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The one-time setup process to get a Meta developer account, create a WhatsApp Business app and its business portfolio, and obtain a test phone number — the starting point before any API calls can be made.

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Setup steps

1

Sign in to the developer portal

Go to developers.facebook.com and sign in or create an account.
2

Create an app

Click My Apps → Create App.
3

Name the app

Give it an App name and an App contact email, then continue.
4

Select the WhatsApp use case

On the Use Cases step, select Connect with customers through WhatsApp.
5

Connect a business portfolio

The app must be attached to a business portfolio. If none exists yet, create one with a portfolio name and your contact info.
6

Review and create the app

On the Overview step, confirm the app details, use case, and business portfolio, then click Create app.
7

Customize the WhatsApp use case

From the app dashboard, open Customize the Connect with customers through WhatsApp use case.
8

Start using the API

Under Quickstart, click Start using the API — this opens the API Setup screen.
9

Find your test number and copy your IDs

Under “Select phone numbers” you’ll see a test number already provided by Meta. This is free to use for 90 days. On the same screen you’ll find your Phone Number ID and your WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID) — copy and save both.
You now have everything you need to make your first API call.

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Walkthrough screenshots

My Apps screen with Create App button
Create an app — App name and App contact email fields
Add use cases — Connect with customers through WhatsApp selected
Create a business portfolio modal with portfolio name and contact info fields
Overview step showing app details, use case, business portfolio, and Create app button
App dashboard with Customize the Connect with customers through WhatsApp use case link
Quickstart screen with Start using the API button
API Setup screen showing test number, Phone Number ID, and WhatsApp Business Account ID

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Frequently asked

Create a Meta developer account at developers.facebook.com, create a new app, select the WhatsApp use case, connect a business portfolio (creating one if you don’t have one), and finish creating the app. Meta gives you a free test number automatically.
No — if you don’t have one yet, the app creation flow lets you create a business portfolio on the spot, right at the “Business” step.
In the Meta developer dashboard → your app → WhatsApp → API Setup. Both IDs are shown next to the test number.
Yes. Meta provides a test number for free for 90 days. You can send free test messages to up to 5 verified phone numbers during that period.
No. A personal Meta account is enough to create a developer app and get a test number for learning and development.

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Gotchas & common mistakes

  • Test number limit: The Meta test number can only message up to 5 verified recipient numbers. Add recipient numbers in the API Setup screen first.
  • 90-day limit: Test numbers are free for 90 days, then need renewal.
  • Business portfolio verification is optional at this stage — Meta will offer to verify the new portfolio immediately, but you can choose “Verify later” and still finish the rest of the setup.
  • App vs account: The Meta developer app is not the same as the WABA. The app is the developer container; the WABA is the WhatsApp business account inside it. See the glossary.