Step 5: Connect A New WhatsApp Number (Intellia → Meta)

Step 5.1 — Get A New Number (Required)

You need a number that can receive SMS or Call OTP.

Recommended: Buy a new eSIM
Example: SG number from Zero1 — https://zero1.sg/plan-categories

Before you buy: Check if your device supports eSIM. If not, you’ll need to buy a physical SIM instead.

After purchase: Make sure the eSIM or SIM is installed and connected to your phone so you can receive OTPs via SMS or call.

Best practice: don’t use the founder’s personal number. Use a business-dedicated number.

Part A — Activate WhatsApp Messaging In Intellia

Step 5.2 — Open WhatsApp Settings

1. Log in to Intellia

   

2. Left sidebar → Settings

   

3. Click WhatsApp

   

Step 5.3 — Subscribe / Activate WhatsApp

1. Click Subscribe
   

2. Complete payment: $29.99/month

Note: If the Pay and Subscribe button is not visible on the WhatsApp tab, please click the red Help button located at the bottom right of Intellia for assistance.

3. Confirm subscription is active

   

Success looks like: WhatsApp Messaging enabled

Part B — Connect & Verify The New Number (OTP Verification)

Step 5.4 — Start WhatsApp Onboarding

1. Settings → WhatsApp
   

2. Click Connect WhatsApp Number
   

3. Choose Set Up a NEW WhatsApp Number

   

Step 5.5 — Complete Meta Embedded Signup

Follow Meta’s screens:

1. Continue with Facebook/Meta

   
   

2. Fill in business information
   

   

3. Create or select your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)
   

   

4. Add your NEW phone number (from Step 5.0 — Get A New Number)
   
   

   

5. Tap “Finish”—your WhatsApp Business Account is now successfully integrated! 
   

   

6. Add your NEW phone number (from Step 5.0 — Get A New Number)
   Put (+65) at the start.

   

1. Verify via SMS or Call (OTP)
   

   

2. Click Verify
   

   

IMPORTANT:
Entering the OTP = number verification is complete

Meta often looks “done” but still needs one final Next. Do not stop halfway.

Success looks like:

• Onboarding completes fully

• WhatsApp number shows as Connected inside Intellia

Part C — Confirm Number In WhatsApp Manager (Meta Business)

Step 5.6 — Open WhatsApp Manager

1. Go to Meta Business Suite

2. Open Business Settings

3. Navigate to WhatsApp Accounts / WhatsApp Manager

4. Select the correct WABA

Step 5.7 — Confirm Number Status

Inside WhatsApp Manager:

• Locate your connected phone number

• Confirm status shows Connected / Active

If the number is visible and active, setup is correct.

Part D — Configure Business Profile (Recommended — Professional Ready)

Important Note (Read This)

This section only makes your WhatsApp presence look professional and trustworthy to leads.

Why This Matters

A complete profile:

• increases reply rates

• reduces “Is this legit?” objections

• makes your business look credible from first message
  

Step 5.8 — Set Business Profile Details

Inside WhatsApp Manager, open your phone number → Business Profile.

For WhatsApp Manager Link: https://business.facebook.com/latest/whatsapp_manager

Fill in (minimum):

1. Business Display Name

   • Clean, brand-consistent

   • No symbols or excessive punctuation

2. Profile Photo / Logo

3. Category

4. Description (1–3 lines)
   Suggested format:
   “We help [who] achieve [result] through [method].”

5. Email + Website (recommended)

6. Address + Business Hours (optional)

Success looks like:
When someone receives your WhatsApp message, it looks like a real business — not a random number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is a new number required? Can I use my personal WhatsApp number?
   A new number is required because WhatsApp onboarding uses Meta embedded signup + OTP verification and is meant for a business-dedicated number. Avoid using the founder’s personal number to prevent conflicts and disruption.
   

2. What kind of number should I get for OTP verification?
   Use a number that can reliably receive SMS or phone call OTP. A new SIM/eSIM is recommended (business-owned and accessible during setup).
   

3. I can’t see the “Pay / Subscribe” button in Intellia WhatsApp settings. What should I do?
   This usually happens due to billing permissions or UI issues. Click the red Help button in Intellia (bottom-right) or contact support so the team can assist.
   

4. Meta onboarding looks finished, but Intellia still shows “Not Connected.” Why?
   Meta often shows a “done” screen before the actual completion step. Go back and continue until you see the final Next / Finish step. Then refresh the Intellia WhatsApp page.
   

5. OTP is not arriving during Meta embedded signup. What should I try?
   Try these in order:
   Wait 2–3 minutes
   Tap Resend
   Use Call me verification
   Confirm your SIM/eSIM is active and can receive calls/SMS
   

6. How do I confirm the number is truly connected and active?
   Check both sides:
   In Intellia: WhatsApp shows Connected
   In Meta: Business Settings → WhatsApp Manager → number status shows Connected / Active
   If it’s missing in Meta, you may be viewing the wrong Business Portfolio / WABA.
   

7. Do I need to configure the WhatsApp business profile?
   It’s recommended but not required for connectivity. A complete profile increases trust and reply rates (logo, category, description, email/website). This is the “look legit” step.
   

8. Can I proceed if my WhatsApp template approval is still pending?
   Yes, you can continue setup — but you cannot use the template inside workflows until Meta approves it. Refresh periodically; approvals may take minutes to 24 hours.