This page describes step-by-step how to connect a WhatsApp Business App number to Alcmeon in “Coexistence” mode. The connection involves two people: the Alcmeon administrator (on a computer) and the advisor who owns the number (using their phone with the WhatsApp Business application installed).

Prerequisites

Before you begin, check the following points:

1. The number is already active on the WhatsApp Business app (it's not a new number). Meta checks the number's eligibility: account age, quality history, and the number's country.
   • If the advisor currently uses the "personal" WhatsApp application with their work number: first install the WhatsApp Business App on their phone while keeping the existing number (the migration option is available within the app), then create a business profile (name, hours, description). The advisor can then continue using the application as usual.
     Warning: a newly migrated account may not be immediately eligible to connect to Alcmeon.
2. The WhatsApp Business app is up to date with the latest version on the advisor's phone.
3. The advisor is available by phone throughout the connection (approximately 10 to 15 minutes). Two actions must be performed using the app: confirmation and scanning a QR code. The connection can be made remotely (video conference with screen sharing), but the QR code expires after a few minutes: ensure you have a high-quality screen sharing connection.
4. You have an Administrator profile in your Business Portfolio Meta and Administrator permission in Alcmeon.
5. The option to share conversation history (up to 6 months) is offered to the advisor during the scan. Decide on your position beforehand, in consultation with your Data Protection Officer (DPO). Note: this option applies to sharing on the Meta platform; history prior to login is not included in Alcmeon (see the Functioning and Limitations page).
6. Notify the advisor: after logging in, some features of their application will be disabled by Meta (ephemeral messages, "view once," live location, message editing/deletion, read-only mailing lists). Details are available on the Functionality and Limitations page.

Login procedure - who does what

Administrator in Alcmeon - Launch the connection

From Settings / Accounts, click on "Connect an account" in the top right corner, then choose "WhatsApp Business App".

The administrator in Alcmeon - Follow the Meta connection flow

Log in with your Meta profile (Facebook Administrator credentials) and grant the requested permissions. Warning: once the Meta window is open, do not click outside of it, or you will have to log in again.

Select your Business Portfolio, then the target WABA (WhatsApp Business Account):

A QR code will appear. Show it to the advisor (in person or via screen sharing). It expires after a few minutes but can be regenerated.

The advisor in his WhatsApp Business application

The advisor receives a message in their WhatsApp Business application, containing a confirmation code and a button to scan the QR code.

From his application, the advisor confirms the request, scans the QR code, then chooses whether to allow the sharing of his conversation history.

Administrator in Alcmeon - Finalizing the Meta connection flow

The administrator sets the account's time zone and then validates the connection by entering a code received on the phone number associated with the Facebook account. It is essential to click the "Finish" button in the final step to complete the connection. The account and channel then appear in Alcmeon, without any interruption of service. 
 

The connection is complete: the channel and account are created in Alcmeon. The number remains fully usable in the advisor's application – no service interruption, no number change.

Verification (administrator + advisor)

Perform an end-to-end test:

1. Send a message to the number from a third-party phone: it should appear in the Alcmeon inbox.
2. Reply from Alcmeon: the answer should appear in the advisor's application.
3. Reply from the advisor's phone: the reply should appear in the Alcmeon conversation.

In case of a problem

• Ineligible number: Meta determines eligibility (age, quality, country). A newly created number may not be immediately eligible. Do not delete or re-register the number: this resets its age.
• QR code expired: simply restart the QR code display and scan it again.
• Number already used on the WhatsApp Business API by another partner: contact Alcmeon support.