Setup Meta Account
Connect your Meta WhatsApp Business API directly to Fiko through a guided 9-step setup wizard using your Meta developer app credentials.
Overview
The Meta (Facebook) provider connects your WhatsApp Business number directly via the Meta Cloud API. The wizard collects your developer app credentials, registers the phone number, configures the webhook, and switches the app to live mode.
What you'll achieve
- Link your Meta developer app to Fiko using App ID and App Secret
- Authenticate API access with a System User Token
- Register your WhatsApp Business phone number with a 6-digit PIN
- Configure the Meta webhook to receive messages and status updates in Fiko
- Switch the Meta app to live mode so the channel is active for customers
About the Meta Direct Integration
The Meta provider connects to the WhatsApp Cloud API directly without a third-party intermediary. You will need a Meta developer account, a Meta Business Portfolio, a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), and a dedicated phone number registered to that account.
Setup Process
The Fiko wizard walks through 9 steps to configure your Meta WhatsApp Business API connection. Each step collects a specific credential or performs a specific action.
Provider Selection
The wizard presents the available WhatsApp provider options. Selecting Meta (Facebook) starts the 9-step Meta-specific flow.
- Go to Settings → Channels → Add Channel → WhatsApp Business
- Select Meta (Facebook) as the provider
App Credentials
The wizard prompts for the App ID and App Secret from your Meta developer app. These identify your application when making API calls.
- Enter your App ID — the numeric identifier for your Meta developer app
- Enter your App Secret — found in the App Dashboard under App Settings → Basic
Security: The App Secret is encrypted and stored securely by Fiko. It is used to verify webhook signatures from Meta.
System User Token
The wizard prompts for a System User Access Token. This token authenticates all outbound API requests from Fiko to the Meta Cloud API on behalf of your business.
- Enter the System User Access Token generated from your Meta Business Portfolio
- The token must have the
whatsapp_business_messagingandwhatsapp_business_managementpermissions
Phone Number ID
The wizard prompts for the Phone Number ID that identifies the specific WhatsApp Business phone number within the Meta Cloud API.
- Enter the Phone Number ID — a numeric ID found in the Meta App Dashboard under WhatsApp → API Setup
- This is different from the phone number itself; it is the internal Meta identifier for that number
WhatsApp Business Account ID
The wizard prompts for the WhatsApp Business Account ID (WABA ID). This identifies the WhatsApp Business Account that the phone number belongs to.
- Enter the WABA ID — found in the Meta App Dashboard under WhatsApp → API Setup, or in the Meta Business Suite under Accounts → WhatsApp accounts
Phone Registration
The wizard registers the phone number with the Meta Cloud API using a 6-digit PIN. This PIN is set during registration and is required to re-register the number in the future.
- Enter a 6-digit PIN to register the phone number
- The wizard submits the registration request to the Meta Cloud API
PIN note: Keep this PIN stored securely. It is required if the phone number needs to be re-registered with the Meta Cloud API.
Webhook Setup
The wizard generates a Webhook URL and a Verify Token. These must be configured in the Meta App Dashboard so that Meta can deliver message and status events to Fiko.
- The wizard displays the Callback URL and Verify Token to copy
- In the Meta App Dashboard, go to WhatsApp → Configuration and paste both values into the webhook fields
- Subscribe to the messages webhook field and click Verify and Save
Enable Live Mode
The wizard prompts to switch the Meta app from Development mode to Live mode. Live mode is required for the channel to send and receive messages with real customers.
- In the Meta App Dashboard, toggle the app status from Development to Live using the switch in the top navigation bar
- Confirm the switch when prompted by Meta
- Return to Fiko and confirm that live mode is enabled to proceed
App review: Meta may require your app to pass an App Review before switching to live mode if your app requests advanced permissions. Basic WhatsApp messaging permissions are available without a review.
Complete Setup
The wizard verifies the end-to-end connection and confirms the channel is active. Fiko checks that credentials are valid, the webhook is reachable, and the phone number is registered and ready to receive messages.
- The system verifies all credentials and the webhook endpoint
- The WhatsApp channel is created and becomes visible in your Fiko channels list
- Incoming messages from customers will now appear in your Fiko inbox
WhatsApp 24-Hour Window: Free-form session messages can only be sent within 24 hours of the customer's last message. Outside this window, pre-approved template messages are required.
Next Steps
Message Management
Learn how to manage WhatsApp conversations professionally from your Fiko inbox.
Message ManagementWhatsApp Templates
Set up pre-approved message templates for compliant business communication.
Template Guide