How to connect a number through Meta's official API
Connect a WhatsApp number through Meta's official API, without an app on the phone: the recommended option for high volume and campaigns.
2 min readBasicUpdated on November 12, 2026
Where to find it in Cognizy
Video lesson coming soon. For now, follow the steps below.
With the official connection, the number stays only in Cognizy, linked directly to Meta, without depending on a connected phone. It's the option for those who send campaigns, have high volume, or want more stability. Registration is done in a window from Meta itself, opened through Cognizy.
Where to find it in Cognizy
Before you start
- Only the owner and admins can connect numbers.
- You need the Facebook account of whoever manages the business on Meta. If there isn't a business portfolio yet, you can create one on the spot.
- The number can't be in use in a WhatsApp app. If it is, delete the account from the app first, or use the option that keeps the app on the phone.
- The number needs to be able to receive an SMS or call for the verification code.
- Have a card ready to register as a payment method on the Meta account: that's what charges for sending templates and campaigns, directly to the card.
- Set aside 10 to 15 minutes.
Step by step
- Step 1:
At the bottom of the menu, click Settings.
- Step 2:
Under Channels, click WhatsApp.
- Step 3:
At the top of the screen, click Connect WhatsApp.
- Step 4:
Choose Official WhatsApp (number only in Cognizy). A Meta window opens over Cognizy. If it doesn't open, allow pop-ups for Cognizy in your browser and click again.
- Step 5:
In the Meta window, sign in with the Facebook account of whoever manages the business, accept the terms, authorize access, and choose (or create) the business and the WhatsApp Business account.
- Step 6:
Enter the number, receive the verification code by SMS or call, type the code, set the display name, and finish.
- Step 7:
Cognizy will let you know that WhatsApp has been connected, and the number will appear in the list as Connected, with the Official (Meta) badge.
- Step 8:
To send templates and campaigns, register your payment method with Meta: in the notice Official channel sends are charged by Meta, click Set up payment in WhatsApp Manager.
How to know it worked
The number appears in the list as Connected, with the Official (Meta) badge. Send a message from another phone to that number: it arrives in Serve › Conversations.
If something goes wrong
The Meta window won't open.
The browser blocked the pop-up. Allow pop-ups for Cognizy in the address bar and choose the option again.
Meta says the number is already in use on WhatsApp.
The number is still linked to a WhatsApp app. Delete the account in the app (in the account settings) and try again, or use the WhatsApp Business option (stays on the phone).
The verification code doesn't arrive.
Request a call instead of an SMS (landlines can only receive calls) and double-check that the number is correct. Meta asks you to wait between attempts.
It connected, but messages aren't coming in and the Verify number button appears.
Meta hasn't released the number yet. Click Verify number on the card, request the code, and confirm.
Templates aren't sending.
The payment method is missing from the Meta account. Click Set up payment in WhatsApp Manager and register a card.
Next step
Create your first message template and send it to Meta for approval.
Sign in with your Cognizy account to save your progress.
Sign in