To start using Papo, you need a free account on the platform, a Meta Business account with a compatible WhatsApp phone number, and an up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari) with a stable internet connection. These three items form the foundation for connecting official channels, organizing customer service, and activating Papo's artificial intelligences without friction or surprises.
Papo brings together a unified inbox, CRM, AI, and automations in a single dashboard, but before taking advantage of these features it's important to make sure your operation meets a few simple prerequisites. The table below summarizes everything you need to have on hand for your first login and the connection of the official WhatsApp.
| Prerequisite | Why it's needed | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Papo account | Access to the platform that manages conversations, sales funnels, and AI. | Free sign-up at https://papo.global/ – start a no-commitment trial. |
| Meta Business account (Facebook Business) | Required to integrate the official WhatsApp API (Cloud API) and use professional inboxes. | Create it in Facebook Business Manager. |
| Compatible WhatsApp phone number | The number that will be connected as the official service channel; it cannot be linked to another WhatsApp (app) and must pass Meta's verification. | New SIM card or virtual number; the number must be able to receive an SMS or call during activation. |
| Up-to-date web browser | Papo is 100% web; modern browsers ensure fast loading, notifications, and security. | Latest stable version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. |
Papo account
It all starts with signing up on the platform. Papo offers a free trial, with no credit card required, that lets you create your workspace, add agents, and connect your first channels – including official WhatsApp. Just go to papo.global, click "Start free," and follow the instructions. During onboarding you set the workspace name, the access domain, and invite team members. These details can be adjusted later, without hassle.
The Papo account is the entry prerequisite; without it there's no way to access the service, CRM, AI, or reporting modules. To get started, only an active email address and a password are required.
Meta Business account and compatible WhatsApp number
The most widely used channel on Papo is WhatsApp via the official API (Meta's Cloud API). To add it as an inbox, you need:
- A Meta Business account (Business Manager) – it's the environment where your company will be verified and where you manage app and number permissions.
- A compatible phone number – it will be turned into a WhatsApp business profile. Meta requires that the number is not currently connected to any version of WhatsApp (personal or Business) and that it can receive a verification code by SMS or call. Landlines (voice) can also qualify, as long as they accept a verification call.
- Administrator access – the person connecting the inbox must have administrator permission in the Papo workspace and access to Meta's Business Manager.
If you already use a number on regular WhatsApp Business, you'll need to migrate it to the API (disconnecting it from the app) or get a new dedicated number. Papo provides step-by-step guidance inside the dashboard for the connection, but the number verification process is done directly by Meta. Specific details about verification can be found in the Meta Help Center.
Browser and connectivity
Papo runs entirely in the browser, with no local software installation. For a smooth experience:
- Use the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.
- Keep a stable internet connection (broadband or 4G/5G), since message traffic is in real time.
- Allow browser notifications to receive alerts even with the tab minimized.
- Optionally, you can add Papo to your phone or computer's home screen (PWA), just like a native app.
There are no specific hardware requirements: any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a modern browser will do.
Other requirements (as needed)
Beyond the basic package, some features depend on additional conditions that are already covered by the standard environment:
- Integrations (Google Calendar, Zapier, email) – they only require that you have the respective accounts and connect them inside Papo, with no server requirements.
- Channels such as Instagram, Telegram, or SMS – each has its own connection procedure (e.g., Telegram API, Instagram business account), but none of them require additional payment beyond Papo's plans.
- AI and automations (Super Chat, Flows, Capitão) – they're already part of the platform and don't need any other sign-ups; configuration is done in the dashboard itself.
If your operation wants to resell the white label, there are extra prerequisites for creating client accounts and customizing domains – that information is available in the specific documentation for partners.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my personal WhatsApp number to connect to Papo?
It's not recommended. The number that will be used by the API must be completely disconnected from regular WhatsApp and exclusive to your company. If your personal number is already active in the app, you can get a new SIM card and keep your personal one separate.
Do I need a credit card to start the free trial?
No. Papo's trial period doesn't require payment details. You explore the features, connect your channels, and decide later whether you want to subscribe to a plan.
Does the number need to be Brazilian, or can it be from another country?
Any international number compatible with the WhatsApp Cloud API is accepted, as long as you can receive Meta's verification code. There's no geographic restriction on Papo's side.
Do I need my own domain (a .com.br domain) to use Papo?
No. Access to the platform is through a Papo subdomain (e.g., yourcompany.papo.global), and your own domain is only needed if you enable white label features or a custom chat widget.
Can I access Papo on my phone without installing anything?
Yes. Papo is a progressive web app (PWA). You open it in your phone's browser and, if you want, add it to your home screen as a shortcut – the experience is the same as a native app.
What else do I need to use Super Chat and other AIs?
Nothing beyond the basic requirements. The artificial intelligences are already integrated into the platform; you just need to configure your knowledge base and the desired flows. There's no other sign-up or separate installation.
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With the first free user, you connect your WhatsApp and experience AI-powered service at no cost and with no commitments.