Selecting the Right Phone Number for WhatsApp Business API

Choosing the right phone number is essential for a smooth WhatsApp Business API integration. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, restrictions, and best practices to help you make an informed decision

Table of Content #

1. Eligibility Criteria
   • Basic Requirements
   • Ownership and Verification
2. Registration Guidelines
   • Number Restrictions
   • Handling an Existing WhatsApp Account
3. Technical Considerations
4. Best Practices for Choosing a Phone Number
5. Preparation Before Registration
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility Criteria #

Basic Requirements #

• A valid phone number is mandatory
• Short codes are not supported

Ownership and Verification #

• The number must be owned by your business
• It should include the correct country and area code
• It must be capable of receiving voice calls or SMS for verification

Registration Guidelines #

Number Restrictions #

• The number must not have been previously used with WhatsApp Business API
• It cannot be active on:
  • WhatsApp Business App
  • WhatsApp Consumer App

Handling an Existing WhatsApp Account #

• If the number is already in use on WhatsApp, the existing account must be deleted before registration
• Once registered with the API, the number cannot be downgraded to the Business or Consumer App

Technical Considerations #

Verification and Security #

• The phone number will be used for:
  • Account registration
  • Identity verification
  • Security validation

Permanent Registration #

• Once registered, the number is locked to a specific WhatsApp Business API account
• Changes to the registered number are not allowed after setup

Best Practices for Choosing a Phone Number #

Recommended Options #

• Business landline numbers
• Dedicated mobile numbers
• Company-owned communication lines

Numbers to Avoid #

• Shared or temporary numbers
• Numbers linked to complex IVR systems

Preparation Before Registration #

1. Confirm business ownership of the number
2. Ensure the number can receive calls or SMS
3. Delete any existing WhatsApp accounts associated with the number
4. Verify that the country and area codes are correctly set

Frequently Asked Questions #

Q: Can I use an international number?
A: Yes, as long as the country and area code are correctly specified.

Q: What if my number is behind an IVR system?
A: Special configuration may be required for verification.

Q: Can I register multiple numbers?
A: Yes, but each number must be linked to a separate WhatsApp Business API account.