Plans: Enterprise users with WhatsApp service subscription Platforms: All platforms
Overview
The WhatsApp sender info feature allows you to connect your WhatsApp Business account to send WhatsApp notifications with your branding. This setup involves linking your account through a Facebook Login for Business process. Once connected, you can send branded WhatsApp notifications to your customers directly from the AfterShip platform.
Demo
Accessing the WhatsApp sender info setup
To begin setting up your WhatsApp sender information:
Navigate to Settings in your AfterShip Tracking admin.
Select Email and SMS.
Click WhatsApp sender info (Connect your WhatsApp Business account to send WhatsApp notifications with your branding).
On the WhatsApp sender info page, click Set up account next to the WhatsApp Business account option.
Step-by-step account connection
Step 1: Initial phone number selection
A pop-up window titled Set up WhatsApp business account will appear.
Select the phone number you want to use for your WhatsApp Business account, including the country code.
The phone number you use must be validated later using a text message or phone call.
Step 2: Facebook login and authentication
The setup uses Facebook Login for Business.
Log in using your Facebook account.
Confirm by clicking Continue as [User Name].
Step 3: Granting connection permissions
You must grant permissions to connect your WhatsApp account to AfterShip.
AfterShip uses Twilio, Inc. to provide end-to-end WhatsApp messaging services.
By continuing, you are granting permissions to AfterShip and Twilio, Inc., including access to manage messaging services.
Step 4: Filling in business information
Provide or select your business details:
Select an existing Business portfolio or create a new one (This information will not be visible on your WhatsApp profile.)
Enter your Business name
Provide your Business website or profile page
Select your Country
Add a business address (optional)
Step 5: Selecting or creating a WhatsApp Business account and profile
Next, select or create a WhatsApp Business account associated with your business portfolio.
Choose a WhatsApp Business account (for example, create a new one).
Choose to create or select a WhatsApp Business profile.
Optionally, allow Meta to automatically identify order and lead events.
If you create a new WhatsApp Business profile, you must provide:
WhatsApp Business account name
WhatsApp Business display name (This must match your business name and follow WhatsApp display name guidelines.)
Business category that best describes your company
Step 6: Adding and verifying your WhatsApp phone number
You must choose how your business is identified when sending messages.
Option | Description | AfterShip Supported |
Use a display name only | Messages show only a display name. Meta assigns a virtual number in the backend. Additional registration and verification are required. | No. Do not choose this option |
Add a new number | Messages initially show the phone number. After Meta Business Verification is completed, the display name will appear in chats. | Yes |
If you add a new number, enter the 5-digit verification code sent to that number to complete verification
Step 7: Final access confirmation and connection
You will be asked to confirm the AfterShip Platform Messages’ access request again. This allows AfterShip to:
Manage WhatsApp accounts
Manage and access conversations
Log events and send them to Meta on your behalf
To complete the setup:
Click Confirm
Wait while the system connects your account (this may take a few moments)
Once completed, you will see the following message:
You’re now ready to chat with people on WhatsApp.
Post-setup status and review process
After setup, your WhatsApp sender may initially appear as Inactive.
Activation may take up to 10 minutes after setup.
Once activation is complete and no connection issues are detected, the status will automatically change to Active.
FAQs
1. Why does my WhatsApp sender show as Inactive after setup?
This is normal. Activation can take up to 10 minutes after completing the setup process.
2. Do I need to pay Meta or Twilio separately?
No. You only pay AfterShip according to your existing contract. No additional out-of-contract charges will occur.
3. Can I use a display name without a phone number?
No. This option is not supported by AfterShip and should not be selected during setup.
4. When will my display name appear instead of the phone number?
Once Meta Business Verification and Business Manager verification are completed, the display name will appear in WhatsApp chat lists and threads.
5. Do customers see my business portfolio information?
No. Business portfolio information is not visible on your WhatsApp profile.
Key takeaways
The WhatsApp sender info feature enables branded WhatsApp notifications through AfterShip.
The setup requires a Facebook Login for Business and a WhatsApp Business account connection.
You must always choose Add a new number when selecting sender identification.
Phone number verification is mandatory to establish a connection.
Initial sender status may be Inactive for up to 10 minutes after setup.
No additional billing applies beyond your AfterShip Enterprise contract.