Prerequisites
Facebook account, Business Portfolio and phone number: everything you need before connecting WhatsApp
Before starting the WhatsApp connection, make sure you have everything you need. Preparing these requirements in advance keeps the process smooth: 3 to 10 minutes in total.
Technical requirements
- A computer (recommended): the Meta popup is designed for desktop screens; it works on a smartphone, but it's much less comfortable.
- Popups enabled in your browser: the process opens a separate Meta window. If the browser blocks it, you'll see an icon in the address bar: click it and allow popups from Leader24.
- Your phone within reach: to receive the verification code via SMS or call (new number), or to copy the connection code in the WhatsApp Business app (number already active).
Facebook access with the right permissions
Meta uses it to identify you during authorization. You can log in with a Facebook account or with Meta Business Suite. It doesn't have to be the owner in person: anyone with admin access to the company's Business Portfolio can complete the process. If you don't have a Facebook account, create one for free on facebook.com before proceeding.
Working with an agency?
The agency can complete the connection on your behalf, if you've given it admin access to your Business Portfolio. Alternatively, it can guide you on a call while you complete the steps yourself.
A Meta Business Portfolio
The Business Portfolio is the container Meta uses to organize business assets (pages, ad accounts, WhatsApp numbers).
- If you already have one, you select it from the list during the process.
- If you don't, you create it on the spot directly in the popup, following Meta's instructions.
No need to prepare it in advance: on-the-fly creation is part of the guided flow.
Which number should you use?
Before connecting WhatsApp there's an important choice: a number dedicated to the business or your personal number. Both work, but the experience changes a lot.
| Dedicated number (recommended) | Personal number | |
|---|---|---|
| The agent replies to family and friends | No, never | Yes, if they write to that number |
| Personal chats imported into the system | None | Last 6 months of individual chats |
| Privacy and GDPR | Clean situation | Needs careful handling |
| A new number is needed | Yes (SIM, eSIM or a number that can receive an SMS) | No |
| Private life and work | Separate | On the same channel |
Recommended: a number dedicated to the business. The agent sees and handles only work conversations, your personal WhatsApp stays completely out of the system, and you're at ease on the privacy front: you only process customer conversations.
Alternative: your personal number. You can connect the number you already use and keep replying manually from the app whenever you want. Before choosing this path, though, you need to know two things: the agent receives all incoming messages — WhatsApp doesn't distinguish a customer from a friend, so it may reply to relatives and personal contacts too — and the synchronization imports your individual chats from the last 6 months, including private ones.
It's fine if that number is already de facto work-only. Better to avoid it if you also use it with family and friends.
A phone number
It's the requirement that deserves the most attention. There are three possible situations:
Number already active on the WhatsApp Business app (recommended)
First of all, check which app you use on your phone: there are two different WhatsApp apps.
| App | How to recognize it |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp (classic) | The personal app you use with friends and family. The symbol in the bubble is just the white handset. |
| WhatsApp Business | Made for businesses. Same bubble with the handset, but with a small white + in the top right. |
If your number is on WhatsApp Business, you're in the ideal scenario: you'll keep using the app on your phone as always, and the AI agent will automatically reply to customers, 24/7. The number remains yours, Leader24 never owns it.
During the process WhatsApp shows you a verification code: you receive a message from the official Facebook Business account, open the app, tap Connect → Connect to the Business Platform → Confirm and paste the code. Keep your phone within reach.
What gets synced (and what doesn't):
- Individual chats (1:1): yes — the last 6 months, in both directions
- Contacts: yes
- Group chats: no, they stay in the app only
- Broadcast lists: become read-only
- Disappearing and "view once" messages: disabled in individual chats
- Calls and app business tools (catalog, labels, quick replies): keep working in the app only
At the moment of linking, any linked devices (WhatsApp Web/Desktop) get disconnected: just link them again. And use the app regularly: if the phone stays inactive for about 14 days, Meta disconnects the number.
New number or never used on WhatsApp
Quick process: Meta asks you how to receive the verification code (SMS or call), you enter the code and you're done.
Number requirements:
- It can receive international SMS or calls
- It's not behind an automated switchboard (IVR)
- It's not currently in use on WhatsApp (a number used in the past and then deleted becomes available again within a few minutes)
Number on the personal WhatsApp app
You can't directly connect a number active on the personal WhatsApp app. You have two paths:
Recommended path — move the number to the WhatsApp Business app (your chats are saved):
- Back up your chats from WhatsApp
- Install the WhatsApp Business app (the one with the white +) and register your number there: the app imports chats and contacts from personal WhatsApp
- Come back to Leader24 and connect the number choosing "Yes, on the WhatsApp Business app"
Alternative path — free up the number (your chats are lost): delete the WhatsApp account from the number (Settings → Account → Delete my account), wait a few minutes and connect it as a new number.
Irreversible loss
Deleting the account means irreversibly losing that number's chats, media and groups. Always make a backup first.
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a Facebook account, can I proceed? You need Facebook or Meta Business Suite access with permissions on the Business Portfolio. A free Facebook account takes 2 minutes to create on facebook.com.
I'm an agency, can I run the process for my client? Yes, if you have admin access to your client's Business Portfolio. Alternatively, you can guide them on a call while they complete the steps.
How long does it take? Roughly 3 to 10 minutes. If you connect a number already active on the app, syncing the chats may take a few extra minutes: keep the app open until it's done.