Before you start
- Sign in to the OpenAlly account with Premium access that will own the connection.
- Have access to the Meta business and phone number you are authorized to manage, including any verification method Meta asks for.
- Choose the OpenAlly workspace and device that will run the business agent. Keep the device online during setup and imports.
- Review the service terms, data handling, and your direct Meta billing settings.
Start from WhatsApp Business inside OpenAlly. It checks your account’s availability and opens a private setup link. Opening the signup URL on its own cannot create or authorize a connection.
Choose the right setup mode
New business connection
Follow Meta’s flow to create or select eligible business assets and a number. Meta may ask for business details, verification and billing information.
Existing business account
Select a WhatsApp Business account and number you already manage. Existing provider arrangements or permissions can affect eligibility; resolve those in Meta before retrying.
WhatsApp Business app coexistence
Use this mode if you want an eligible number to continue working in the WhatsApp Business app. Meta decides eligibility. Optional contacts/history sharing is a separate choice, and only the history Meta shares is available. Do not delete or migrate your number as a troubleshooting shortcut.
Finish the connection
- Use the setup link OpenAlly just opened. Links expire after 15 minutes and can be launched only once.
- Read the setup disclosures, continue to Meta, and grant access only to the intended business and number.
- Return to the OpenAlly app on the original device and confirm. The app verifies the selected assets before showing the connection result.
- Check registration, billing and inbox readiness. Then choose your agent and enable only the automation you want.
Finishing Meta’s browser window is one step of setup. A successful return does not by itself finish native confirmation or enable AI replies.
Common setup problems
The page says the link is missing, used or expired
Return to the original device’s WhatsApp Business setup and reopen the browser step or start a fresh session. Do not forward the old link or refresh repeatedly; the ticket is deliberately single-use.
Meta’s signup window does not open
Allow the requested popup for this site, ensure JavaScript and necessary login cookies are permitted, and retry using the button. If the browser still blocks Meta, return to OpenAlly and open a new setup session in your regular browser.
My business or number is missing
Check that you signed into the correct Meta account and have authority over the asset. Confirm the business account and number are eligible for the setup mode. OpenAlly cannot grant you Meta permissions or bypass its restrictions.
The app needs registration, billing or another permission
Complete the specific step shown by Meta or OpenAlly, then refresh readiness. Confirm your payment method in WhatsApp Manager even if the connection says ready. If access was revoked, reconnect through a fresh signup session.
The browser finished but the app is not connected
Return to the same signed-in account, workspace and device that started setup. Use its confirmation action. If the session expired or the app reports a failed connection, start a fresh session and include the error code when contacting support.
History import or messages are incomplete
Keep the designated device online. Check import progress and any delivery gaps in the inbox. Import availability comes from Meta; encrypted undelivered data expires after seven days. History is not guaranteed to include every old message and does not turn on AI replies.
A send has an uncertain result
Review its status and later delivery receipts before sending a replacement. A timeout can happen after Meta accepted the message. Repeating it may send a duplicate and incur another charge.
Premium access or signup is unavailable
Check the account and plan shown in OpenAlly. Availability can also depend on Meta setup requirements. Existing cancellation, human takeover and disconnect controls remain available with your account authorization after Premium lapses.
Your controls after setup
Assign an agent to the inbox, choose its model, and review proposed replies before authorizing automation. Keep a clear way for customers to reach a person. Billable AI replies require owner review by default unless you authorize a specific automation policy with a spending limit.
Human takeover stops further AI work for that conversation; messages already submitted may still be delivered. Stop automation or disconnect the inbox whenever you need to. Read the messaging requirements before sending proactive messages.
Get help from OpenAlly
Email support@openally.ai with “WhatsApp Business setup” in the subject. Include your OpenAlly account email, app version, selected setup mode, the time of the failure, and any error code. Include the business number only when needed to identify the connection.
Do not send setup links, passwords, access tokens, verification codes or customer message content. For Meta account restrictions or billing decisions, use the support and review options in your Meta business account. We can help with the OpenAlly connection but cannot overrule those decisions.