Before You Dive In

This guide shows you how to connect and manage your WhatsApp Business integration in Ivorey™. You’ll learn how to get set up, verify your business, and use automation to communicate with customers - all while staying compliant with Meta’s rules.

Restrictions for sign-up

New Number Requirement: A fresh number must be used for registration. Active numbers on WhatsApp cannot be reused
Unsupported Regions: Numbers with codes from Australia, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, EU/EEA, and the UK cannot be onboarded

Important Update: WhatsApp marketing templates pause in the U.S.

Starting April 1, 2025, Meta will pause the ability to send WhatsApp marketing template messages to U.S. numbers. However, utility and authentication templates, along with responses within the 24-hour customer service window, will still be allowed. This change does not affect marketing messages in other countries

What’s changing and how to prepare

Meta is temporarily pausing marketing templates in the U.S. to focus on WhatsApp’s long-term growth. While marketing messages won’t be delivered, businesses can still engage with customers using Utility Templates and Click-to-WhatsApp Ads

This guide is perfect, if you want to:

Connect and manage your WhatsApp Business account
Create a WhatsApp message template

How to Register a New WhatsApp Business Number

Step 1: Purchase a Phone Number

Purchase a business phone number directly through Ivorey™ to ensure compatibility. Here's how:

Navigate to [Settings] > [Phone Numbers] > Acquire a new number or edit the configuration of an existing Ivorey™ number via the [three-dot] menu
Ensure calls are forwarded to your primary contact number to receive verification calls if needed

Step 2: Start the Sign-up Process

Navigate to Settings > WhatsApp > click [Set Up a New WhatsApp Number] > select [Continue with your Facebook account] and [Get Started]
Enter your business details and click [Next] > choose [Create WhatsApp Business Account] > click [Next] > [Save] > [Finish]

Step 3: Add & Verify Your Number

Select [Add Phone Number]
Choose a Verification Method:
- SMS: Receive an OTP via text and enter it in Conversations
- Phone Call: Get a call on your forwarded number with the OTP
Enter the 6-digit OTP in the prompt. Once accepted, your number is active and ready for use

How to Use WhatsApp In-App Business Verification

Verifying your business is essential to building trust with your customers, accessing advanced WhatsApp API features, and ensuring your account remains compliant with Meta’s official business policies.

Navigate to [Settings] > [WhatsApp] > [Business Verification] > [Start Verification] > Select the business entity
Upload the required documents (Legal Business Name, Proof of Address (like a utility bill), and official Business Registration documents) > [Submit for Verification]
Track the status in real-time by checking the account status. Statuses include Pending, Approved, or Rejected (reasons for rejection will be displayed)

How to Create a WhatsApp Message Template

To stay compliant, all messages you send first must use approved templates. Here's how:

Go to [Templates] > select [+Create Template] > Fill out the fields > [Create]
Once the status shows "Approved," the template can be used in workflows and bulk actions

How to Update Your WhatsApp Business Profile

Go to [Settings] > [WhatsApp] > [Numbers]
Click the [three dots] under the Actions column > [Update Business Profile]

How to Schedule a Message

Free-form (non-template) messages can be scheduled in advance, as long as they fall within 24 hours of the last inbound message from the customer.

Select a [contact] > Choose [WhatsApp] > Pick a template > [Send Options] > [Send Later] > [Schedule]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my WhatsApp Business number after verification?

No. Once the WhatsApp Business number is verified, the number is tied to the platform and cannot be swapped without a full reconfiguration.

What happens if the OTP is not received?

If you did not receive the OTP, ensure correct formatting of the number, check network connectivity, and retry. You may also switch to phone call verification.

Can I use the WhatsApp Business App and Platform together with the same number?

No, you cannot use the same number for both the App and Platform. A number can only exist on one: either the App or the Platform.

Why is my business name not visible to customers?

If your business name is not visible, you must verify your business on Meta to display your name instead of the number.

What are the benefits of using the Business Platform over the App?

The Business Platform provides automation, template messaging, multiple user access, and Company Name integration, making it more scalable than the App for business operations.

Can I use a countdown timer in WhatsApp?

Yes, you can use a countdown timer in your messages to drive conversions. For a detailed walkthrough on setting this up, please refer to our Countdown Timer guide.