Connect WhatsApp via Meta (Official API)

Overview

The Official WhatsApp Business API connects your Kudita store through Meta — no QR scan, no unofficial WhatsApp Web link. When customers message your business number, Kudita's AI ordering bot helps them browse products, build a cart, and pay via Paystack.

Before you start — checklist

• Your Kudita plan includes Messaging Channels / WhatsApp (check pricing if unsure).
• You are the store owner on Kudita (staff accounts cannot connect WhatsApp).
• You have a Meta Business account at business.facebook.com.
• Your business has a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) with at least one phone number added and verified in Meta.
• Your Facebook login is an admin on that WhatsApp Business Account.
• If you previously connected via QR code link in Kudita, disconnect it first — only one method can be active per store.

Step 1 — Prepare your number in Meta Business Suite

Skip this section if you already see your business number under WhatsApp in Meta Business Suite.

1. Go to Meta Business Suite and open Settings (gear icon).
2. Under Accounts, open WhatsApp accounts.
3. Create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) or select an existing one.
4. Click Add phone number and enter a dedicated business line.
5. Complete Meta's verification (SMS or voice call).
6. Make sure the number shows as Connected or Active before returning to Kudita.

Step 2 — Open Messaging Channels in Kudita

1. Sign in to kudita.com as the vendor.
2. Select the store you want to connect (use the store switcher if you have multiple stores).
3. Open Settings → Messaging Channels from the vendor dashboard.
4. Scroll to the WhatsApp Ordering Bot section.
5. Compare the two options — choose Official WhatsApp Business API (marked Recommended).

Step 3 — Connect with Meta

1. Click the green Connect with Meta button.
2. You will be redirected to Facebook/Meta — sign in with the account that administers your business.
3. Review the permissions Kudita requests (manage WhatsApp Business messaging).
4. Click Continue or Get started if Meta shows an onboarding screen.
5. Select the correct Meta Business portfolio if you manage more than one business.
6. Choose your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
7. Select the phone number customers should use to place orders.
8. Confirm — Meta redirects you back to Kudita.

When successful, Messaging Channels shows Connected with your phone number under the Official API card.

Step 4 — Test the bot

1. From a personal phone (not the business device), send a WhatsApp message to your connected business number — e.g. Hi or Menu.
2. The Kudita AI bot should reply within seconds with a welcome message and shopping options.
3. Try browsing a product and adding to cart to confirm checkout links work.
4. Share your WhatsApp link on your ecommerce website, Instagram bio, or business cards.

How messaging and costs work

• Customer must message first — they open the chat; your bot responds automatically.
• 24-hour service window — Meta allows free text replies (including the AI bot) for 24 hours after the customer's last message. No per-message fee from Kudita for these replies.
• AI ordering — the bot understands natural language, shows your catalog, builds carts, and sends Paystack payment links.
• Official & stable — unlike QR code linking, this uses Meta's Cloud API and is the recommended long-term setup.

Official API vs QR code link

Kudita shows both options in Messaging Channels. Use only one at a time:

• Official API (this guide) — Meta OAuth sign-in, business numbers, recommended for production stores.
• QR code link — scan like WhatsApp Web; faster to try but unofficial and may break. See WhatsApp bot setup for that path.

Troubleshooting

• "Disconnect QR link first" — open Messaging Channels, disconnect QR WhatsApp, then connect Official API.
• No WhatsApp account in the Meta popup — your Facebook user may not be admin on the WABA. Ask the business owner to add you as admin in Business Suite, or sign in with their account.
• Wrong number connected — click Disconnect Official API in Kudita, then connect again and pick the correct number.
• OAuth error or blank page after Facebook — retry in Chrome or Firefox on desktop; ensure pop-ups are not blocked; sign out of personal Facebook and use the business admin account.
• Bot does not reply — confirm status is Connected in Kudita; customer must message within 24 hours of last reply; verify your plan includes WhatsApp; wait 1–2 minutes after first connect.
• Number already in use — the line may be registered elsewhere in Meta or on personal WhatsApp. Remove it from the other account or use a new business number.

Disconnect or switch methods

1. Go to Settings → Messaging Channels → WhatsApp Ordering Bot.
2. Under the connected method, click Disconnect Official API (or disconnect QR if switching).
3. Connect the other method if needed.

Related guides

• WhatsApp AI Shopping Assistant — what your customers experience in chat
• WhatsApp bot setup overview — both connection options
• WhatsApp settings and live support number