Getting Started with WhatsApp Business API

Prerequisites

Before integrating with the WhatsApp Business API, you’ll need:

• A StartMessaging account — sign up free
• A Facebook Business Manager account
• A phone number that isn’t already registered with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app

Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Visit app.startmessaging.com/signup
2. Enter your business email and create a password
3. Verify your email address
4. Complete the onboarding wizard

Step 2: Connect Your WhatsApp Business Account

After signing in, navigate to Settings → WhatsApp → Connect Account:

1. Click Connect with Facebook
2. Select or create your Facebook Business Manager
3. Create a new WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) or connect an existing one
4. Register a phone number — you’ll receive a verification code via SMS or voice call
5. Once verified, your number is live on the API

Note: StartMessaging handles the Meta app review process automatically. Most accounts are approved within 24 hours.

Step 3: Get Your API Key

Navigate to Settings → API Keys:

1. Click Generate API Key
2. Copy your API key — you’ll need it for all API requests
3. Store it securely; never expose it in client-side code

# Your API key goes in the Authorization header
curl -X POST https://api.startmessaging.com/v1/messages \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "to": "5511999999999",
    "type": "text",
    "text": { "body": "Hello from StartMessaging!" }
  }'

Step 4: Send a Test Message

Use the sandbox to send test messages without affecting your quality rating:

1. Go to Dashboard → Sandbox
2. Scan the QR code with your personal WhatsApp to opt in
3. Send a test message from the sandbox console
4. Check the response and delivery status

Step 5: Go Live

Once you’ve tested successfully:

1. Submit your display name for review (Settings → WhatsApp → Display Name)
2. Upload your business profile photo and description
3. Create your first message template (required for outbound messages after 24h)
4. Start sending real messages!

SDK Libraries

We offer official SDKs for the most popular languages:

| Language | Package | Install | |----------|---------|---------| | Node.js | @startmessaging/node | npm install @startmessaging/node | | Python | startmessaging | pip install startmessaging | | PHP | startmessaging/php-sdk | composer require startmessaging/php-sdk | | Java | com.startmessaging:sdk | Maven/Gradle | | Go | github.com/startmessaging/go-sdk | go get |

Next Steps

• Authentication — Learn about API authentication methods
• Send Messages — Send your first text, image, and template messages
• Webhooks — Receive incoming messages and status updates

FAQ

How long does account setup take? Most accounts are fully set up within 24 hours. The Facebook Business verification may take 1–3 business days for new accounts.

Can I use my existing WhatsApp number? Yes, but you’ll need to delete the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app from the phone first. The number can only be registered with one platform at a time.

Is there a sandbox for testing? Yes — every account includes a free sandbox where you can send test messages without affecting your quality rating or messaging limits.