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

# Connect WhatsApp Number

> Choose how to onboard a WhatsApp number with Plivo — connect a WhatsApp Business app, bring your own number, or use a Plivo number

<Info title="TL;DR">
  * **Where:** Click **Connect WhatsApp Number** on the [WhatsApp Numbers page](https://cx.plivo.com/whatsapp/numbers)
  * **Three onboarding paths:**
    1. **Connect your WhatsApp Business app** — link the WhatsApp Business app you already use on your phone
    2. **Connect your own Number** — share an existing WhatsApp Business account with Plivo while keeping your own access
    3. **Connect your Plivo Number** — use an existing Plivo number (or buy a new one) to set up a fresh WhatsApp Business Account
</Info>

When you click **Connect WhatsApp Number** on the [WhatsApp Numbers page](https://cx.plivo.com/whatsapp/numbers), Plivo asks how you want to onboard. Pick the path that matches the number you're bringing.

***

## Option 1: Connect your WhatsApp Business app

Link the WhatsApp Business app you already use on your phone. You continue to use the app as usual — Plivo connects to the same number so you can send and receive messages via API in addition to the app.

**Choose this when:** You run your business on the WhatsApp Business mobile app today and want to add API access without changing how you use the app.

***

## Option 2: Connect your own Number

Share your existing WhatsApp Business account with Plivo. You retain full access to your WhatsApp Business app and Meta Business Manager — Plivo is added as a Business Solution Provider (BSP) so you can use the API alongside your existing setup.

**Choose this when:** You already have a WABA with another BSP or directly with Meta, and you want to use Plivo's API without migrating away from your current setup.

***

## Option 3: Connect your Plivo Number

Use an existing Plivo number — or buy a new one — to create a fresh WhatsApp Business Account through Plivo. Plivo handles WABA creation and number registration through Meta's Embedded Signup.

**Choose this when:** You're starting fresh on WhatsApp and want Plivo to set up the WABA end-to-end.

***

## Next steps

After picking an option, follow the on-screen flow to complete onboarding. Once your number appears on the [Numbers page](/whatsapp/console/numbers-page) with status **Connected**, open the [Configure Number](/whatsapp/console/configure-number) panel to set your Webhook URL and (optionally) enable WhatsApp Calling.

***

## Related

* [WhatsApp Numbers Page](/whatsapp/console/numbers-page)
* [Configure Number](/whatsapp/console/configure-number)
* [WABA Onboarding](/messaging/concepts/whatsapp/waba-onboarding)
* [Prerequisites](/messaging/concepts/whatsapp/prerequisites)