Connect your WhatsApp Business account to Octorate to automate sending pre-set messages to your guests, directly through the phone number indicated in the booking. Here's what you need to get started:
A Facebook Business (Meta) account.
A Bird account with an active subscription.
A dedicated phone number for WhatsApp Business. You can use a landline number, but make sure it's not already connected to another active WhatsApp account. Avoid using your personal number.
You'll need to create the connection from Google Chrome
1. Configure the necessary accounts A. Create your Bird account
Go to the Bird website and click on login in the top right, then on Sign up.
Register using a business email, such as @octorate.com. Generic emails like @gmail or @libero are not accepted.
Activate a subscription to be able to connect Bird to Octorate.
Load credit onto your Bird account.
B. Connect your number to Meta Once you have a working Bird account, proceed with configuring your phone number.
Log into your Bird account.
In the bottom left menu, click on your initials (1), then on Developer (2).
Select WhatsApp (3) and then WhatsApp setup (4).
Decide whether to purchase a new number directly on Bird or use an existing one. If you already have a number, select I have my own number.
Follow the guided steps to link the number to your Facebook Business (Meta) account. When prompted, click click here to start and follow the instructions in the pop-ups.
Once done, click Install WhatsApp at the bottom.
2. Get Bird credentials for the integration
To connect Bird to Octorate, you’ll need to provide three specific data points:
A. Organization ID
Click on your initials (1) (bottom left).
Go to Organisation (2) → General (3).
Copy your Organization ID.
B. API Key (Access Key)
From the left menu, click Developer (1) → Preferences (2).
Select API Access Key (3) → Add new access key (4).
Set both Key name and Key description to Octorate WhatsApp.
For Rules, select Organization owner.
Click Save. A key (Token) will be generated. Copy and store it securely — you’ll need to provide it to us.
C. Channel ID
Click on your initials (bottom left) (1).
Go to Admin console (2) → Channels (3).
Select WhatsApp by Bird.
Copy your Channel ID.
3. Connect Octorate to WhatsApp Business
Once you have the credentials, you’re ready for the last step:
Log in to your Octorate account.
Go to Settings → Email Template.
Click the WhatsApp Business button.
Insert the API key and channel ID that you downloaded from Bird.
Save and send a test message to check the connection.
The message will be sent to the phone number configured in your property’s settings.
Benefits of the integration
Multi-device access: No physical phone needed. Any Octorate user can manage WhatsApp guest communications.
Linked conversations: All chats are associated with the correct booking for easier management.
Automatic messages: Once WhatsApp is set as the primary communication channel, email templates will be automatically sent via WhatsApp.
How it works for your guests
When you send a message, the guest will receive a request on WhatsApp. They must accept it within 24 hours to start communicating. If not, the system will try other channels (portal or email).
⚠️ Important: The request message is pre-approved by Meta and cannot be modified.
All WhatsApp messages are visible in the booking details or in the Chat section of Octorate.
FAQ: Limitations and Additional Information
Why can't I use a generic email address to register on MessageBird?
MessageBird requires a business email to ensure the authenticity and professionalism of the created account. Generic domain emails like Gmail.com are not accepted.
Can I use the WhatsApp number on multiple devices or apps?
No. The number connected to the WhatsApp Business integration on Octorate cannot be used on other WhatsApp accounts or devices. Even if you use a landline number, it will be accessible exclusively through the integration with Octorate.
What happens to the existing messages from my WhatsApp account?
If you use a number already active on WhatsApp, you will lose the existing message history. We therefore recommend using a new and dedicated number.
For more information, feel free to contact us!
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