I’m having problems and confusion regarding the creation of credentials for WhatsApp Business nodes, especially in creating the credential for the node used to send messages.
I configured my business account, portfolio, and created the app in Meta Developers, exactly as shown in the video (I also added the privacy policy URL to enable production mode).
According to the video, I should see a section called “API setup,” but instead, I see “API tests.”
Apparently, according to the video, I should see an option to create a permanent token, but instead, I’m given a temporary 60-minute token.
I can’t add a phone number other than the test one; I can only use the test number.
These are the limitations of the Quick Start or Test Environment provided by Meta, that is why you are restricted to a temporary token and a test phone number.
You need to change from the Test/Development environment to the Live/Production environment by generating a System User Access Token. And you need to verify your own phone number.
Your confusion is completely understandable; you are running into issues because the video you are following shows an outdated Meta interface. The token generated in that video is also only a limited access token.
The good news is that Meta has streamlined the path for new applications, and the solution to your problems is now directly located under the Configuration tab of your Meta App.
1. Solving Credential Problems
You need a Permanent Access Token and a validated Phone Number. The first two steps you see in your new Configuration interface (as shown below) are the ones you need to complete:
To get a token that will not expire, Meta directs you to use a System User within your Business Portfolio (Meta Business Manager).
Simple steps to follow in Business Manager:
Create a System User with the Admin role.
Assign Assets: Give this user access to your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
Assign Permissions: Ensure the user has, at minimum, the permissions for whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management.
Generate the Token: Use this System User to generate the token. This is the long-lived token you must use in your n8n credentials.
B. Adding Your Phone Number (Validation)
To be able to use a real phone number (and not just the test number) in your App:
Use the option “Create a WhatsApp Business Account” in the Configuration tab.
Follow the process to register your number.
Validation Required: After registration, Meta must validate the number (it may take up to 48 hours).
Check Status: The validation status of your number and your WhatsApp Business Account is checked through the WhatsApp Manager within your Meta Business Manager.
I’m currently at step 3, which, according to your explanation, is assigning permissions. I have a few questions.
I see that you added your application . Do I need to add it now, or do I configure that after the other steps? (I asked chatgpt if I had to add it, and they said no, which confused me.)
In step 4, you mentioned generating a token. Is that the meta for devs section? (I went there, but I don’t see the option to generate a permanent token. I assume it’s because I have to add the application to my system user, but I’d prefer to ask you before doing so.)
Regarding point 2 related to WABA, it seems I had one created called: Test WhatsApp Business Account. I don’t remember creating it, but I suppose it’s a default one. I used that one; is that okay?
I’d really like to know this so I can move forward. :DD
Thank you for responding and giving me a quick tutorial, but there are certain internal settings that I don’t know how to configure and that’s where I’m having problems. If you think you could explain it to me in a more specific way, that would be more helpful.
Solving Credential Problems
