If you do not have a spare number for WhatsApp Business, you can buy one here rather than
sourcing a SIM. Settings → Channels → WhatsApp Numbers.
This solves the common blocker: your business number is already on the WhatsApp app, and
connecting it to the Cloud API means deleting that
account first.
Buying
Buy Number
Select a country.
Identity verification (KYC)
Telecoms regulators require the buyer to be identified. Submit the requested details.
Wait for review
Typically 1–3 business days.
Provisioning
Once approved the number is set up automatically.
Start this before you need it. The review is a regulatory step with a real human timeline —
it cannot be rushed, and discovering it the day before a campaign is a bad surprise.
Statuses
Action Needed is the one to watch — nothing progresses until you respond, and it does
not chase you.
If it is declined
Usually mismatched details: the name or address supplied did not match the documents, or the
document was unreadable. Some countries also require a local business registration or
address for numbers in that country. Try another country if yours has requirements you
cannot meet.
Releasing a number
Release number returns it.
Releasing cannot be undone. You will not get the same number back, customers who saved it
will reach nobody, and any WhatsApp templates approved against it stop working. Be sure.
