> ## 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. Meta is the company that owns WhatsApp. This means your bot is allowed by WhatsApp, so your number will not get blocked for being a bot.

## What you need

> **A Facebook account**
>
> To sign in to Meta.

> **A Meta developer app**
>
> It is free. Add WhatsApp to it. Meta gives you a free **test number** to start with.

> **A phone number (later)**
>
> For real customers. It must be able to get a text or a call.

> [!WARNING]
>
> For your real number, use a number that is **not** already used in the normal WhatsApp app on a phone.

> [!TIP]
>
> Start with Meta's free test number. You can try everything before you use your real number.

## How to connect

**1. Open the bot picker**

In your dashboard, open the **bot picker** at the top of the sidebar and press **+ WhatsApp number**.

On the page for connecting a Discord bot, there is also a **Connect a WhatsApp number instead** link.

**2. Follow the Connect guide**

DogeBot shows a **step-by-step Connect guide**. It tells you exactly what to press on Meta's pages.

**3. 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.

**4. 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.

**5. Register your number**

In the **Registration** box, make up a **6-digit PIN** and press **Register number**. The status changes from **Pending on WhatsApp** to **Registered on WhatsApp**.

You find the Registration box on the last step, and later under **Settings**.

> [!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.

**6. 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.

![The DogeBot Connect page](https://mintcdn.com/doge-bot/0C6-zgXTpDx1QOCe/images/guide/connect-bot.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=0C6-zgXTpDx1QOCe\&q=85\&s=6528641878a85c66c3bb773fc0c69941)

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

> [!TIP]
>
> Every new WhatsApp number gets a **7-day Premium trial**, so you can try every feature.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Meta may charge for some kinds of WhatsApp conversations. Check Meta's WhatsApp pricing page for your country.

## Only building for WhatsApp?

When you sign up, DogeBot asks **What do you want to build?** You can pick **Discord bots**, **WhatsApp bots** or **Both**. Change it later under **Account**, then **What you build**.

## Next

> **[Flows and triggers](/whatsapp/flows-and-triggers)**
>
> Make your first flow.


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