Complete guide: WhatsApp Cloud API from zero

This guide takes you from zero to your number connected in Orbit. Set aside 30–40 minutes. Read Step 0 before anything else.

Step 0 — Understand what you're about to do (important)

⚠️ When you migrate your number to the Cloud API, it stops working in the WhatsApp Business app on your phone — permanently, in practice. All support moves to a platform with a dashboard, like Orbit. Meta describes a reversal process, but it's bureaucratic, failure-prone, and Orbit does not support reversals. Also, Meta charges for API usage (per conversation, billed directly to you — see Step 6). If you're on board, let's go.

Step 1 — Meta for Developers account

Go to developers.facebook.com and sign in with your company's Facebook. Accept the developer terms.

[SCREENSHOT: Meta for Developers home with the login button]

Step 2 — Create the app

Under "My Apps" → "Create App", choose the Business type, name it (e.g., your company name) and link it to your Business Portfolio (Business Manager). If you don't have a Portfolio yet, the wizard creates one.

[SCREENSHOT: choosing the "Business" app type]

Step 3 — Add the WhatsApp product

On the app dashboard, find the WhatsApp product and click "Set up". This enables the Cloud API and automatically creates a test WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).

[SCREENSHOT: WhatsApp product card on the app dashboard]

Step 4 — Add and verify your number

Under WhatsApp → API Setup, add your real phone number and confirm the verification code by SMS or call. This is the point of no return: once done, the number leaves the WhatsApp Business app on your phone.

[SCREENSHOT: add phone number screen]

Step 5 — Note down the two IDs

Still in API Setup, note:

• Phone Number ID;
• WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID).

[SCREENSHOT: panel with both IDs highlighted]

Step 6 — Enable Meta billing

Under Portfolio Settings → Payments, register a payment method. Without it, Meta blocks message sending. Charges are per conversation, with free tiers and country-based rates — check the official table at WhatsApp Cloud API pricing. That's between Meta and you; Orbit takes no part in it.

Step 7 — Give the Orbit app access

This step is what makes messages arrive. The Orbit app needs access to your account — without it the number connects, shows as active, and no message ever arrives.

In Business Settings → Apps → Request access to an app ID, enter the ID 1730717644832595 (Orbit) and confirm. Then, under WhatsApp Accounts, select your WABA and grant full access to the Orbit app.

[SCREENSHOT: request access to an app ID screen]

Step 8 — Create the permanent token (System User)

In Business Manager → Business Settings → Users → System Users: create a system user (Admin role), assign it the Orbit app and your WABA, and generate a token with the whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management permissions, expiration "Never". Copy it and guard it like a password.

⚠️ Mind the app when generating. The token must be generated for the Orbit app, not for the app you created in Step 2. A token from your own app subscribes your app to the webhook, and Orbit never receives anything — which is why the connection rejects that token with a "token from another app" message.

[SCREENSHOT: token generation with the Orbit app selected and permissions checked]

Step 9 — Connect in Orbit

In Settings → Channels → WhatsApp, paste the Phone Number ID, the WABA ID and the token. Orbit validates instantly, subscribes the webhook automatically, and your number shows up in the Inbox. Send a "hi" from another phone to watch the first message land. 🎉

Something failed? See WhatsApp connection error or write to support.orbit@expertbr.com.