Onboard a phone number on Cloud API
Learn how to onboard a WhatsApp phone number onto DoubleTick using Meta's Cloud API, from logging into the platform to confirming a successful connection.
Onboarding a phone number onto DoubleTick using Meta's Cloud API is the first step toward enabling advanced WhatsApp Business capabilities. Once activated, the number can support large-volume messaging, automated workflows, structured templates, and professional multi-user management. To ensure smooth onboarding for both customers and support teams, this guide breaks down the entire flow into simple, executable steps. Make sure you've reviewed the prerequisites for onboarding before you begin.
What's covered
Step-by-step guide to onboarding a phone number on Cloud API
Step 1: Access the DoubleTick web platform Open Google Chrome (recommended for best compatibility) and visit: https://web.doubletick.io/ A login screen will appear requesting your login number. If you don't know your login number, your Account Manager can provide it. After entering the login number, click the Login button (green).
Step 2: Complete OTP validation DoubleTick sends an OTP to your login number via SMS. Enter the OTP and click Login again to authenticate.
Enable pop-ups in your browser before initiating the onboarding process, as Meta's integration flows open in pop-up windows. Blocking pop-ups can interrupt the onboarding midway.
Step 3: Initiate onboarding Scroll down and click the green Get started button. This triggers the onboarding initiation within the DoubleTick portal.
Step 4: Select your onboarding path The system will prompt you to choose an onboarding method. Select Connect WhatsApp API Number — this means you're building a Cloud API integration, not a coexistence setup. Click Confirm and proceed.
Step 5: Complete the Facebook integration window The interface will redirect to Facebook for authorization and sharing of required business assets. Don't have a Facebook account yet? See how to create a Facebook account. Click Continue on the Facebook screen. This gives DoubleTick permission to connect with your business portfolio and WABA components under Meta.
Step 6: Choose the relevant business portfolio You'll see a dropdown listing business portfolios associated with your Meta account. If there are multiple portfolios, carefully choose the correct one, since onboarding links the number to that business profile within Meta Business Suite. If you don't have a business portfolio yet, see how to create a Meta Business Portfolio.
Step 7: Create a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) In the next dropdown, select Create a WhatsApp Business Account — this applies because you're onboarding the number on Cloud API for the first time. Click Next.
Step 8: Enter business information Meta now requests details required for compliance and WABA provisioning — business name (as recognized legally), business category, country, business website URL, and time zone. Enter accurate details and click Next. This data influences messaging limits, display name reviews, and compliance approvals downstream.
Step 9: Add a WhatsApp phone number You'll see two options — User display name only or Add new number (choose this). Click Add new number, then enter the phone number you want to connect to DoubleTick.
Make sure the number is not active on the WhatsApp ecosystem. Meta blocks active numbers during onboarding and will throw errors if detected.
Step 10: Verify the phone number (OTP) Meta will ask how you want the verification OTP delivered — text message or phone call. Select your preferred method and click Next. Enter the OTP once it arrives and click Next to verify.
Step 11: Confirm and connect Click the blue Confirm button. Meta will show a loading screen reading "Connecting to your account — this may take a few moments." This step provisions the number on Cloud API and connects it to the WABA and business portfolio you selected. Once the integration completes, a status screen confirms your number is connected with doubletick.io. Click Finish.
Step 12: Check the final status on DoubleTick Return to the DoubleTick portal. The system will finalize integration tasks, after which it displays Connected successfully. Your number is now active on DoubleTick Cloud API and ready for use. If you face delays, errors, or compliance blocks, DoubleTick Support and Account Managers can assist.
Key takeaways
Onboarding a number via Cloud API connects it to Meta's official WhatsApp infrastructure for enterprise-grade, secure messaging.
You'll need your DoubleTick login number, OTP access, and pop-ups enabled before you start.
The number must not be active anywhere else on WhatsApp when you begin onboarding.
If you face delays, errors, or compliance blocks, DoubleTick Support and your Account Manager can help.
FAQs
What is my login number, and where do I find it? Your login number is the number you use to sign in to the DoubleTick web platform. If you don't have it, your Account Manager can share it with you.
Why do I need to enable pop-ups before starting onboarding? Meta's integration flows — Facebook authorization, business portfolio selection, WABA creation — open in pop-up windows. If your browser blocks pop-ups, the onboarding process can get interrupted midway.
Can I onboard a number that's already active on WhatsApp? No. The number must not be active on the WhatsApp ecosystem before onboarding. Meta blocks active numbers and throws errors if one is detected. Check the prerequisites for onboarding for the full number-readiness rules.
What if I have multiple business portfolios in Meta? You'll see all portfolios linked to your Meta account in a dropdown. Choose the correct one carefully, since the number gets linked to that specific business profile in Meta Business Suite.
What should I do if onboarding fails or gets delayed? Reach out to DoubleTick Support or your Account Manager — they can help resolve compliance blocks, errors, or delays during onboarding.
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