How to Connect a New Phone Number

This guide walks you through connecting a new phone number to Chatfuel via WhatsApp. If you want to connect a number that's already in use with the WhatsApp Business App, see Connect WhatsApp Business App Number to Chatfuel instead.

Note: Connecting a number is one of the few steps the AI Co-Worker 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.

Make sure you have all the required permissions before beginning this process. See the WhatsApp permission checklist.

Step-by-step setup

1. Go to panel.chatfuel.com and open Settings in the left sidebar.

2. Click Add number in the WhatsApp section.

3. You'll see an authentication screen. Log in to your Facebook account and click Continue.

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

5. On this screen you need to:

   • Select your existing business portfolio or create a new one. This is your Meta Business account where all your business tools live.
   • Select Create a WhatsApp Business account to connect a new phone number. This option allows you to link a number that's not currently in use in WhatsApp Business.
   • Click Next to continue.

6. If you selected Create a Business Portfolio in the previous step, fill out all business information. Even if some fields are marked as optional, it's best to complete them for smoother account verification. Click Next when done.

7. Fill in all required business information for your new WhatsApp account. Provide the display name that appears in WhatsApp chat headers and your business catalog. Click Next.

   Meta reviews your display name and may restrict your account if it violates their naming policy. Use your real business name, avoid excessive punctuation or special characters, and don't include "WhatsApp" or "Meta" in the name.

8. Choose Add a new number, enter your phone number, and pick a verification method (text message or phone call). Click Next.

9. Enter the verification code you received and click Next.

10. Review what Chatfuel will be able to access and do with your WhatsApp Business account, then click Confirm.

11. You'll see a success message: "Your account is connected to Chatfuel". Click Finish to complete the connection.

Your WhatsApp number now appears in Settings. Next, activate AI on your WhatsApp channel to start automating conversations.

If the number doesn't appear or you run into errors during setup, check our troubleshooting guide for phone connection issues.