WhatsApp Integration & Usage (Beta)

Status: This feature is in beta and improving continuously.

Availability: If you don’t see Connect to WhatsApp in Zooza, either (a) your plan doesn’t include the integration or (b) WhatsApp Business Platform isn’t enabled for your account. In both cases, contact us and we’ll help.

What you’ll need

A Facebook (Meta) Business Account with admin rights.
A phone number to dedicate to WhatsApp Business Platform (API).
Note: A number connected to the API cannot be used in the standard WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile app at the same time. Many brands keep two numbers: one for Zooza automation & threads, one for manual mobile chats.

Connect WhatsApp to Zooza (step-by-step)

Open WhatsApp settings in Zooza
In the app, go to Communication → WhatsApp.
Click “Connect to WhatsApp”
This starts Meta’s guided connection flow in a new window.

3. Complete Meta’s connection flow

Make sure you are logged into Facebook as a Business Admin who can manage the Business Account. Then follow the prompts:

Continue as you → Connect as you
Select Business: choose the correct Business Account and (if asked) the Page/portfolio you’ll use.
Business details: choose the business name and country for the franchise/company.
WhatsApp profile: set the display name (or select an existing WhatsApp profile/number).

If using an existing number, it must be disconnected from all other apps (including the WhatsApp Business mobile app). One number ↔ one platform.
Choose category (e.g., Education).
Add new phone number (if needed) and complete verification (SMS/voice code).
Confirm and wait—connection can take a few minutes. Do not close the window.

4. Return to Zooza

Go back to the Communication → WhatsApp screen and refresh. You should see Status: Done.

5. Create your PIN

Set a 6-digit PIN and save it. Meta may request this PIN later for security actions in Business Manager.

6. Verify status

Confirm that Zooza shows your connected number and status as active.

Verify your Business with Meta

Business verification unlocks more templates and higher free message volumes.

Do this in Facebook Business Manager:

https://business.facebook.com/latest/settings/business_info

How WhatsApp works in Zooza

1) Conversations

From now on, when a parent messages your connected number, the conversation appears in Zooza App → Messages → WhatsApp → Conversations.
A parent message opens a 24-hour window where your team can reply freely from within Zooza.
Each reply from either side extends the window by another 24 hours.

2) Templates

After business verification, Zooza submits a set of official WhatsApp templates (e.g., login, confirmations, reminders, changes, payments) for Meta approval.
Once approved, Zooza will automatically use them for system events.
You can edit wording and languages; newly edited templates must be re-approved.
Manage in Zooza App → Messages → WhatsApp → Templates.

3) Broadcasts / Mass messaging (in development)

Sending approved templates to a larger audience (e.g., term announcements) is possible but under construction in the UI.
Treat broadcasts as marketing; follow Meta rules and local regulations.

Compliance & Best-Practice Tips

Use helpful, expected messages. Time-sensitive updates (reminders, changes, login codes) work best on WhatsApp. Longer documents and policy info are often better via email. Zooza can send both.
Respect the 24-hour window. Outside the window, you must use an approved template to re-engage.
Don’t spam. Keep broadcasts relevant and spaced. Consider opt-in where required by local law.
Choose your number strategy.
- API number (Zooza) = automation, logging, permissions, audit trail.
- Optional second number = ad-hoc mobile chats (if your ops require it).
Brand & privacy. Messages link back to your website/Parent Portal. Zooza keeps a log for auditing and GDPR purposes.
Pricing & limits. Zooza charges for the integration feature, not per message. Meta grants free volumes up to certain tiers; higher tiers follow Meta policy.

Troubleshooting

“Connect to WhatsApp” button missing
Your plan may not include WhatsApp, or it isn’t enabled on your account. Contact us to enable.
“Not an admin” or can’t select Business
Ask your Facebook org owner to grant you Business Admin rights for the correct Business Account.
Number already in use
Disconnect the number from all other platforms (including the WhatsApp Business mobile app) before connecting to the API.
Template approval delays
Meta review can take time. Keep copy clear and compliant. You can switch language variants after approval.
No messages arriving
Verify: connection status in Zooza, Business verification, template approval, and that you’re messaging from/to the connected number.

FAQ

Do parents need to install an app?
No. They receive WhatsApp messages and follow links to your website/Parent Portal.

Can we choose which events send on WhatsApp?
Core touchpoints are pre-wired and also send email. You can edit template content/language; triggers are fixed for consistency.

Can we keep using our mobile WhatsApp Business app on the same number?
No. An API-connected number cannot be used in the mobile app. Many brands use two numbers (automation vs. ad-hoc mobile).

How do we increase message limits?
Complete Business Verification in Facebook Business Manager to unlock higher tiers.

Summary

Communication → WhatsApp → Connect
Finish Meta flow (admin rights, business, number, verify code)
Back to Zooza, refresh, status Done
Set and remember your PIN
Verify business in Facebook for higher limits
Use Conversations and Templates in Zooza to operate WhatsApp at scale

If you need help at any step, ping us—our team can check your setup and guide you through Business Verification.