How to set up WhatsApp marketing in Klaviyo step by step
30 Oct 2026 · 4 min read
Based on our video from 18 February 2026
Starting the WhatsApp setup in Klaviyo
To get WhatsApp running inside your Klaviyo account, head straight into your settings. Click your account name in the bottom-left corner of the Klaviyo dashboard, select Settings, and click WhatsApp. From there, hit the button to begin the setup wizard.
Klaviyo will immediately ask you how your brand currently handles WhatsApp. You will see three distinct options:
My business does not use WhatsApp: Choose this if you are starting fresh with no previous WhatsApp marketing footprint.
Third-party platform: Select this if you currently run WhatsApp campaigns through an external provider.
WhatsApp Business app: Pick this if you have been managing customer messages manually via the phone app.
If you are starting clean, select the first option. The workflow changes based on what you choose here, so pick the one that accurately matches your store's current setup.
Choosing your phone number configuration
Once you select your starting point, Klaviyo gives you two routes for your sending number. You can either use a Meta-provided virtual number or register a dedicated phone number that you own.
A Meta-provided number requires no upfront setup and works directly inside the wizard. However, choosing a display name only with a virtual number comes with a major catch: you cannot initiate or receive inbound phone calls or two-way text conversations. You can broadcast outbound messages, but you cannot have back-and-forth customer support chats.
If you choose to register your own phone number, that number must be capable of receiving phone calls or text messages right away. Meta will send a one-time verification code by voice or SMS during the process. Keep in mind that a phone number cannot be linked to two separate WhatsApp business providers at the same time.
Display name approvals usually take roughly 1 working day. That part is straightforward.
Connecting your Meta business assets
Because WhatsApp is owned by Meta, you must link your Facebook business assets directly to Klaviyo. When prompted, click Connect to WhatsApp, and a Meta login window will pop up.
You must be logged into the Facebook account that holds admin access to your company's Facebook Page and Meta Business Manager. If you are an agency marketer setting this up for a client, make sure they give you the appropriate business permissions beforehand. If they prefer not to share admin rights, have them log in and complete this single authorization screen themselves.
Select your Meta business profile from the dropdown list. If you do not have an existing WhatsApp business account inside Meta, the wizard will prompt you to generate one on the spot. Confirm your business details, assign your display name, and proceed to the final confirmation screen.
The 24-hour sending limit and why verification matters
Once your number is connected, Klaviyo will show that your account is active, but you are not ready for full campaign volume yet. Unverified accounts are restricted to just 5 messages within any rolling 24-hour period.
That is practically useless for real marketing.
If you plan to send abandoned cart flows or broadcast campaigns, 5 messages per day will not move the needle. To unlock normal volume tiers, your business must pass official Meta verification. Klaviyo cannot verify your business for you; this step has to be completed manually inside Meta's backend.
If you leave the account sitting without completing verification, Meta can take up to 30 days to review your details, or they might simply leave you stranded in limbo.
Completing business verification inside Meta
Klaviyo's documentation often suggests navigating directly to WhatsApp Business Manager, but finding that specific screen inside Meta's constantly changing interface can be frustrating. The most reliable path is through your Meta Ads Manager settings.
Head into your Meta Business settings, navigate to WhatsApp Manager, and open the Settings tab on the left-hand navigation bar. Look for the Security Centre section. Inside the Security Centre, you will locate the official Business Verification panel.
Click Start Verification and provide your exact legal business details:
Official registered business name
Physical company address
Business phone number
Official company email address and website URL
Meta's interface can be remarkably stubborn when matching company domains and legal documents. You will likely need to upload official documentation, such as your certificate of incorporation or tax registration papers. Once submitted, Meta will process your verification, which will then automatically sync back to your Klaviyo WhatsApp status.
Final Thoughts
Setting up WhatsApp in Klaviyo gives you an incredible retention channel, but the Meta verification step is where most brands stall out. Do not wait until you want to launch a campaign to connect your account. Complete the business verification early so your sending tiers are unlocked and ready to perform.
Need a hand with your messaging channels?
If you want help configuring your retention stack or building high-converting automations across email, SMS, and WhatsApp, take a look at our Klaviyo account setup service to see how the team at In-box can get your store set up the right way.
