WhatsApp Phone number rules

We frequently came across businesses doubts about the Phone number to be used for WhatsApp Business API, and so have listed them as follows.

Can I use WhatsApp mobile application on my API number?

No! You will have to remove account from WhatsApp mobile application before you apply for WhatsApp Official APIs. Remember: Deleting the app is not mandatory, the account must be deleted from Settings of the mobile App.

Here is How you can Delete your Whatsapp Business App before Applying for the API:

1. Open WhatsApp

2. Tap More Options (three dots) > Settings > Account > Delete My Account

3. Enter your phone number in full international format and tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT

4. Select a reason for why you’re deleting your account in the dropdown

5. Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT

Once API is activated, you will not be able to register on WhatsApp mobile app with the same number. However, you shall be able to use the on mobile app only after you delete the WhatsApp API on the number.

Can I do SMS and normal phone calling?

Absolutely Yes! 🙂 the number can be used for making calls, sending and receiving SMS etc. It’s only that WhatsApp Apps can not be registered on this number.

Can I change the phone number anytime for my WhatsApp Business API?

No. Once a number is registered on WhatsApp Business API, that number can’t be changed. You’ll have to apply for a new WhatsApp Business API if you need to change the number.

Can I get API on international Phone Numbers ?

Yes. The phone number could be of any country given that Facebook allows WhatsApp Business API to work in those countries. The countries that WhatsApp excludes from communicating are Crimea (+7978), Cuba (+53), Iran (+98), North Korea (+850) and Syria (+963).

WhatsApp does not allow businesses in these countries to take advantage of WhatsApp Business API. Likewise, WhatsApp end-users with numbers from these countries will not be able to send or receive messages from businesses on WhatsApp. This restriction is based on the user’s WhatsApp number, not their current location.

Can I use 1-800 or toll-free numbers be used for WhatsApp Business API?

These types of numbers are usually used as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, which a WhatsApp OTP registration call cannot navigate.

You can use this information to create an allow list for those numbers so that you can redirect the registration call to an employee or mailbox where the registration code will be captured.

If creating an exception in your IVR tree is something that you can do, add the phone number to your WhatsApp business account and open a Direct Support ticket asking for the registration call phone numbers and stating the phone number you are trying to register in the ticket.