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

# Connect WhatsApp

> Get your WhatsApp Business number receiving and replying in ApyConnect.

WhatsApp is the most-used channel for talking with customers. You connect your WhatsApp Business number once and its conversations flow into your inbox.

## Before you start

* A **number** that will be used on WhatsApp Business (it can't be active in the regular WhatsApp app with that same number).
* Access to your business's **WhatsApp Business** account.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the connection">
    In **Channels**, choose **WhatsApp** and begin the connection wizard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize with Meta">
    The official Meta flow opens. Sign in and grant the permissions so ApyConnect can send and receive messages through your number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your number">
    Select the number you want to connect (or register a new one within the flow).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign an inbox">
    Go back to **Channels** and use **Assign inbox** so your WhatsApp conversations enter the inbox you want. See [Channels](/en/canales/canales).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## The 24-hour window

WhatsApp lets you reply **freely for 24 hours** after the customer's last message. After that time, to message them again you first need to use an approved **template**. See [WhatsApp templates](/en/guias/plantillas-whatsapp).

<Note>
  Are you going to send the first message to many contacts yourself? That's done with [Campaigns](/en/guias/campanas) and templates.
</Note>