> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.linkiasoft.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Buying a WhatsApp number

> Purchasing a number through us, the identity verification step, and what each status means.

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](/help/channels/whatsapp-cloud-api) means deleting that
account first.

## Buying

<Steps>
  <Step title="Buy Number">
    Select a country.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identity verification (KYC)">
    Telecoms regulators require the buyer to be identified. Submit the requested details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for review">
    **Typically 1–3 business days.**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provisioning">
    Once approved the number is set up automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## Statuses

| Status            | Meaning                                                   |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Provisioning**  | Being set up. No action needed.                           |
| **Under Review**  | With the regulator. 1–3 business days.                    |
| **Action Needed** | Something is required from you — usually more KYC detail. |
| **Active**        | Ready to use.                                             |
| **Declined**      | Verification was rejected.                                |
| **Suspended**     | Disabled, usually for a compliance reason.                |
| **Released**      | Returned and no longer yours.                             |

**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.

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>