Twilio: Step-by-Step: Enable WhatsApp on Twilio for Production Use

To move from Twilio WhatsApp Sandbox to a production-ready WhatsApp business account, you need to complete a series of onboarding steps with Twilio and Meta (Facebook). Here’s a full step-by-step guide:

✅ Step-by-Step: Enable WhatsApp on Twilio for Production Use

🔹 Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

• ✅ A Twilio account (with billing set up)
• ✅ A Meta Business Manager account (with verified business)
• ✅ A dedicated phone number (not tied to WhatsApp personal/business app)
• ✅ Admin access to both Twilio and Meta accounts

🔹 Step 2: Verify Your Business on Meta (Facebook)

1. Go to: https://business.facebook.com/
2. Navigate to Business Settings > Security Center
3. Under Business Verification, click Start Verification
4. Upload required documents and verify domain, address, and legal entity
5. Wait for approval (usually 1–3 business days)

🔹 Step 3: Choose a Phone Number for WhatsApp

• Must be able to receive a voice or SMS verification code
• Must not be linked to an existing WhatsApp account
• If previously used in WhatsApp, delete the account via the WhatsApp app before onboarding

🔹 Step 4: Initiate WhatsApp Sender Setup in Twilio Console

1. Log in to your Twilio Console
   → https://www.twilio.com/console
2. Navigate to:
   Messaging > Senders > WhatsApp Senders
3. Click “Get Started” or “+ Create new sender”
4. Choose “Use your own phone number”, then:
   • Add business display name
   • Select business category
   • Add phone number
   • Select Meta Business Account (link it if not already linked)
5. Twilio will redirect to Facebook login to link your Meta Business Manager account

🔹 Step 5: Verify Phone Number

• You’ll get a 6-digit code via SMS or voice call
• Enter it in Twilio to verify ownership

🔹 Step 6: Submit Number to WhatsApp Business API

Once the phone number is verified and connected:

• Twilio will create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) for you under Meta
• Number gets registered with WhatsApp
• You’ll now see the number listed in approved senders

🔹 Step 7: Configure Messaging

1. Create a Messaging Service (optional, but recommended)
2. Add your WhatsApp-approved number as sender
3. Configure webhook URLs or use Twilio Studio / Functions

🔹 Step 8: Submit Message Templates for Approval

You must use templates for initiating conversations (like OTP, booking):

1. Go to: Twilio Console → Messaging → Templates
2. Click “Submit Template”
3. Provide:
   • Template name
   • Content (e.g., Your MotoShare OTP is {{1}})
   • Language (e.g., English)
4. Wait for approval (typically under 24 hours)

✅ Final Status Check

Once templates are approved and your number is active, your production WhatsApp is ready.

You can now:

• Send OTPs, alerts, or transactional messages using approved templates
• Receive free-form replies from users
• Monitor delivery, usage, and cost in Twilio Console

📌 Key Notes

Rajesh Kumar

I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.

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