> For a complete index of all SignalWire documentation pages, fetch https://signalwire.com/docs/llms.txt

# WhatsApp messaging

> Send and receive WhatsApp messages from a Meta-verified business number through SignalWire, in early-access alpha.

SignalWire's WhatsApp integration lets you send and receive WhatsApp messages from a
Meta-verified business number using the same platform, APIs, and routing you already use for
SMS, MMS, and voice. Inbound and outbound messages are handled through the same
[Messaging API](/docs/platform/messaging), so WhatsApp becomes one more channel
alongside the ones you already run, with no third-party middleware required.

WhatsApp on SignalWire is in **early-access alpha**, enabled per Space. Request access below to join the alpha.

#### [Request early access](https://signalwire.typeform.com/to/EyPVZ1St)

WhatsApp access is gated at the Space level. Request access and the SignalWire team will enable the
feature for your Space.

## What's available today

During the alpha, the following is supported:

* **Inbound and outbound messaging** through the SignalWire Messaging API.
* **Messaging from a Meta-verified business number** that you connect through Meta's embedded
  signup flow.
* **Programmatic routing** of inbound messages to your application, just like SMS and MMS.

## Coming soon

The following capabilities are planned and are **not yet available**:

* Inbound and outbound WhatsApp **voice calls**, including routing to [AI Agents](/docs/platform/ai).
* **Messaging fallback** to SMS/MMS when WhatsApp delivery fails.
* **Message template management** from the SignalWire Dashboard.

## How it works

Customers reach your business through WhatsApp Ads or a Facebook call-to-action button, which
opens WhatsApp and starts a conversation with your Meta-verified business number. From there,
messages are handled programmatically like any other channel, with the
[Server SDKs](/docs/server-sdks), [SWML](/docs/swml), or [AI Agents](/docs/platform/ai).

## Prerequisites

To use WhatsApp messaging during the alpha, you need:

1. A **Meta Business Account**.
2. A **SignalWire Space** enabled for WhatsApp alpha access.
3. To **authorize the connection** between Meta and SignalWire through the embedded signup flow.

Once connected, your registered business number can be used for inbound and outbound messaging
and programmatic routing.

## Next steps

#### [Connect your WhatsApp business number](/docs/platform/messaging/whatsapp/onboarding)

Walk through Meta's embedded signup to connect a business number to your SignalWire Space.