Guide · WhatsApp Business on your phone
Connect the WhatsApp Business you already use on your phone
For businesses already using the WhatsApp Business app. The number doesn't move and isn't deleted: once connected, customer chats arrive in Rspond and the AI answers them, while the app on your phone keeps working as usual — groups included.
About 15 minutes · 7 steps (+15 minutes if you have no Facebook account)
Have these ready
A phone with WhatsApp Business
Your business number active in the WhatsApp Business app (not regular WhatsApp), on the latest version. Keep the phone nearby — you'll confirm from the app.
A personal Facebook account
Used to sign in to Meta (WhatsApp's owner). Don't have one? See the preparation below — free, about 5 minutes.
A website or business Facebook Page
Meta asks for a business website. No website? Use the link to a Facebook Page or business Instagram profile.
No Facebook account yet? Prepare these first
Meta requires signing in with a Facebook account to connect WhatsApp to a business tool like Rspond. The account is only for signing in to Meta — customers don't see it and you don't need to post anything. Skip what you already have.
- 1
Create a personal Facebook account
Use the real name of the business owner or manager, with an active email or phone number. Don't create an account in the shop's name — Meta can disable accounts that don't belong to a real person.
- 2
Turn on two-factor authenticationRecommended
Protects the account connected to your business WhatsApp. On Facebook: Settings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication.
- 3
Create a business Facebook PageIf you have no website
When connecting, Meta asks for a business website. No website or business Instagram? Create a free Facebook Page: use the same business name customers see on WhatsApp, pick a category, then copy the page address (e.g. facebook.com/senjacoffee) for the website field.
- 4
Update the WhatsApp Business app
This needs WhatsApp Business version 2.24.17 or newer. Check it in the app: Settings → Help → App info.
Step by step
Step 1/7
Make sure WhatsApp Business is up to date
On your phone, open Play Store or App Store, find WhatsApp Business, and tap Update. Make sure the business number is active in that app and the phone is online.
Still on regular WhatsApp? Install WhatsApp Business and register the same number — the app offers to move your chats.
Once connected, good to know
- Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone at least once every 14 days — otherwise Meta disconnects it from Rspond and you'll need to connect again.
- Replies you type on your phone are recorded in Rspond (labelled "via WhatsApp Business"), and the AI stops in that chat so the customer doesn't get two answers.
- Rspond only shows new chats after connecting. Older chats stay on your phone.
- Group chats and calls stay on your phone only; just one-to-one customer chats arrive in Rspond.
- Meta turns off broadcast lists, disappearing messages, view-once photos/videos, and live location in the WhatsApp Business app.
- Linked WhatsApp Web sessions sign out once when connecting — link them again if needed. Messages sent from the WhatsApp for Windows app aren't recorded in Rspond; use WhatsApp Web in a browser or the phone app.
- Messages you send from the phone app stay free as usual. Rspond doesn't send paid template messages.
If something goes wrong
Do I need a Facebook Page?
No. What's required is a personal Facebook account to sign in to Meta. A Facebook Page is only needed if you have no website or business Instagram to enter in the website field when creating the business portfolio.
I don't see "Connect & keep using WhatsApp Business"
The button appears once a workspace plan with the WhatsApp channel is active (Settings → Billing), and only for workspace owners or admins.
The Facebook Business message doesn't arrive on my phone
Update WhatsApp Business to the latest version, make sure the phone is online, and check the number you entered in Meta's window matches the app exactly. Wait 1–2 minutes; if it still doesn't arrive, close Meta's window and start again from step 2.
I use regular WhatsApp, not WhatsApp Business
Install WhatsApp Business from Play Store or App Store and register the same number — the app offers to move your chats. Once it's active in WhatsApp Business, follow this guide.
The connection dropped
Usually because the WhatsApp Business app wasn't opened for more than 14 days, or the connection was removed from the phone. The WhatsApp card in Rspond will tell you; repeat the steps in this guide.
Why does Meta's window say BaitechApp?
BaitechApp is Rspond's official app name at Meta, owned by PT Baitech Inovasi Digital — the company behind Rspond. The access you give BaitechApp is used only by Rspond.
Is my number safe?
Yes. This is Meta's official feature (WhatsApp Coexistence), not an unofficial WhatsApp Web hack. The number and WhatsApp Business account stay yours in your own business portfolio; Rspond is only allowed to send and receive messages, and you can revoke that any time in Meta Business Suite.
Ready to connect?
Open Channels in Rspond and tap Connect & keep using WhatsApp Business. You can keep this guide open in another tab.