# Getting Started

> From sign-in to your first WhatsApp message on an Edesy number - number, Meta connection, verification, webhook, template and first send.

Source: https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/getting-started

To get WhatsApp running on an Edesy number, sign in at wa-connect.edesy.in, pick or buy a number, connect it to your WhatsApp Business Account with Embedded Signup or your own credentials, verify it, then add a webhook and a template. Most of this happens in one wizard on the **Numbers** page.

## Setup at a glance

| Step | Where | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Sign in | [wa-connect.edesy.in](https://wa-connect.edesy.in), same login as other Edesy apps | - |
| Top up the wallet | **Wallet** (Razorpay) | - |
| Get a number | **Numbers** > Buy Numbers, or Use a Number I Own | [Get a Number](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/getting-started/get-a-number-and-kyc) |
| Connect to Meta | **Enable Messaging** wizard | [Embedded Signup](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/getting-started/embedded-signup) or [Bring Your Own WABA](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/getting-started/bring-your-own-waba) |
| Verify | Same wizard (manual path) | [Verification Call Capture](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/getting-started/verification-call-capture) |
| Receive messages | **Webhooks** | [Webhooks](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/api/webhooks) |
| Templates | **Templates** | [Create and Sync](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/templates/create-and-sync) |
| API key | **API Keys** | [Send Messages](https://edesy.in/docs/whatsapp-number/api/send-messages) |

## How it works

1. **Sign in** at [wa-connect.edesy.in](https://wa-connect.edesy.in). One Edesy login works across all Edesy apps.
2. **Top up your wallet.** Number purchases are charged from the prepaid INR wallet.
3. **Get a number** on the Numbers page.
4. **Click Enable Messaging** on the number. Choose **Connect with Facebook** (Embedded Signup) or **Advanced: enter credentials manually**.
5. **Finish verification.** On the manual path, answer the forwarded verification call and type the 6-digit code.
6. **Follow the checklist** shown after success: add a webhook, create a template, send a test message.

## FAQ

### Do I need a separate login for the WhatsApp portal?
No. The portal uses the same Edesy sign-in as the voice, IVR and other Edesy apps.

### Do I need a Meta Business account?
Yes. WhatsApp Business Platform numbers belong to a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) under a Meta business. Embedded Signup lets you create or pick one inside the Facebook window.

### Can I use a number I already bought on Edesy?
Yes. Open **Numbers > Use a Number I Own**. Active voice numbers on your account are listed, and enabling WhatsApp on one costs nothing extra.

### Can I use a landline-style virtual number?
Yes. Meta verifies by voice call, and Edesy forwards that call to your phone, so a number that cannot receive SMS can still be verified.

### What do I need for the API?
An API key from the **API Keys** page. Send it as `Authorization: Bearer sk_...`.

### Can I make WhatsApp calls with this?
No. This product is for WhatsApp messaging only.