> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.omni.z-api.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Meta WhatsApp

> Connect a number to the Official API through Meta's Embedded Signup

Channel of type `META_WHATSAPP`. It is the only channel with [templates](/en/templates/introduction), [Flows](/en/flows/introduction) and the [24-hour window](/en/conversation-window).

## Requirements

* A [Business Portfolio](/en/whatsapp-official/portfolio/introduction) set up on Meta
* Admin profile on the business account
* A number that can receive SMS or a call
* A [payment method](/en/whatsapp-official/payment) configured, in order to send templates

## Connecting

```javascript theme={null}
const client = OmniZapi.newClient({ publicKey: 'YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY' });
const response = await client.connect({ channelId: 'CHANNEL_ID' });
// response: { success, channelId, code, wabaId, phoneId, coexistence }
```

The SDK opens Meta's **Embedded Signup**, where the user picks the WABA and the number. It is the only channel whose response carries `wabaId`, `phoneId` and `coexistence`.

Forward the whole object to [finish the connection](/en/channels/connect-channel).

## Two connection modes

| Mode            | When to use it                                       | Guide                                                       |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Cloud API**   | a new number, or one you can remove from the app     | [Cloud API](/en/whatsapp-official/connection/cloud-api)     |
| **Coexistence** | a number already in use in the WhatsApp Business app | [Coexistence](/en/whatsapp-official/connection/coexistence) |

The `coexistence` field in the response tells you which of the two the user chose — Meta returns `FINISH_WHATSAPP_BUSINESS_APP_ONBOARDING` in the coexistence case.

## What is different on WhatsApp Official

It is the **most capable and most restricted** of the five channels:

| Detail               | Value                                                                     |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Contact identifier   | phone with country code                                                   |
| Conversation window  | **24 hours**, restarted by every customer message                         |
| Outside the window   | only with an [approved template](/en/messages/send-template)              |
| Templates and Flows  | **exclusive to this channel**                                             |
| Location and contact | supported                                                                 |
| Cost                 | Meta charges for templates — see [Billing](/en/whatsapp-official/billing) |

<Note>
  Already have the number with another provider? See [Number migration](/en/whatsapp-official/migrate-number) before connecting.
</Note>