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WhatsApp Integration & Usage (Beta)

M
Written by Martin Rapavý
Updated today

WhatsApp Integration & Usage (Beta)

Status: This feature is in beta and improving continuously.

Availability: If you do not see Connect to WhatsApp in Zooza, either (a) your plan does not include the integration or (b) WhatsApp Business Platform is not enabled for your account. In both cases, contact us and we will help.

What you will need

  • A Facebook (Meta) Business Account with admin rights.

  • A phone number to dedicate to WhatsApp Business Platform (API).

A number connected to the API cannot be used in the standard WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile app at the same time. Many brands keep two numbers: one for Zooza automation & threads, one for manual mobile chats.

Connect WhatsApp to Zooza (step-by-step)

  1. Open WhatsApp settings in Zooza Go to Communication --> WhatsApp.

  2. Click "Connect to WhatsApp" This starts Meta's guided connection flow in a new window.

Zooza WhatsApp connect button

  1. Complete Meta's connection flow Make sure you are logged into Facebook as a Business Admin who can manage the Business Account. Then follow the prompts:

  2. Continue as you --> Connect as you

  3. Select Business: choose the correct Business Account and (if asked) the Page/portfolio you will use.

  4. Business details: choose the business name and country for the franchise/company.

  5. WhatsApp profile: set the display name (or select an existing WhatsApp profile/number). > If using an existing number, it must be disconnected from all other apps (including the WhatsApp Business mobile app). One number = one platform.

  6. Choose category (e.g., Education).

  7. Add new phone number (if needed) and complete verification (SMS/voice code).

  8. Confirm and wait -- connection can take a few minutes. Do not close the window.

Meta connection flow

  1. Return to Zooza Go back to Communication --> WhatsApp and refresh. You should see Status: Done.

  2. Create your PIN Set a 6-digit PIN and save it. Meta may request this PIN later for security actions in Business Manager.

Zooza WhatsApp PIN setup

  1. Verify status Confirm that Zooza shows your connected number and status as active.

Verify your business with Meta

Business verification unlocks more templates and higher free message volumes.

Do this in Facebook Business Manager: https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/business_info

Add payment method and Meta pricing requirements

To send outbound system messages (templates) from Zooza, Meta requires a valid payment method added to your WhatsApp Business Account. Receiving incoming messages and replying within the 24-hour service window is free, but any proactive or system-triggered outbound message (e.g., reminders, confirmations, changes) is billed by Meta according to its conversation pricing.

What this means for your setup:

  • You must add a credit card in Meta Business Manager under WhatsApp --> Billing.

  • Without a payment method, Zooza cannot deliver system messages, even if templates are approved.

  • Incoming messages: free. You can reply to any parent message within the 24-hour window at no charge.

  • Outbound system messages: billed by Meta based on conversation type and region.

  • Full pricing overview: https://business.whatsapp.com/products/platform-pricing

Once your card is added and Meta billing is active, Zooza can automatically send templates for login, confirmations, reminders, schedule changes, and other system events.

How WhatsApp works in Zooza

Conversations

  • When a parent messages your connected number, the conversation appears in Zooza App --> Messages --> WhatsApp --> Conversations.

  • A parent message opens a 24-hour window where your team can reply freely from within Zooza.

  • Each reply from either side extends the window by another 24 hours.

Templates

  • After business verification, Zooza submits a set of official WhatsApp templates (e.g., login, confirmations, reminders, changes, payments) for Meta approval.

  • Once approved, Zooza automatically uses them for system events.

  • You can edit wording and languages; newly edited templates must be re-approved.

  • Manage in Zooza App --> Messages --> WhatsApp --> Templates.

Broadcasts / Mass messaging (in development)

  • Sending approved templates to a larger audience (e.g., term announcements) is possible but under construction in the UI.

  • Treat broadcasts as marketing; follow Meta rules and local regulations.

Compliance & best-practice tips

  • Use helpful, expected messages. Time-sensitive updates (reminders, changes, login codes) work best on WhatsApp. Longer documents and policy info are often better via email. Zooza can send both.

  • Respect the 24-hour window. Outside the window, you must use an approved template to re-engage.

  • Do not spam. Keep broadcasts relevant and spaced. Consider opt-in where required by local law.

  • Choose your number strategy.

  • API number (Zooza) = automation, logging, permissions, audit trail.

  • Optional second number = ad-hoc mobile chats (if your ops require it).

  • Brand & privacy. Messages link back to your website/Parent Portal. Zooza keeps a log for auditing and GDPR purposes.

  • Pricing & limits. Zooza charges for the integration feature, not per message. Meta grants free volumes up to certain tiers; higher tiers follow Meta policy.

Summary

  1. Communication --> WhatsApp --> Connect

  2. Finish Meta flow (admin rights, business, number, verify code)

  3. Back to Zooza, refresh, status Done

  4. Set and remember your PIN

  5. Verify business in Facebook for higher limits

  6. Use Conversations and Templates in Zooza to operate WhatsApp at scale

If you need help at any step, contact us -- our team can check your setup and guide you through Business Verification.

See also: WhatsApp Troubleshooting | WhatsApp FAQ

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