WhatsApp Business API
Connect your WhatsApp Business number to Raqi.
Raqi connects to WhatsApp through Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform.
Important: WhatsApp starts on the Starter plan. On lower plans the WhatsApp card is locked with a plan badge. Every new account can try it in the 7-day free trial of Starter, within the trial limits.
Prerequisites
Before connecting WhatsApp, make sure you have:
- A Facebook login that can manage a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) in Meta Business
- At least one phone number registered on the WhatsApp Business Platform in that account
- Permission to grant Raqi access during the Facebook sign-in
Connection Steps
Connecting takes three steps:
Warning: If you untick permissions in the Facebook dialog, the connection fails or misses features. Connect again and allow all of them.
- 1. Open Channels, find the WhatsApp card and click Connect.
- 2. Click Continue with Facebook and allow every permission Meta asks for.
- 3. Under Choose a WhatsApp number, pick the number and click Connect. You see "WhatsApp connected".
Good to Know
WhatsApp works a little differently from the other channels:
- Only new messages arrive. Earlier WhatsApp conversations cannot be imported.
- Moving from another provider: check the number's registration and transfer rules in WhatsApp Manager with your current provider first. Connecting does not move old conversations.
- Meta bills WhatsApp conversation fees to your own WhatsApp Business Account. Raqi does not resell or mark them up. Settings > Organization > WhatsApp fees shows your usage with an estimated cost.
Message Templates
When a customer has not written for 24 hours, WhatsApp only accepts approved template messages. Create templates in Meta's WhatsApp Manager, then use Sync from Meta when you build a broadcast. In the inbox, Send a template appears once the 24-hour window has closed.
Tip: Templates are reviewed by Meta. Write them in plain, clear language and avoid promotional wording in utility templates.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions:
- "No WhatsApp numbers were returned" or "No WhatsApp Business Accounts found": your Facebook login cannot manage a WABA or its numbers. Fix access in Meta Business, then retry.
- "Missing business_management permission": connect again and grant every permission.
- Messages fail to send: check WhatsApp fees in Settings. If Meta restricted the number (for example payment required), fix it in Meta, then click "Mark resolved & resume".
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