Getting started
Three things have to be in place before a message can go out: a Tobachat account, a WhatsApp Business account connected to us, and 1 approved template. Here's exactly who does what.
What to have ready
You connect through Embedded Signup, Meta's own sign-up flow. We can open it for you, but we can't fill it in: it's about your business and your accounts. Have this ready.
- A Facebook Business portfolio, previously called Business Manager. You can create one during sign-up if you don't have it yet.
- Your company name, address, and website URL. Meta asks for these and won't let you past without them.
- A phone number that isn't tied to a WhatsApp account yet. If your number is currently in the WhatsApp Business app, disconnect it there first.
- Access to that number by SMS or voice call, for the verification code.
- A display name for your business. That's what customers see instead of your number.
This part we can't take off your hands: you attach a payment method to your own WhatsApp Business account at Meta. Without a payment method Meta will still approve your templates, but it won't deliver your messages.
From nothing to your first message
- 1
Your account
Sign up for the free trial. No credit card needed. The first time you log in, you accept our anti-spam policy. You can't connect a WhatsApp account until you do. Prefer to leave the setup to us? We'll create your organization for you.
- 2
Connect WhatsApp
Open Meta's sign-up flow from Settings. Pick or create a business portfolio and a WhatsApp Business account, then verify your phone number. The number then shows up in your dashboard.
- 3
Register the number
A connected number can't send yet. Settings shows whether each number is registered. If it isn't, register it there with 1 click.
- 4
Payment method at Meta
You arrange this in your own Meta Business account, not with us. See the note above for why.
- 5
Your first template
Go to Templates, pick a category, and write the text. Meta usually reviews it within a few minutes, though it can take longer.
- 6
Add contacts
By hand, or from a CSV file. During import you say which column holds the phone number and whether the contact gave consent.
- 7
Send
A campaign sends 1 approved template to the contacts you select. Send a test to your own number first, so you see exactly what the customer gets.
What you do yourself, and what we can take over
You connect your WhatsApp Business account yourself through Meta's sign-up flow. Everything stays yours: the business portfolio, WhatsApp Business account, and phone number are registered to your company, and you can always access them in Meta's WhatsApp Manager.
Short on time? We'll handle the connection for you, including your first templates. You're still not locked in: if you switch providers, you keep your number and your approved templates.
When connecting goes wrong
Two things trip people up most. Your number is still attached to the WhatsApp Business app: disconnect it there and try again. Or you get a permissions error right after signing up. Meta needs a few seconds to propagate the new permissions, and a second attempt usually works.
Still stuck? Message us through Help and feedback in the dashboard.