Meta Platform Credentials
Connecting a Meta platform is like handing over your keys at a hotel valet — instead of copying down a long code, you just show who you are once and Meta takes care of the rest. Meta platform credentials let you connect WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Meta Ads by signing in with your Facebook account, like "Log in with Facebook" on other websites. You pick the page or account you want, and Nirvai sets up the connection for you behind the scenes.
A credential is the saved sign-in details Nirvai uses to act on your behalf with another service.
Image: The credential templates page highlighting the four Meta platform options
Before you start
- A Facebook account that manages the page or account you want to connect (you need admin access, not just a viewer role)
- For Instagram: an Instagram Business or Creator account that's linked to a Facebook Page
- For Meta Ads: access to at least one ad account in Meta Business Suite
- Pop-ups allowed in your browser — the Facebook sign-in opens in a small pop-up window
Meta credentials are used for tools, not channels. If you want customers to chat with your agent on WhatsApp or Instagram, use Channel exports in the Agent Control Panel instead.
How Meta credentials are different
With most other credentials, you go to a service's website, copy a private code, and paste it into Nirvai. Meta credentials skip all of that — you sign in with Facebook and pick your page.
| Most credentials | Meta credentials |
|---|---|
| You copy codes by hand | You sign in with your Facebook account |
| You fill in technical settings | Nirvai sets everything up for you |
| Works with many services | Only for WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Meta Ads |
There's no developer console to figure out — you log in, pick your page or account, and you're done.
Supported platforms
| Platform | What it connects | What you select |
|---|---|---|
| Your WhatsApp Business number | Your phone number | |
| Your Instagram Business account | The Facebook Page linked to your Instagram | |
| Messenger | Your Facebook Page's messages | Your Facebook Page |
| Meta Ads | Your ads and lead forms | Your ad account, then a Facebook Page |
Step-by-step
The steps are the same across all four platforms, with small differences in what you select.
- Go to Credentials from the sidebar.
- Click "+ New Credential".
- In the template picker, choose the Meta platform you want to connect (WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, or Meta Ads).
Image: Selecting a Meta platform from the credential templates
- Give the credential a clear name so you can find it later — for example, "Main WhatsApp Line" or "Marketing Instagram".
- Click "Start Setup" to open the Facebook sign-in pop-up, then sign in with the Facebook account that manages your page or account.
Image: Facebook Login popup showing permission requests
Sign in with a Facebook account that has admin access to the page or account you want to connect. If your page isn't in the list, you most likely don't have the right access.
- After signing in, pick the page or account you want to connect:
- WhatsApp — your phone number is picked up automatically during sign-up
- Instagram — choose the Facebook Page linked to your Instagram Business account
- Messenger — choose the Facebook Page you want to receive messages for
- Meta Ads — choose your ad account first, then choose a Facebook Page (used for lead forms)
Image: Selecting a Facebook Page from the available pages list
- That's it — your credential is saved and ready to attach to tools.
Image: Setup complete confirmation screen
Platform-specific details
WhatsApp
WhatsApp uses Meta's own sign-up flow, which is slightly different from the others. During the Facebook sign-in pop-up, you'll go through WhatsApp Business sign-up, where Meta sets up your phone number and your WhatsApp Business account.
Requirements:
- A Facebook Business account
- A phone number not already used with WhatsApp
Instagram
Instagram connects through a Facebook Page that's linked to your Instagram Business or Creator account.
Requirements:
- A Facebook Page linked to your Instagram Business account
- Admin access to that Facebook Page
If your Instagram account isn't listed, make sure it's switched to a Business or Creator account and linked to a Facebook Page in your Instagram settings.
Messenger
Messenger connects directly to a Facebook Page. Messages people send your page on Messenger become available to tools that use this credential.
Requirements:
- A Facebook Page
- Admin access to that page
Meta Ads
Meta Ads asks you to pick two things — your ad account (for managing ads) and a Facebook Page (for lead forms).
Requirements:
- A Meta Ads account with at least one ad account
- A Facebook Page (for lead form access)
- Admin access to both
Using Meta credentials with tools
Once your Meta credential is saved, you can attach it to tools in your agent's setup. When you pick a Meta-type tool (like "Send WhatsApp Message" or "Get Instagram Comments"), the credential selector shows only your saved Meta credentials for the right platform.
The tool gets everything it needs from the credential automatically — you don't have to fill in anything else.
Learn more in Using Credentials with Tools.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| My page isn't in the list | Make sure you have admin access to the page, and that the page is published (not a draft) |
| My Instagram account isn't listed | Switch it to a Business or Creator account and link it to a Facebook Page |
| The Facebook sign-in pop-up was blocked | Allow pop-ups from Nirvai in your browser settings |
| "Insufficient permissions" error | Start the setup again and approve all the requested permissions during Facebook sign-in |
| My Meta Ads account isn't listed | Check that you have access to at least one ad account in Meta Business Suite |
What's next
After connecting, continue to Using Credentials with Tools to put your new credential to work.