> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sprinthub.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sprinthub.com/en/topics/system-settings/account-settings/whatsapp-api/how-to-turn-whatsapp-business-from-the-app-into-whatsapp-api-waba.md). # 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 | Feature | WhatsApp | WhatsApp Business | WABA (Official 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** 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 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: 1. Access: **business.facebook.com** 2. Go to **Business settings > Accounts > WhatsApp accounts** 3. Click on **Add** 4. Follow the flow to register the number *** ### ✅ 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** *** ### ⚠️ 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](https://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 1. Remove the number from the WhatsApp App 2. Activate the number in a **WABA account** via BSP or Meta 3. Get token / credentials 4. Configure inside SprintHub 5. Use the number 100% integrated, professional, and omnichannel