WhatsApp AI agent setup: what you need

Step by step

1. 1A personal Facebook account

   Meta only lets real people log in. Use the account of the owner or manager who will stay with the business. It must be at least a few weeks old and have your real name; brand-new accounts are often blocked from creating a business portfolio. Turn on two-factor authentication first (Facebook Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security): Meta won't open Business Settings or WhatsApp Manager without it.

2. 2A Meta business portfolio

   Formerly called Business Manager. If you already run Facebook or Instagram ads you probably have one. If not, you can create it during the WhatsApp connection step, no need to do it in advance.

3. 3A phone number for the agent

   Any UAE mobile or landline that can receive an SMS or a voice call for the one-time code. It can be a new number, or the number you already use on the WhatsApp Business app (see the guide on using an existing number).

4. 4Your trade licence (PDF or photo)

   Needed for Meta business verification. The legal name and address on the licence must match what you type into Meta exactly.

5. 5A display name

   The name customers see on WhatsApp. It should be your brand name as it appears on your website or signage, for example "Glow Aesthetic Clinic".

6. 6A debit or credit card for Meta

   Replies to customers who message you first are free. Meta only charges for messages you start yourself (templates, such as reminders and offers), billed by Meta directly to your card.

Tips that save time

• Do the setup on a laptop or desktop in Chrome. Meta's business screens are hard to use on a phone.
• Add a second admin (a partner or manager) to your business portfolio so you never get locked out.