Are International Phone Numbers Accepted for WhatsApp Business API?
Yes, you can use phone numbers from any country for the WhatsApp Business API as long as Facebook allows the API to work in those countries. However, there are some exceptions.
Countries Not Allowed:
- Crimea (+7978)
- Cuba (+53)
- Iran (+98)
- North Korea (+850)
- Syria (+963)
Businesses in these countries cannot use the WhatsApp Business API. Similarly, WhatsApp users with phone numbers from these countries cannot send or receive messages from businesses on WhatsApp. This restriction is based on the phone number’s country code, not the user’s current location.
Can I Change the Phone Number for My WhatsApp Business API?
No, once a phone number is registered on the WhatsApp Business API, it cannot be changed. If you need to change the number, you will have to apply for a new WhatsApp Business API.
Can I Register the WhatsApp Business API Number on WhatsApp Apps?
No, a phone number active on the WhatsApp Business API cannot be registered on WhatsApp Apps. If a number is already registered on WhatsApp Apps and you want to use it for the WhatsApp Business API, you must delete the WhatsApp account associated with that number. Deleting the app is not required, but the account must be deleted.
How to Delete Your WhatsApp Business App Account Before Applying for the API?
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on More Options (three dots) > Settings > Account > Delete My Account.
- Enter your phone number in full international format and tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
- Select a reason for deleting your account from the drop-down menu.
- Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
By following these steps, you can delete your WhatsApp account and then apply for the WhatsApp Business API.
Can I Use Multiple WhatsApp Business API Clients on a Single Phone Number?
No, a single phone number can only be linked to one WhatsApp Business API client. However, a company can have multiple WhatsApp Business API clients for different departments like Finance, Procurement, Sales, Customer Support, etc., each with its own phone number.
Can the API Number Be Used for Normal Functionalities?
Yes, the API number can still be used for making calls and sending, and receiving SMS. However, you cannot register WhatsApp Apps on this number.
Can 1-800 and toll-free numbers be used for WhatsApp Business API?
1-800 and toll-free numbers usually have an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that a WhatsApp registration call cannot navigate. Instead, WhatsApp can provide 1 to 2 phone numbers from which the registration call will come. You can use these numbers to create an allow list and redirect the registration call to an employee or mailbox to capture the registration code.
If you can create an exception in your IVR system, add the phone number to your WhatsApp business account. Then, open a support ticket with WhatsApp, request the registration call phone numbers, and mention the number you are trying to register.