---
title: "Connect WhatsApp Business App Number to Chatfuel"
description: "You can bring your existing WhatsApp Business App number to Chatfuel without losing your contacts or chat history."
canonical_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/connect-whatsapp-business-app-number
markdown_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/connect-whatsapp-business-app-number.md
last_updated: 2026-07-03
lang: en
site: https://chatfuel.com/docs
llms_txt: https://chatfuel.com/llms.txt
---

# Connect WhatsApp Business App Number to Chatfuel

You can bring your existing WhatsApp Business App number to Chatfuel without losing your contacts or chat history.

You can bring your existing WhatsApp Business App number to Chatfuel without losing your contacts or chat history. This adds Fuely AI and automation to your existing WhatsApp workflow. If you want to connect a brand-new number instead, see [How to Connect a New Phone Number](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-connect-a-new-phone-number).

**What you get:**

* Keep your current WhatsApp Business App number — no contact information changes
* Keep all your contacts and chat history — nothing is lost in the transition
* Keep your product catalog — an existing catalog is not affected by the connection
* [Add Fuely AI to your WhatsApp chats](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-activate-ai-in-whatsapp) — automate responses and improve customer service
* Connect CRMs and other tools — integrate with your existing business workflow

You'll continue using the WhatsApp Business app exactly as before, with Chatfuel layered on top.

> **Note:** Connecting a number is one of the few steps the [AI Co-Worker](https://chatfuel.com/docs/ai-features/what-the-ai-co-worker-can-do-for-you) can't complete for you — it requires authorizing with Meta in your own account. The Co-Worker can take you straight to the right page: just ask it to open the WhatsApp connection settings, then follow the steps below.

***

## Before You Start [#before-you-start]

Check these required permissions before connecting:

**Role in Chatfuel:** Open Settings and confirm you have an **Admin** or **Editor** role. If not, ask your admin to upgrade your access.

**Meta Business Account:** Open [Meta Business Account settings](https://business.facebook.com/settings/people) and confirm you have **Full control** next to your name.

***

## How to Connect Your Number [#how-to-connect-your-number]

**1.** Go to [panel.chatfuel.com](https://panel.chatfuel.com) and open **Settings** in the left sidebar.

**2.** Click **Add number** in the WhatsApp section.

**3.** An authentication screen appears. Log in to your Facebook account and click **Continue**.

**4.** Click **Continue** to authorize Chatfuel to connect with your WhatsApp Business account.

**5.** On the next screen:

* Select your existing **business portfolio**, or create a new one. This is your Meta Business account where all your business tools live.
* Select **Connect a WhatsApp Business app** to link a number already in use in WhatsApp Business.
* Click **Next**.

**6.** If you created a new business portfolio in step 5, fill out all business information. Even optional fields are worth completing for better account verification. Click **Next** when done.

**7.** Enter your active WhatsApp Business phone number and click **Next**.

> **Troubleshooting: Can't add your number?**
> If you see an error that your number is not associated with the selected business:
>
> 1. Open [Phone numbers](https://business.facebook.com/latest/whatsapp_manager/phone_numbers/) in Meta.
> 2. Check each business portfolio in the left sidebar until you find your number.
> 3. Either select that portfolio in Chatfuel (return to step 5), or unlink your number from that portfolio and connect it to your current one.

**8.** A QR code appears on screen.

**9.** Scan the QR code from your phone:

* Open **WhatsApp Business app** on your phone. Look for a message from **Facebook Business** (usually arrives within seconds) and tap **Connect**.
* If you don't see the message, go to **Settings → Account → Business Platform**, then tap **Connect to the Business Platform**.
* Scan the QR code displayed on your computer.

> **Troubleshooting: "Couldn't scan code" error**
> This usually means you have unpaid bills with Meta.
>
> 1. Open [Billing hub](https://business.facebook.com/billing_hub/accounts) in Meta Business Suite.
> 2. Look for "Payment failed" notifications next to your Ad and WhatsApp Business accounts.
> 3. Pay any outstanding amounts and wait \~10 minutes.
> 4. Try scanning the QR code again.

**10.** You'll be asked whether to share your chat history with Chatfuel:

* **Share chats** — imports up to 6 months of chat history and contacts (recommended).
* **Don't share chats** — only future conversations will be managed through Chatfuel.

⚠️ This choice cannot be changed later. Tap your preferred option, then scan the QR code with your phone.

**11.** Make sure your timezone is set correctly, then click **Next**. The correct timezone ensures your scheduled messages and automation run at the right times.

**12.** Review what Chatfuel will access and do with your WhatsApp Business account, then click **Confirm**.

**13.** You'll see: **"Your account is connected to Chatfuel."** Click **Continue to feature setup** to proceed.

✔ **Done.** Your WhatsApp number will now appear in Settings. If you run into other issues during connection, see [Troubleshooting phone connection issues](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/troubleshooting-phone-connection-issues).

***

## Shared Contacts [#shared-contacts]

If you chose to share contacts during setup, you can find them in the **Contacts** tab.

All imported contacts will have **"Imported from WhatsApp Business App"** in the **Original source** property.