How to turn the WhatsApp Business app into WhatsApp API (WABA)

To integrate WhatsApp into SprintHub, it is necessary to use WhatsApp Business API (WABA) — which is the professional model used for automations, sending structured messages, and multi-agent support. If today you use the WhatsApp Business App, it will be necessary to migrate to a WABA account.

Below is the complete step-by-step guide:

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✅ 1. Understand the difference between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API

Feature	WhatsApp	WhatsApp Business	WABA (Official WhatsApp API)
Target audience	General users	Small and medium-sized businesses	Large businesses
Mobile app	Yes	Yes	No (requires platform integration)
Business profile	No	Yes	Yes
Product catalog	No	Yes	Yes
Automatic messages	Limited	Yes	Yes
Labels	No	Yes	Yes
Business statistics	Basic	Advanced	Advanced with segmentation
Automation	No	Limited	Extensive (chatbots, message sequences)
Integration with CRM/ERP	Possible, but Business is recommended	Integrated with SprintHub	Integrated with SprintHub
Data analysis	Simple	Advanced	Detailed and segmented
Support for multiple agents	Limited	Yes	Unlimited
Cost	Free	Free	Paid (plans vary according to need)

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✅ 2. What you need to activate a WABA

Before starting the migration, prepare:

• ✔ A Business account in Facebook/Meta Business Manager

• ✔ A connected Facebook page (optional, but recommended)

• ✔ Phone number that will receive the WhatsApp API

  • Important: this number CANNOT be active in the WhatsApp App

• ✔ Company document (for cases where Meta requests verification)

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⚠️ Important about the number:

If the number is being used in WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App, you must:

➜ Remove the number from the app before activating it on the API

1. Open WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business

2. Go to: Settings > Account > Delete account

3. Confirm

4. Uninstall the app

📌 This does not delete contacts; it only removes the number link.

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✅ 3. Choose where to activate your WABA account

🔹 Activate directly through Meta (free Cloud API)

For those who want to use the official Meta Cloud API.

Steps:

1. Access: business.facebook.com

2. Go to Business Settings > Accounts > WhatsApp Accounts

3. Click Add

4. Follow the flow to register the number

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✅ 4. Migrate the number from WhatsApp App to WhatsApp API

After choosing the provider:

1. Make sure the number is not active in the WhatsApp App

2. Start the activation process through the provider or Meta

3. You will receive a SMS code or call

4. Confirm the code

5. The number is now officially a WABA

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⚠️ Important questions

Can I use the same number in WhatsApp App and WhatsApp API?

❌ No. The API only works by itself — if you install WhatsApp on the phone, it will disconnect from the API.

Do I lose my old conversations?

Yes. Conversations from the app do not migrate to the API (because they are different technologies).

Does the Business Manager (BM) need to be verified?

Yes. Meta's Business Manager needs to go through the verification process, which is done by sending official company documents.

If you do not know whether your BM is already verified, you can check directly in the account settings, as indicated below.

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Step-by-step to access Meta Business Manager and start verification

1. Access Business Manager

• Go to the link: business.facebook.com

• Log in with the Facebook profile that is BM administrator

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2. Open Business Settings

• In the lower-left corner of the screen, click ⚙️ Business Settings

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3. Go to Company Information

• In the left side menu, click on: Business Info (or Business Info)

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4. Check the verification status

• Locate the section Company verification status

• You will see one of the options:

  • Verified ✅

  • Not verified or Verify company ⚠️

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5. Start the verification process

• Click Verify company

• Fill in the requested details, such as:

  • Legal company name

  • Address

  • Phone

  • Website (if any)

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6. Submit company documents

Meta may request documents such as:

• Articles of incorporation or bylaws

• CNPJ

• Proof of address

• Document proving your relationship with the company

📌 Important: the document details must match the information registered in BM.

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7. Wait for Meta's review

• The review period may vary

• The verification status will be available on the same screen as Business Info

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Important to know

• BM verification is mandatory for some features, such as:

  • API integrations

  • WhatsApp Business Platform

  • Increased sending limits

• If verification is refused, it is possible to correct the information and resubmit the documents

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🎯 Quick summary

1. Remove the number from WhatsApp App

2. Activate the number in a WABA account via BSP or Meta

3. Get token / credentials

4. Configure it inside SprintHub

5. Use the number 100% integrated, professional, and omnichannel