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Phone Numbers & Linking

In the world of customer communication, the WhatsApp Business API serves as a powerful tool for businesses to engage with clients at scale. A key component of setting up your WhatsApp Business API is managing phone numbers effectively. This section explores the essentials of WhatsApp API phone numbers, including their types, linking processes, and management options. For businesses using platforms like Chakra Chat, these steps can be streamlined to ensure seamless onboarding and compliance with Meta's guidelines.

What is a WhatsApp API Phone Number?​

A WhatsApp API phone number is essentially a dedicated business phone number registered with the WhatsApp Business API (often referred to as the Cloud API) to enable sending and receiving messages through the platform. Unlike a standard WhatsApp number used for personal messaging, this number is tied to a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) and allows for automated, high-volume interactions such as customer support queries, notifications, and marketing campaigns.

Once registered, the number remains functional for everyday uses like making calls or sending SMS, but it cannot be simultaneously active on the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App. This setup ensures that all communications are handled through the API for better security, scalability, and integration with business tools. For instance, with Chakra Chat, businesses can easily register and manage these numbers to start engaging customers without technical hurdles.

The phone number ID, a unique identifier provided during setup, is crucial for API configurations and can be retrieved from the Meta Developer Dashboard after registration. This ID helps in authenticating and routing messages efficiently.

Supported Number Types​

The WhatsApp Business API supports several types of phone numbers to accommodate different business needs, provided they can receive international calls or SMS for verification. Here's a breakdown:

  • Mobile Numbers: These are the most recommended option, assigned to SIM cards or mobile devices. They offer standard messaging rates and are ideal for businesses seeking reliability and ease of setup.
  • Landline (Fixed Line) Numbers: Tied to physical locations, these are suitable for established businesses with office-based lines. They work well for the API, even without a SIM, as long as voice or SMS verification is possible.
  • Toll-Free Numbers: These allow customers to contact your business without incurring charges, making them great for customer service hotlines. However, they may have restrictions on international calls or require specific formatting.

Additionally, some providers offer virtual numbers or "555 numbers" (free options from Meta for eligible users), which can be claimed for up to two lines per business.

The "clean" number concept refers to a phone number that has never been registered with any WhatsApp account before. Using a clean number simplifies the registration process and avoids complications like migration or deletion of existing accounts. If a number has prior WhatsApp history, it must be "cleaned" by deleting the associated account and backing up data first. Chakra Chat assists businesses in verifying and preparing clean numbers to minimize setup time and ensure compliance.

All supported numbers must include a country and area code, and businesses should own the number legally for smooth verification.

Connecting a Number​

Linking a Number to the WhatsApp Business API and Number Migration

Linking a phone number to the WhatsApp Business API involves registering it through Meta's App Dashboard or a Business Solution Provider (BSP). Start by accessing the Meta Business Suite, selecting your WABA, and adding the number via the "Add Phone Number" option. You'll need to verify it with a one-time PIN sent via SMS or voice call. This process typically takes minutes and enables the number for API use.

For businesses transitioning from the WhatsApp Business App, number migration is key. To migrate, you must delete the existing app account (after backing up chats) and then register it with the API. Alternatively, use Meta's Embedded Signup for a smoother transfer, which preserves chat history, contacts, and settings without data loss. This is especially useful for avoiding downtime. With Chakra Chat, this migration can be handled effortlessly, integrating your existing number into automated workflows.

If the number was previously on the personal WhatsApp app, a similar deletion and re-registration process applies. Always ensure the number is unlinked from any prior apps to prevent verification issues.

Migration, Disconnection & Reactivation​

Number Porting Between BSPs, Disconnection, and Reactivation

Number porting allows businesses to transfer a WhatsApp API phone number from one BSP to another without losing essential elements like templates, quality ratings, or messaging limits. This is done via Meta's Embedded Signup flow: Disable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the current setup, request a migration through the new BSP, and verify with a 6-digit PIN. The process maintains your display name and account integrity, making it ideal for switching providers seamlessly.

For disconnection, navigate to the WhatsApp Manager in the Meta Business Suite, select the phone number, and click the delete icon. This unlinks the number from the API, but it may take up to a few days for the change to fully process. If the number was connected via a BSP, you may need to remove the provider from your partners list as well.

Reactivation involves re-registering the disconnected number once the unlink is complete. Simply add it back through the App Dashboard or your BSP's portal, verifying again with OTP. Be cautious with banned or flagged numbers, as they may require additional steps like account recovery. Chakra Chat simplifies porting, disconnection, and reactivation, helping businesses maintain continuous operations during transitions.

Embedded Signup (ES)

The WhatsApp Business API offers various onboarding methods, but Embedded Signup stands out as a streamlined approach for businesses looking to integrate quickly and efficiently. Particularly for platforms like Chakra Chat, which acts as a Business Solution Provider (BSP), this flow simplifies the process of connecting your business to WhatsApp's powerful messaging capabilities. Below, we delve into the key aspects of Embedded Signup, tailored for business users seeking hassle-free setup without deep technical involvement.

What is Embedded Signup​

Embedded Signup, also known as the Facebook Embedded Flow, is an integrated onboarding process provided by Meta that allows businesses to register for the WhatsApp Business API directly through a BSP's platform, such as Chakra Chat, without manually navigating Meta's dashboards. It automates the creation of essential WhatsApp assets, including a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), phone number linking, and permission sharing, all while collecting necessary business information in a seamless, guided workflow.

The primary advantage of using Embedded Signup is its simplicity and speed—it reduces setup time from days or weeks to just minutes in many cases, minimizing errors and ensuring compliance with Meta's requirements. For businesses, this means faster access to features like automated messaging, customer support bots, and broadcast campaigns. It's especially beneficial if you're switching providers or starting fresh, as it handles asset generation automatically and preserves data like chat history during migrations. With Chakra Chat, Embedded Signup integrates directly into your dashboard, providing a user-friendly interface that guides you through each step, making it ideal for non-technical teams focused on growth rather than IT hurdles.

Setup Prerequisites​

** (Website, Business Manager, Verification, Documents)**

Before initiating Embedded Signup, ensure your business meets Meta's foundational requirements to avoid delays. These prerequisites focus on verification and account setup to confirm your legitimacy and enable secure API access.

  • Meta Business Manager Account: You need an active, verified Meta Business Manager (formerly Facebook Business Manager) account. If you don't have one, create it via business.facebook.com. This serves as the hub for managing your WABA and must be business-verified by Meta.
  • Business Verification: Your business must undergo Meta's verification process, which involves submitting documents like a business license, certificate of incorporation, tax ID, or proof of address. This step confirms your company's authenticity and is mandatory for API access. Verification can take 1-3 business days, so complete it in advance.
  • Phone Number: A dedicated, "clean" phone number (not currently linked to any WhatsApp account) that can receive SMS or voice calls for OTP verification. It should be owned by your business and support international formats.
  • Website and Additional Documents: While not always required, having a functional business website helps during verification. You may also need to provide utility bills or bank statements as supporting documents if Meta requests them.
  • BSP Access: Since Embedded Signup occurs through a BSP like Chakra Chat, you'll need an account on their platform. Chakra Chat handles the technical integration, so your role is primarily providing the above details.

Meeting these ensures a smooth flow—Chakra Chat's interface will prompt you for any missing items, helping you prepare without guesswork.

Step-by-Step Signup journey​

** Step-by-Step Signup journey in Chakra Chat**

Chakra Chat leverages Embedded Signup to make onboarding intuitive, guiding you through a high-level journey within its dashboard. This process typically takes 10-30 minutes, depending on verification speed. Here's an overview:

  1. Initiate Signup: Log into your Chakra Chat account and navigate to the WhatsApp integration section. Click "Get Started with WhatsApp Business API" to launch the Embedded Signup flow.
  2. Authenticate with Meta: You'll be redirected to log in with your Facebook account linked to your verified Business Manager. Grant permissions for Chakra Chat to manage your WABA and messaging.
  3. Provide Business Information: Enter details like your business name, category, description, and verification documents if not already approved. Chakra Chat auto-fills where possible based on your profile.
  4. Add and Verify Phone Number: Input your clean phone number, then verify it via a 6-digit OTP sent by SMS or call.
  5. Set Up Profile and Assets: Choose a display name and profile picture. Chakra Chat generates your WABA, API credentials, and initial templates automatically.
  6. Review and Activate: Submit for Meta's final approval (usually instant or within hours). Once approved, test messaging and integrate with Chakra Chat's tools for chats, automation, and analytics.

Chakra Chat provides real-time support and progress tracking, ensuring you can start messaging customers promptly.

Numbers, Display Name, Approvals​

Choosing Number and Display Name, Common Approval Stages

Selecting the right phone number and display name is crucial for branding and compliance during Embedded Signup.

  • Choosing a Number: Opt for a mobile, landline, or toll-free number that's clean (no prior WhatsApp linkage) and capable of OTP receipt. In Chakra Chat, you'll select or provision one during signup—virtual numbers may be available for testing. Avoid numbers used in the standard WhatsApp app to prevent migration issues.
  • Display Name: This is your business's visible name in WhatsApp chats (e.g., "Chakra Chat Support"). It must match your legal business name, avoid promotional terms, and comply with Meta's guidelines (e.g., no all caps, no URLs). Chakra Chat previews how it appears to users.

Common approval stages include:

  • Business Verification: Initial check of documents (1-3 days if not pre-verified).
  • Display Name Review: Meta assesses for policy adherence (hours to days).
  • Phone Number Approval: Post-verification linkage (instant).
  • Overall WABA Activation: Final green light, often immediate after prior steps.

Chakra Chat notifies you at each stage, with tips to expedite approvals.

Migrating from Non-Embedded Signup​

Migrating from Non-Embedded to Embedded Signup

If you're moving from a traditional (non-embedded) WhatsApp Business API setup—such as direct Meta onboarding or another BSP—to Embedded Signup via Chakra Chat, the process preserves your assets like templates, quality ratings, and messaging limits.

Key steps:

  1. Prepare Accounts: Disable two-step verification (2FA) on your existing WABA via Meta's WhatsApp Manager.
  2. Initiate Migration in Chakra Chat: From your dashboard, select the migration option and provide your current phone number and WABA details. Chakra Chat triggers the Embedded Signup flow.
  3. Approve Permissions: Log into Meta Business Manager, go to "Requests," and approve Chakra Chat's access request. This shares your WABA without data loss.
  4. Verify and Complete: Re-verify your phone if needed, then Chakra Chat handles asset transfer and activation.

This migration typically takes minutes to hours, with no downtime if done correctly. Chakra Chat ensures a smooth transition, allowing you to retain chat history and continue operations seamlessly.