WhatsApp setup

This is the initial setup for the number where your Trama agent will live. The process happens inside Trama, but the pop-up window you see belongs to Meta. You'll log in with Facebook, choose or create your Business Portfolio, and verify the number by SMS or call.

What you need

• A new phone number (recommended) or an existing number you want to dedicate to the agent
• A personal Facebook account (for verification)
• Ability to receive an SMS or call on that number at that moment
• 10-15 minutes

Before you start

• Use a dedicated number. It's the simplest approach. You avoid disrupting your current WhatsApp and the agent stays isolated from your daily operation.
• You don't need another permanent device. The SIM or eSIM is only used to receive the verification code. Afterwards, the number stays connected to Meta's cloud.
• If you already use that number on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, prepare to migrate it. Meta may ask you to unlink it from the app before completing the connection. If you don't want to touch your current number, use a new one.
• Have your basic business details handy. Business name, website or Instagram, and category. Meta usually asks for them during onboarding.

Step by step

1. Get a new number

Buy a new prepaid SIM from any carrier. The cheapest one you can find. You only need it to receive a verification code. After that, you don't need the physical SIM anymore (the number lives in the cloud).

SIM cost: approximately $2-3 USD.

2. Activate the SIM

Put it in any phone, make sure it can receive an SMS, and remove it. You don't need to install it in your main phone.

3. Go to Trama and click "Connect WhatsApp"

From the Trama platform, click "Connect WhatsApp". A Meta pop-up window will open. If your browser blocks pop-ups, enable them and try again.

4. Log in with Facebook

Meta asks you to log in with your personal Facebook account. This doesn't post anything to your profile. It's only used to confirm your identity and let you manage your business assets.

5. Create or choose your Business Portfolio

If you already have a Meta business account, choose it. If you don't have one, Meta guides you to create it right then. It's free.

At this point you'll typically see fields like:

• Business name
• Website or business profile
• Country or time zone
• Business category

6. Create the WhatsApp Business account

Meta will ask you to confirm the display name for the WhatsApp account and some basic company details. That name is what gets associated with the agent's number.

Practical tip: use a clear name that's recognizable to travelers, for example `Roma Travels` or `Roma Travel Agency`.

7. Enter the number

Type the number with country code. For the US, it's typically `+1`. Double-check it before continuing. If the number was already in another WhatsApp Business Platform account, Meta may stop you until it's been released.

8. Choose how to receive the code

Meta usually offers verification by SMS or by call. Choose whichever option is easier for you at that moment. If the SMS doesn't arrive quickly, wait a bit before resending to avoid blocking the attempt.

9. Enter the verification code

Enter the 6-digit code Meta sent you. If everything goes well, the number gets linked and Trama completes the connection automatically.

10. Return to Trama and wait for confirmation

When the Meta window closes or shows that the process is complete, go back to Trama. The platform should show you the connected number, ready to start receiving conversations.

What you'll see inside the Meta window

Although it may vary slightly depending on your country or if you already have assets created, the flow is usually this:

1. Facebook login.
2. Permissions screen for Trama to manage the WhatsApp connection.
3. Selection or creation of the Business Portfolio.
4. WhatsApp Business account registration.
5. Number entry and verification.
6. Final confirmation screen.

If any screen doesn't match exactly, that's fine. The important thing is to follow the flow until Meta confirms the number and you return to Trama.

Common errors and how to fix them

The pop-up doesn't open

Your browser probably blocked the pop-up. Enable pop-ups for `trama.so` and click "Connect WhatsApp" again.

The number is already on WhatsApp

That number might be active on WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business. If you want to use it in Trama, Meta may ask you to migrate it. If you don't want to touch that number, the simplest solution is to use a new one.

The SMS doesn't arrive

Check that the SIM has signal and that the number is correctly entered with the country code. If the SMS doesn't come in, try the voice call option.

The Meta window closes and Trama doesn't change

Close the screen, refresh, and check if the number got connected. If it doesn't appear, try again once. If it fails again, contact our support and we'll check at what step the onboarding got stuck.

Meta asks for business details and I don't know what to enter

Fill in your agency's actual details. Business name, website, Instagram or commercial Facebook page, and general category are enough to move forward in most cases.

Questions about setup

Will I lose my current number? No. If you use a new number, your current number keeps working on your phone as always. The new number is exclusively for the agent.

Can I use my current number? Technically yes, but that number would stop working in the WhatsApp app on your phone. We don't recommend it unless you have a number you don't use for anything else.

Do I need a computer? For the setup process, yes. Afterwards, everything can be managed from your phone or from Mission Control on any device.

Do I need a Meta Business Portfolio? If you don't have one, the connection process guides you to create it. It's free and takes a few minutes.

Does Meta approve the number immediately? In general, yes. The key part is verifying the number by SMS or call. Some profile or quality reviews may happen afterwards, but that usually doesn't prevent the initial connection.