WhatsApp Prerequisites
Prepare your Meta Business account and WhatsApp Business API before connecting your number to Trochai.
WhatsApp Prerequisites
Before connecting your WhatsApp number to Trochai, you need to have your Meta Business account ready. This guide helps you prepare everything so the connection is quick and smooth.
If you use the embedded signup (recommended) when connecting WhatsApp in Trochai, several of these steps are completed automatically. However, it's important to understand the requirements to avoid issues.
What you need
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Meta Business Manager account | Business account at business.facebook.com |
| Business verification | Meta requires your business to be verified to use the WhatsApp Business API |
| Facebook account with admin role | The Facebook account you use must have an Administrator role in your Business Manager |
| Phone number | A number not currently registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App |
Step 1: Create a Meta Business Manager account
If you don't have a Meta Business Manager account yet:
Go to business.facebook.com
Open business.facebook.com and sign in with your personal Facebook account.
Create business account
Click Create Account and enter:
- Your business name (e.g., "ABC Real Estate")
- Your full name
- Business email address
Confirm the email you'll receive.
Complete business information
In your Business Manager settings, add:
- Business address
- Contact phone number
- Website (if you have one)
Step 2: Verify your business on Meta
Meta requires business verification to access the WhatsApp Business API. This is the most important step and can take 1 to 5 business days.
Start verification
In your Business Manager, go to Settings > Security Center and click Start Verification.
Provide documentation
Meta will ask for documents that prove your business legally exists. Accepted documents include:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Business license or commercial permit
- Utility bill in the company's name
- Business bank statement
Upload a clear and legible document.
Verify domain or phone
Meta will send a verification code via email, phone, or DNS to your business domain. Complete the verification by following the instructions.
Wait for approval
The verification process can take 1 to 5 business days. You'll receive an email notification when approved.
You can check the status in Settings > Security Center of your Business Manager.
Don't skip this step. Without business verification, you won't be able to send messages through the WhatsApp Business API. If you use Trochai's embedded signup, the channel will connect but you won't be able to send messages until your business is verified.
Common rejection reasons
- Illegible documents: Make sure documents are clear and up to date.
- Name mismatch: The name on the documents must match your Business Manager name.
- Incomplete information: Complete all business information before submitting.
If your application is rejected, you can submit a new one with corrected documentation.
Step 3: Prepare your phone number
The number you connect to Trochai must meet these requirements:
- Must not be registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App. If you currently use the WhatsApp Business app with that number, you'll need to unlink it first.
- Must be able to receive SMS or calls for verification.
- Can be a landline or mobile number.
- International numbers are supported (any country code).
Important: When migrating a number from WhatsApp Business App to the API, you'll lose access to the app with that number. All messages will be managed exclusively from Trochai. Message history from the app does not transfer.
If you need a new number
If you don't want to migrate your current number, you can get a new number from your phone carrier. You only need to be able to receive the verification code via SMS or call once.
Step 4: Assign correct roles in Business Manager
The Facebook account you use to connect WhatsApp to Trochai must have the Administrator role in your Meta Business Manager.
To verify or assign the role:
- Go to business.facebook.com
- Navigate to Settings > People
- Find your account and verify it has the Administrator role
- If you need to add someone, click Add People and invite them with the admin role
Checklist before connecting
Use this list to confirm everything is ready:
- Meta Business Manager account created
- Business verification approved (or in progress)
- Facebook account with Administrator role in Business Manager
- Phone number available (not registered on WhatsApp)
- Access to the number to receive SMS/call verification code
Official Meta resources
For detailed information directly from Meta:
- WhatsApp Cloud API Get Started Guide — Official Meta documentation for setting up the API.
- Meta Business Verification — Meta's step-by-step guide for verifying your business.
- WhatsApp Business Platform FAQ — Answers to common questions about the platform.
Next step
Once you have everything ready, proceed to connect your WhatsApp number to Trochai.