# WhatsApp Channel Activation

As soon as you have followed the steps to [request a WhatsApp Channel, ](https://docs.messagebird.com/connectivity-platform/getting-started/whatsapp-business-step-by-step-onboarding)you can proceed with your channel activation. The Whatsapp channel activation can be done in two ways:

* Through the [Channels tab](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/channels/whatsapp) of your MessageBird Dashboard.
* Through a phone call, if you are using a MessageBird Virtual Mobile Number (VMN). 

 

**Whatsapp Channel Activation through MessageBird Dashboard**

 1\. Go to the [**Channels** tab](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/channels/whatsapp) of your MessageBird Dashboard and click on your **Whatsapp** channel.

<figure><img src="/files/VHxD2BXUHvBd80svb6ya" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. After you’ve selected **WhatsApp**, under ‘My channels’, you should see a button that reads ‘Activate Channel’.<br>

3\. Click on this button to trigger a prompt where you will select **SMS**, followed by **Send code.**&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/nTwdvDbJhSqm1TOseZPy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4\. When you receive the code, input it in the prompt dialogue. You should then wait up to 20 minutes for your channel to be activated. <br>

&#x20;

**Whatsapp Channel Activation through a Phone Call**

If you are using a MessageBird VMN, you’ll be required to verify the phone number so that you can activate the account. To do so, you’ll need to forward the verification code call to a phone number to which you have access, by following the steps below:&#x20;

1\. Go to **Flow Builder**, scroll down to **Templates**, and select the **Forward Call** template.

<figure><img src="/files/dKChcHVEvwNsdBFVIitv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Fill in the phone number information in the **Phone Call** step. Then, populate the ‘Forward to number’ field in **Forward Call** and, if necessary, set up the step’s additional options. If you need further information on how to do this, please check our ['Forwarding Call’ article. ](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001844337-Forwarding-Call)

<figure><img src="/files/BdyxbAl0ectsb56Nnl4Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3\. Once you have set up and published the flow, go back to **Channels** → **Whatsapp** and click on **Activate Channel**.<br>

4\. Choose **Phone call** on the activation prompt, followed by **Send Code**. By doing this, the ‘Forward Call’ flow you have just created will be executed, and a verification code will be sent to your MessageBird WhatsApp number and forwarded to the setup number via a phone call. <br>

5\. Enter the activation code, and click on **Activate channel**. You’ll then need to wait up to 20 minutes for your channel to be activated.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/k9rGW3Xd9Otu1HANWbRs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6\. When the process is complete, the activation status changes from ‘Pending’ to ‘Added’. Your channel is ready to be used, and it will look like this: <br>

<figure><img src="/files/A5lbcWkHCEVzlPJjbhBC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you face any difficulties, please take a look at our [Whatsapp Channel Activation FAQ ](/connectivity-platform/getting-started/whatsapp-channel-activation-faqs.md)article, or feel free to reach out to our [support team](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/requests/new). We will be happy to help!

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