How to turn WhatsApp Business from the app into WhatsApp API (WABA)
To integrate WhatsApp into SprintHub, you need to use the WhatsApp Business API (WABA) — which is the professional model used for automations, structured message sending, and multi-agent support. If you currently use the WhatsApp Business App, you will need to migrate to a WABA account.
Below is the complete step-by-step guide:
✅ 1. Understand the difference between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API
Target audience
General users
Small and medium-sized businesses
Large companies
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)
CRM/ERP integration
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)
✅ 2. What you need to activate a WABA
Before starting the migration, prepare:
✔ A Business Account in Facebook/Meta Business Manager
✔ A Facebook page connected (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)
⚠️ Important about the number:
If the number is in use on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App, you must:
➜ Remove the number from the app before activating it on the API
Open WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business
Go to: Settings > Account > Delete account
Confirm
Uninstall the app
📌 This does not delete contacts, it only removes the number linkage.
✅ 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:
Access: business.facebook.com
Go to Business settings > Accounts > WhatsApp accounts
Click on Add
Follow the flow to register the number
✅ 4. Migrate the number from WhatsApp App to WhatsApp API
After choosing the provider:
Make sure the number is not active in the WhatsApp App
Start the activation process through the provider or Meta
You will receive a SMS code or call
Confirm the code
The number is now officially a WABA
⚠️ 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.
Will I lose my old conversations?
Yes. App conversations 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 submitting official company documents.
If you don't know whether your BM is already verified, you can check directly in the account settings, as indicated below.
Step-by-step guide to access Meta Business Manager and start verification
1. Access Business Manager
Open the link: business.facebook.com
Log in with the Facebook profile that is BM administrator
2. Open Business Settings
In the bottom-left corner of the screen, click ⚙️ Business settings
3. Go to Company Information
In the left sidebar menu, click: Business information (or Business Info)
4. Check the verification status
Locate the section Business verification status
You will see one of the options:
Verified ✅
Not verified or Verify business ⚠️
5. Start the verification process
Click on Verify business
Fill in the requested information, such as:
Legal company name
Address
Phone
Website (if any)
6. Submit company documents
Meta may request documents such as:
Articles of incorporation or bylaws
Tax ID
Proof of address
Document proving relationship with the company
📌 Important: the information on the documents must match the information registered in BM.
7. Wait for Meta's review
The review period may vary
The verification status will be available on the same Business information
Important to know
BM verification is mandatory for some features, such as:
API integrations
WhatsApp Business Platform
Increased sending limits
If verification is denied, it is possible to correct the information and resubmit the documents
🎯 Quick summary
Remove the number from the WhatsApp App
Activate the number in a WABA account via BSP or Meta
Get token / credentials
Configure inside SprintHub
Use the number 100% integrated, professional, and omnichannel
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