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

​
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

Select the WhatsApp use case

On the Use Cases step, select WhatsApp (under “Access the WhatsApp Business API”).
4

Complete the setup checks

Complete the 3 setup checks Meta shows you.
5

Open API Setup

In the left sidebar, go to WhatsApp → API Setup.
6

Find your test number

Under “Select phone numbers” you’ll see a test number already provided by Meta (e.g. +1 555 657 4006). This is free to use for 90 days.
7

Copy your IDs

On that 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.

​
Walkthrough screenshots

My Apps screen
Select WhatsApp use case
Complete setup checks
Phone Number ID and WABA ID

​
Frequently asked

Create a Meta developer account at developers.facebook.com, create a new app, select the WhatsApp use case, and complete the 3 setup steps. Meta gives you a free test number automatically.
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.

​
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.
  • 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.