---
title: Connect WhatsApp | API Docs
description: Connect and verify your Linq number through WhatsApp Embedded Signup.
---

Connecting WhatsApp usually takes about five minutes. Start from the [WhatsApp page in your Linq account](https://zero.linqapp.com/whatsapp/).

Request beta access first

Ask your Linq contact to enable WhatsApp beta access for your account before starting. The WhatsApp page is not available until access is enabled.

Use your personal Meta login

Log in to Meta with your normal personal Facebook or Meta account—the one that has admin access to your business. The phone number you connect is not your Meta login.

Use the number shown by Linq

The number entered in Meta must exactly match the Linq number shown during setup. A different number will not connect.

## Complete Embedded Signup

1. Confirm that the line shown is the one you want to use, then select **Connect**.
2. Select **Copy number**, then **Get ready** and **Open Meta**.
3. In Meta, create a Business Portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account, or select existing ones.
4. At **Add your WhatsApp phone number**, select **Add a new number** and paste the Linq number you copied. Do not choose **Use a display name only**. You can edit the display name later.
5. Choose **Text message** as the verification method.
6. When Meta sends the code, return to the Linq tab without closing the Meta window. Copy the verification code that appears in Linq, return to Meta, and paste it there.
7. If Meta asks for a payment method, you can skip it during initial setup.
8. Select **Finish** in Meta, then wait on the Linq tab while setup completes. Do not refresh or close it.

## Troubleshoot verification

### Phone verification reports a rate limit

If phone verification reports too many attempts or a rate limit, stop requesting codes and wait at least 24 hours from that response before trying again. Follow a longer wait shown on screen. The 24-hour cooldown is recommended guidance and does not guarantee that verification will be available then.

Avoid repeated code requests in both Embedded Signup and WhatsApp Manager during the cooldown. When it has passed, return to the WhatsApp page in your Linq account and continue through the normal setup flow. Starting with a new setup link does not clear the rate limit. If the previous setup has expired, use the **Restart setup** option when it is available. If it is not available or you remain blocked after the cooldown, contact Linq support with the exact error and the time it appeared. Never share the verification code.

### The code was accepted, but setup did not finish

An accepted SMS code is only one step. Signup is not complete until you return to the Meta window, select **Finish**, and keep the Linq tab open until it says **Your WhatsApp account is ready**.

## Save your credential

When the page says **Your WhatsApp account is ready**, immediately select **Copy key** or **Download your credential**. The API key is shown only once and will not be available after you leave or refresh the page.

The downloaded credential also includes the API URL. The OpenAPI contract is available from the setup page and from [the public contract endpoint](https://whatsapp.messages.api.linqapp.com/v1/openapi.yaml).

Confirm that the credential can read your connected number:

Terminal window

```
curl -sS https://whatsapp.messages.api.linqapp.com/v1/phone_numbers \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_KEY"
```

Then follow the [Quickstart](/channel/whatsapp/getting-started/quickstart/index.md) to test sending and receiving end to end.

## Verify your business

Business verification is not required to complete initial setup, but doing it early can help avoid limits later. In Meta Business Settings, open **Security Center → Business verification** and make sure the legal business name, address, phone number, and website exactly match your official documents.

See Meta’s [business verification guide](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/2058515294227817) for the full process.

After onboarding, add a payment method to your WhatsApp Business Account in Meta. It is optional during initial setup, but adding it now prepares the account for paid message categories.