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WhatsApp (Meta Cloud API) Integration

How to Connect WhatsApp Business Cloud API to NIVA · Integration Guide

20–30 minutesMedium7 steps

Connect NIVA directly to WhatsApp using Meta's official Business Cloud API · no Twilio middleman. This gives you lower per-message cost, direct control, and access to all WhatsApp Business features including message templates and catalogs.

Before you begin

  • NIVA botmaster account with a bot configured
  • Meta Business Account (verified)
  • Meta Developer account
  • A phone number to register for WhatsApp Business

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1

    Create a Meta Developer App

    • Go to https://developers.facebook.com → My AppsCreate App
    • Select Business type
    • Enter a name and contact email → Create App
    • Add the WhatsApp product from the dashboard
  2. 2

    Set Up WhatsApp Business Account

    • In your app → WhatsAppAPI Setup
    • Create or connect a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)
    • Add and verify your Phone Number
    • Note the Phone Number ID (shown in API Setup · not the phone number itself)
  3. 3

    Generate a Permanent Access Token

    • In Meta Business Suite → SettingsBusiness AssetsSystem Users
    • Create a System User with Admin role
    • Click Generate New Token → select your app → add whatsapp_business_messaging permission
    • Copy the generated token · this is your permanent access token
    System User tokens do not expire unlike regular user tokens.
  4. 4

    Get App Secret

    • App dashboard → SettingsBasic
    • Copy the App Secret
  5. 5

    Configure in NIVA Botmaster

    • Open your NIVA botmaster → Omnichannel
    • Click Configure on the WhatsApp (Meta Cloud API) card
    • Paste Permanent Access Token, Phone Number ID, App Secret
    • Enter a Verify Token · any secret string you choose
    • Click Save & Activate
    • Copy the Webhook URL
  6. 6

    Configure Webhook in Meta

    • App dashboard → WhatsAppConfiguration
    • Under Webhook click Edit
    • Paste your NIVA Webhook URL and your Verify Token
    • Click Verify and Save
    • Under Webhook fields, subscribe to messages
  7. 7

    Test the Integration

    • Send a WhatsApp message to your registered business number
    • The bot should reply within 2–3 seconds
    During development, only numbers added as testers in Meta can message your bot.

Troubleshooting

Webhook verification fails
Verify Token mismatch · paste the exact same token in both places.
No reply
Check messages is subscribed in webhook fields. Check phone number is verified.
Token expired error
Use a System User token · regular user tokens expire.
Message not delivered
Outside of 24h window · you need a pre-approved message template.