🧩 Prerequisites
• ☎️ Only for a new line (traditional API): the number you want to connect must not be linked to an active WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account. If it is, delete the account, wait 5 minutes, and start the process. (Not applicable for Coexistence).
• 🧰 You must have access to the correct Meta Business Manager (the one used for campaigns).
• 📶 The SIM card must be inserted in a phone capable of receiving SMS or calls.
• 💳 Have a valid payment method (credit card) ready to add it to the Business Manager.
🔀 Connection methods
API to Meta/WhatsApp: once connected, the number cannot be used in the WhatsApp mobile app. From that moment, you will only be able to access conversations and chat through Darwin’s platform.
WhatsApp Coexistence: allows you to use the WhatsApp Business app and the API simultaneously. You can contact users both from the app and from Darwin; the AI will reply with that line, and you will also be able to use it from your phone/web.
🚀 Step by step (common to both cases)
🔐 Log in to Darwin
Go to: https://app.getdarwin.ai/login🧭 Side menu
Channels > All channels > Connect new channel > Add WhatsApp channel.✅ Confirm the popup
Read the instruction and confirm to proceed.🔵 Log in with Facebook
Use the Facebook account associated with the Business Manager where the line will be connected.🗂️ Select the business portfolio
Choose the Business Manager portfolio where the line will be added.
Important: use the same portfolio that will be used for campaigns with this number.
If required, complete the company website.
Tip: if you manage multiple portfolios, verify which one applies.
🔀 Choose the type of connection
• For Coexistence: “Connect your existing WhatsApp Business app”.
• For traditional API (platform only): “Start with a new WhatsApp phone number”.
A) 🔌 API to Meta/WhatsApp (Darwin platform only)
A1) 🏷️ Create the WhatsApp Business account and profile
In “Choose a WhatsApp Business Account”, select “Create a new WhatsApp Business Account”.
In “Select a profile”, select “Create a new WhatsApp Business profile”.
A2) 🧾 Fill in the details
• Account name (internal) — only inside the Business Manager.
• WhatsApp Business display name — must match the company’s name.
• Category — select the one that best describes the business.
A3) 📞 Verify the phone number
Select “Add new number” and enter the number to connect.
Choose how to receive the code: SMS or Call.
Enter the code sent to the phone with the SIM.
A4) 💳 Add a payment method in the Business Manager
In the popup, select “Add payment method” (you’ll be redirected to Business Manager).
In Business Manager: “Payment method” → “Add payment method” → add the card.
A5) 🎉 Confirm in Darwin
Go back to Darwin > Channels and verify the number appears in the list.
From that moment, the AI will respond via that WhatsApp line exclusively from Darwin.
B) 🤝 WhatsApp Coexistence (app + API simultaneously)
B1) Select “Connect your existing WhatsApp business app”.
B2) Enter the phone number to connect.
B3) A code will be sent to that WhatsApp Business number; enter it to continue.
B4) You’ll see “WhatsApp Business Account Name” (default name from your WhatsApp Business) and the time zone field (usually already set). Click Continue.
B5) A QR code will appear. From your WhatsApp Business app, you’ll receive a button (from the same number that sent the verification code) that allows you to scan the QR.
• Select “Share chats” to keep chat history.
• The camera will open: scan the QR code.
B6) Click Finish.
🎉 Done
With Coexistence, you can use the line both from the WhatsApp Business app and from Darwin; the AI and your team can reply from the same line simultaneously. With the traditional API mode, the line is used only from Darwin.
ℹ️ Note (official Coexistence limitations according to Meta)
Check Meta’s official documentation for feature changes and current limitations of Coexistence:
https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/embedded-signup/custom-flows/onboarding-business-app-users/
