Self-onboarding
Set up Ara44 Workforce on your own
From account creation to a connected WhatsApp Business number — follow these steps in order. Most businesses finish in one sitting.
Before you sign up — have these ready
You can create your Ara44 account anytime, but connecting WhatsApp goes faster if you prepare:
- A WhatsApp Business phone number — either an existing number already on the WhatsApp Business app(recommended for shops already chatting with customers), or a new number you can verify with SMS/voice. Do not delete your WhatsApp account to "start fresh" on Meta unless the number is not a whatsapp business number.
- A Facebook account — log in with an existing personal or business Facebook profile, or create one in a few minutes during Meta signup. Meta requires Facebook to manage your WhatsApp Business connection.
- A way to add Meta's payment account — Meta will ask you to add a payment account, which requires a Visa (or eligible card Meta accepts). You do not need to use your personal bank card: you can create a virtual Visa from MTN or Airtel for verification. Ara44 does not charge this card; Meta uses it for business verification. Normal messaging is not billed by Ara44.
In Uganda? Use a VPN for Meta/Facebook
Facebook and parts of Meta's login flow are often blocked or unreliable on some Ugandan networks. Before you tap Connect with Meta, turn on a reputable VPN (any country where facebook.com loads in your browser). Keep the VPN on until the popup completes and your number shows as connected.
- 1
Create your Ara44 account
Go to Create account (or Log in) with the email you use for your business. Confirm your email if we send a verification link.
Use a work email you check often — password resets and alerts go there.
- 2
Choose Ara44 Workforce
After login you may land on the studio picker. Select Ara44 Workforce (not Creative Studio unless you also want video/poster tools).
Direct link: /studios → Enter Workforce.
- 3
Activate Ara44
Open Activate Ara44 in the sidebar and tap Activate Ara44. The assistant always introduces itself as Ara44 on WhatsApp — no custom name needed.
Until Ara44 is activated, customer WhatsApp auto-replies will not run.
- 4
Prepare your business catalog (recommended)
Before going live, add products, prices, and FAQs under Customer catalog. Ara44 uses this to answer sales questions accurately on your WhatsApp number.
- 5
Open WhatsApp settings
Go to WhatsApp in the sidebar. The Settings view opens by default (gear icon if you are on another tab).
- Set your owner phone (Uganda format, e.g. 07…) — Ara44 uses this for your private chat with the assistant.
- Review order fields and customer AI hours if you want manual replies outside scheduled times.
- 6
Connect with Meta (Facebook login)
On the same settings page, under Your company WhatsApp number, tap Connect with Meta. A Facebook popup opens — you must sign in to Facebook or create a Facebook account. Meta requires this to link WhatsApp Business to Ara44.
- 6a. Log in to Facebook (personal account is fine; it manages your business assets).
- 6b. Select or create a Meta Business Portfolio for your company.
- 6c. Choose Connect your existing WhatsApp Business app number if you already use the WhatsApp Business app — do notdelete your WhatsApp account. If Meta only shows "create a new number" for a number already on the app, stop and contact support (coexistence may need to be enabled for your account).
- 6d. Complete verification in the WhatsApp Business app if Meta asks (QR code / phone confirmation).
- 6e. When the popup finishes, Ara44 should show Connected with your business display name and phone number.
- 7
Meta payment account (Visa required)
During Embedded Signup, Meta will ask you to add a payment account. That step requires a Visa(or another card type Meta accepts). This is Meta's requirement for WhatsApp Business Platform access — Ara44 does not charge this card.
You do not have to attach your personal debit or credit card. In Uganda, many businesses use a virtual Visa from MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money, add it in Meta, and complete verification that way.
Complete every step Meta shows in the popup. Meta typically does not deduct fees for standard messaging within their free tiers, but Meta's own billing rules apply at high volume or for paid features. If verification is pending, WhatsApp may still connect with sending limits until Meta approves the business.
Need help?
If you find any issues, we can walk you through it.