>Instagram</td><td>Instagram Business Account</td></tr><tr><td>Telegram</td><td>Telegram Bot Number</td></tr><tr><td>MS Teams</td><td>MS Teams Admin Center access; ability to add custom apps/connectors</td></tr><tr><td>SMS</td><td>SMS provider credentials (e.g., Twilio); verified sender ID (region-dependent)</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
A **script snippet** is a small piece of JavaScript code added to your website's header or footer section — this is how the Website bot gets embedded.
{% endhint %}

**Why Meta Business Manager and a business website matter for WhatsApp:** Meta owns WhatsApp and controls API access. Business Manager is used to verify your business, manage WhatsApp numbers, create and approve message templates, and control permissions — without it, WhatsApp API setup isn't possible. Meta also uses your business website during verification to confirm legitimacy; it should clearly show your business name, products/services, and contact details. Without a website, Meta may reject or delay WhatsApp API approval.

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### Coexistence Prerequisites (WhatsApp)

If you're connecting an *existing* WhatsApp Business App number to BotPenguin via **Coexistence** (rather than starting fresh on the Cloud API), Meta applies a stricter set of eligibility checks. These are based on BotPenguin's own onboarding requirements plus current Meta/WhatsApp Solution Provider documentation:

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th>Requirement</th><th>Detail</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Active WhatsApp Business App usage</td><td>Number must be in active use with real customer conversations for <strong>at least 2–3 weeks</strong> before onboarding (BotPenguin's stated minimum; Meta's own published floor is 7 days, but providers generally recommend 2–4 weeks, and up to 1–2 months for the smoothest approval)</td></tr><tr><td>App version</td><td>WhatsApp Business App must be updated to <strong>v2.24.17 or newer</strong></td></tr><tr><td>No recent API history</td><td>If the number was previously connected to any WhatsApp Business API/BSP, it needs a <strong>1–2 month cooldown</strong> after disconnecting before it can rebuild credibility and re-onboard via Coexistence</td></tr><tr><td>Messaging volume</td><td>Meta requires a minimum messaging volume on the Business App before Coexistence unlocks — the exact threshold isn't publicly disclosed</td></tr><tr><td>Meta Business Portfolio</td><td>A Meta Business Portfolio the number can be linked to (or created during onboarding)</td></tr><tr><td>One number per workspace</td><td>Only one phone number can be under Coexistence per workspace</td></tr><tr><td>Keep the app active</td><td>Once connected, the WhatsApp Business App must be opened at least <strong>once every 13–14 days</strong>, or the connection can be dropped and require reconnecting</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="warning" icon="triangle-exclamation" %}
**Country restriction:** As of recent Meta documentation, **Nigeria (+234) and South Africa (+27)** are flagged as unsupported for Coexistence — numbers with these country codes can't complete onboarding. That said, sources disagree
{% endhint %}

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### Support

If everything is correct and you are still unable to move forward, write to us at <support@botpenguin.com>. We will respond back within 48 business hours.