Activate Zid WhatsApp
Activation connects your store to the WhatsApp Business API, which lets you send campaigns and automated messages from inside Zid. Open Whatsapp in the sidebar: until your number is connected, the Zid WhatsApp page shows an Activation checklist that takes you from creating a Facebook account to connecting your number.
Skip any step you have already done, and click Activate at the top of the page whenever you are ready.
Connecting a number needs the WhatsApp permission for managing the profile and connection. If your plan doesn't include a WhatsApp subscription, the bottom of the page shows the subscription options; see WhatsApp subscription and points.
Step 1: Create a personal Facebook account
Your personal Facebook account is the key to opening a business account with Meta. Skip this step if you already have one.
In the checklist, open Create a personal Facebook account and click Sign up with Facebook. Facebook opens in a new tab.
Sign in with an existing personal account, which is preferred, or click "Create new account".
For a new account, enter your name and your email or mobile number.
Create a password.
Confirm the account with the verification code Facebook sends you.
Follow these tips to keep the account from being restricted:
Use your real full name, not your business name.
The account must belong to someone with admin authority over the business, such as the store owner or an official delegate.
Use an active personal email, not the store's email.
Create the account from the Facebook mobile app if you can.
Complete the profile (photo, friends, a verified phone number) so it looks genuine.
Use a personal account, not a business page.
Step 2: Create a Meta business account
A Meta business account is the central place for your business assets, WhatsApp included. Skip this step if you already have one.
In the checklist, open Create a Meta business account and click Create business account.
Sign in to business.facebook.com with your personal Facebook account.
Enter your business name, your full name and your email.
Click Submit on Meta's form, then confirm the account with the code or link Meta emails you.
Wait a day or two after creating your personal account before you create the business account. Creating both back to back can get the account restricted or blocked.
The business name must match your website and social media pages.
Use a work email such as [email protected] if you can.
Don't write the display name in all capital letters, and avoid symbols and emojis in the business name.
Step 3: Complete your business details
Complete details lower the chance of restriction and make your account more credible. In the checklist, open Complete your business details and click Complete business info to open your business information on Meta, then fill in:
| Detail | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Business name | The name on your Commercial Registration. |
| Phone number | An active contact number linked to your store. |
| Website | Your store's official URL. |
| Address | City, district, street and postal code, matching your National Address. |
Enter every detail in English.
Complete every detail before you start using WhatsApp. Incomplete details raise the chance of restriction.
Make sure the details match your official documents (Commercial Registration and National Address).
Add products, contact information and a privacy policy to your store so Meta doesn't flag it as suspicious.
To check these details later, open Meta Business Suite, click Settings (the gear at the bottom of the left bar) and choose Business info. See What you need for a picture of that page.
Connect your number
Before you start, make sure the number can receive a verification code by SMS or call. If the number is on regular WhatsApp, move it to the WhatsApp Business app first: connecting it as a new number deletes its WhatsApp account and its chats.
Click Activate at the top of the page, or open Activate your WhatsApp account on Zid in the checklist and click Activate WhatsApp now.
In the Connect with Zid WhatsApp dialog, click Proceed to connect. Meta's connection window opens.
Follow Meta's steps for the method that suits you, described below.
Wait on the page while Zid saves the connection. It can take up to 30 seconds.
The checklist step lists both methods with their steps, and marks the new number Preferred.
In Meta's window, which is titled Select the business assets to share with Zid:
Open the Business portfolio list and pick the portfolio you prepared, or choose Create a Business portfolio. Click Next when Meta asks.
Open the WhatsApp Business account list. It offers the two connection methods first, followed by any WhatsApp Business accounts already in your portfolio. Choose the method that matches your number, as described below.
Don't close the page while the connection is in progress. Wait until the connection succeeds.
Connect a new number
Use a new number that isn't on WhatsApp. The connection is instant, and every conversation is handled from Zid only.
On Enter business information for new assets, check the Name, choose the Category that describes your business, and check the Country, Website and Time zone. Click Next.
Click Add a new number, choose the country code and enter the number.
Choose how to receive the verification code: text message or phone call. Click Next.
On Verify your phone number, enter the 6-digit code. If it doesn't arrive, wait for the countdown to end, then request a new code or change the verification method.
Click Finish and wait until the connection succeeds.
Connect a number already on the WhatsApp Business app
Use a number you already have on the WhatsApp Business app. It keeps working in the app on your phone and works in Zid at the same time.
Enter the number linked to your app.
Meta sends a connection request to the app on your phone. Open the app and approve it with the QR or access code.
Choose Share all messages so your chats appear in Zid.
Click Finish and wait until the connection succeeds.
Use Meta's free test number
If you choose Use a display name only instead of Add a new number in Meta's window, Meta assigns you a free test number that starts with +1 555. It suits trying Zid WhatsApp, not messaging customers. See Meta's free test number for its limits.
After you connect
After the connection, your number shows In review while Meta reviews it, then Active. If your store doesn't have a WhatsApp subscription yet, Zid starts it for you once the number is connected.
Meta can take a while to set your daily messaging limit. If the Overview card still shows 0 after at least an hour, contact Zid support.
To compare the two methods in detail, check what your WhatsApp Business app number needs, or learn about the free test number Meta can offer, see WhatsApp number and connection types. After you connect, verify your business with Meta to raise your daily messaging limit.
Messages in the connection dialog
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| Your browser or device doesn't support this integration | Try another browser, and make sure you aren't in incognito (private) mode. |
| We're connecting your account to Zid | Stay on the page and don't submit the form again. It can take up to 30 seconds. |
| The connection page was opened in a new tab or popup | Go back to that tab or popup and finish the remaining steps. |
| We couldn't retrieve all the required information | Make sure you completed every step in Meta's window, or try again from another device. |
If you stopped partway, the page shows a warning with the step you reached so you can resume.
Get help with activation
At the end of the checklist, the Need help activating your WhatsApp account on Zid? banner offers two options:
Talk to the team opens a chat with Zid support.
Help center opens the Zid WhatsApp articles in the help center.
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