Building WhatsApp ChatGPT | Create a new Meta Business App | Assign your WhatsApp Number to App | Part 1

Discover how to build a WhatsApp ChatGPT in this step-by-step guide. Create a new Meta Business App and assign your WhatsApp number to it. Part 1 of our series.

Introduction

Creating a WhatsApp ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you interact with your audience, providing seamless, intelligent communication right within the popular messaging platform. In this series, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from setting up a new Meta Business App to assigning your WhatsApp number to your app. This first part will cover the initial steps to get you started, ensuring you have a solid foundation for building your WhatsApp ChatGPT. Whether you’re a developer looking to enhance your skills or a business owner seeking innovative ways to engage with customers, this guide is designed to help you succeed. Let’s dive in and start building!

You can find all the parts for this series at WhatsApp ChatGPT using .NET C# | Beginner Friendly Series.

Prerequisites

1. Meta Developer Account: Sign up for a Meta Developer account.
2. Phone Number: A phone number to connect to the WhatsApp Business app (optional; a test number can be used during development).
3. Debit/Credit Card: Required if using your own phone number for payment methods.

Complete Video Tutorial

Step 1: Create a new Meta WhatsApp Business App

Go to Meta for Developers and sign in or sign up for an account. Click on “My Apps”.

Click on Create App or open an existing one.

You can choose to connect your business portfolio to the app or opt not to. Click “Next”.

Select “Other” and click “Next”.

Choose “Business” and proceed to the next step.

Provide an app name, confirm your contact email, optionally select your business portfolio, and then create your new Meta WhatsApp Business app.

You may be prompted to enter your Facebook password. Enter it to proceed to the dashboard of your new app.

Step 2: Setup WhatsApp in your Meta WhatsApp Business App

In the dashboard, you’ll be prompted to add products to your app. Scroll down to locate WhatsApp and click on “Set up.”

After adding products, they will appear in the sidebar. Click on “API Setup.”

If you’re here for the first time, you’ll be provided with a test number to begin with. If you prefer using the test number, proceed by adding a recipient and sending your first message. For development with your own number, let’s continue by adding a new phone number.

Enter your WhatsApp Business display name, ensuring it matches your actual business name. Choose a timezone, category, and provide a description if available.

Select your country code, enter your phone number, and proceed to perform SMS or call-based verification. Ensure the phone number you use has not been associated with WhatsApp previously. If it has, delete your account, then return here to add your number again.

Step 3: Add a Payment Method to your WhatsApp Business Profile

Once you verify your phone number, you will receive an alert on the page prompting you to add a payment method. Click on the link to go to the settings page of your WhatsApp Business profile, where you can add your card details and complete the verification process.

Step 4: Send your first WhatsApp Message using the WhatsApp Business Cloud API

Return to the API Setup page and add a recipient to whom you want to send a message. Click “Send message” to send a “hello_world” template.

This is what the message looks like.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created a new WhatsApp Business app, connected your phone number, and sent your first message using the WhatsApp Business Cloud API.

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