WhatsApp Cloud API Setup - Connect WhatsApp to ChatMaxima
Step-by-step guide to connect WhatsApp to ChatMaxima using the Meta Cloud API. Launch embedded signup, select your number, and start replying.
Overview
The WhatsApp Cloud API connects your WhatsApp Business number directly to Meta's cloud, giving you the full business messaging toolkit: template campaigns, interactive buttons and lists, media messages, and WhatsApp commerce. This guide walks you through connecting a number using Meta Embedded Signup inside ChatMaxima.
If you already use the WhatsApp Business App on a phone and want to keep using it, see WhatsApp Coexistence instead.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- A Meta Business Account (Facebook Business)
- A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) linked to that business
- A phone number that is not currently registered on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app
- Admin access to the Facebook account you will sign in with
Note: The number you connect must be able to receive a verification code by SMS or voice call during signup.
Step 1: Open the WhatsApp Channel
- Go to Settings > Channels in the dashboard
- Select WhatsApp
- You will see the connect screen titled "Connect WhatsApp to ChatMaxima"
Step 2: Launch Embedded Signup
- Click the Add WhatsApp Accounts button
- A Meta popup window opens. Click Continue as to sign in with your Facebook account
Note: If you see a message that the Facebook SDK failed to load, disable your ad blocker, check your network, and refresh the page before trying again.
Step 3: Select Account and Number
- Select the WhatsApp Business Account you want to connect, then click Next
- Choose or add the phone number for this account
- Verify the number with the code Meta sends by SMS or call
Step 4: Grant Permissions
- On the permissions screen, set all options to Yes
- Click Done to finish the Meta flow
Step 5: Confirm the Connection
After the popup closes, ChatMaxima gathers your connected account details and registers the number. Once registration completes:
- The number appears in your WhatsApp accounts list
- All incoming WhatsApp messages are displayed in the ChatMaxima Inbox
What You Can Do Next
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Templates | Send approved template messages and broadcasts |
| Interactive messages | Use reply buttons and list messages |
| Media | Share images, videos, and documents |
| Commerce | Run WhatsApp catalog and product flows |
| Automation | Attach a chatbot built in Studio |
Troubleshooting
"Add WhatsApp Accounts" button is disabled
- Check whether your subscription has expired
- Confirm you have not reached your plan's account limit
- Upgrade your plan if you need to connect more numbers
Number not receiving messages after connect
- Confirm the registration finished without an error badge on the account
- Re-run the signup if registration failed
- Make sure the number is not still active on the phone WhatsApp app
Facebook popup does not open
- Allow popups for the ChatMaxima domain
- Disable ad blockers and privacy extensions
- Refresh and click Add WhatsApp Accounts again