> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dogebot.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect a WhatsApp number

> Connect a WhatsApp number to DogeBot, step by step.

DogeBot uses the **official WhatsApp Cloud API** from Meta (the company that owns WhatsApp). That means your bot is allowed by WhatsApp and will not get your number blocked for being a bot.

## What you need

* A **Facebook account** to sign in to Meta.
* A free **Meta developer app** with WhatsApp added. Meta gives you a free **test number** to start with, so you can try everything before using your real number.
* Later, for real customers: a **phone number** that can get a text or a call. Use a number that is **not** already used in the normal WhatsApp app on a phone.

## How to connect

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the bot picker">
    In your dashboard, open the **bot picker** at the top of the sidebar and press **+ WhatsApp number**.

    (If you only build for WhatsApp, you can also choose **WhatsApp bots** when DogeBot asks "What do you want to build?" at sign-up. Change it later under **Account**, **What you build**.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the Connect guide">
    DogeBot shows a **step-by-step Connect guide**. It tells you exactly what to press on Meta's pages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy two values from Meta into DogeBot">
    The guide asks you to copy **two values** from your Meta app and paste them into DogeBot. DogeBot checks them with WhatsApp straight away.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy two values from DogeBot into Meta">
    DogeBot now shows a **callback link** and a **verify token**. Paste both into the webhook settings of your Meta app. When Meta checks the link, DogeBot tells you it worked.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register your number">
    In the **Registration** box (on the last step, and later under **Settings**), make up a **6-digit PIN** and press **Register number**. The status changes from **Pending on WhatsApp** to **Registered on WhatsApp**.

    <Warning>
      This PIN becomes your number's **two-step PIN** on WhatsApp. Write it down! If your number already had a PIN, use that one.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add test people (test number only)">
    While you use Meta's test number, only phone numbers you add as **test recipients** in your Meta app can talk to your bot. Add your own phone there to try it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

When it is connected, your number shows in the bot picker with the WhatsApp logo.

<Check>
  Every new WhatsApp number gets a **7-day Premium trial**, so you can try every feature.
</Check>

<Info>
  Meta may charge **you** directly for some kinds of WhatsApp conversations. Check Meta's WhatsApp pricing page for your country.
</Info>

Next: build [Your first flow](/whatsapp-bots/your-first-flow).


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