WhatsApp mobile apps to WhatsApp Cloud API

On this page, you'll learn how to migrate a phone number from WhatsApp mobile apps (Messenger App or Business App) to WhatsApp Cloud API.

If you want to use your WhatsApp Business or Messenger app number to register it on WhatsApp Cloud API, you need to first delete the account from your WhatsApp mobile app, and then follow the instructions below. Check out the steps in WhatsApp mobile apps to WhatsApp Business API to learn how you can delete your account.

Before starting the migration process, make sure you create a backup. Your previous messaging history will not be transferred during the migration. You cannot migrate your backup to your WhatsApp Business Platform/API account.

Migrate Your Number to WhatsApp Cloud API #

Step 1: Create a WABA on Cloud API #

1.1. Sign up or log in to the Facebook for Developers account. Go to My Apps and then Create App.

1.2. Select Business as your app type and press Next.

1.3. Enter basic information about your business:

• App name
• Contact email
• Business Manager account (optional),

Click Create app.

1.4. On your Meta dashboard, scroll down to WhatsApp. Click Set up.

1.5. Select your Meta Business Account or leave it unselected (Facebook will automatically create a new account) and click Continue.

1.6. Press Start using the API.

1.7. [Optional] Send a free message with the provided test phone number to your personal WhatsApp number to test the integration.

Step 2: Delete your WhatsApp app account #

2.1. Open WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business app on your phone. Navigate to Settings and then Account.

2.2. Select Delete my account.

2.3. Confirm your number and select DELETE MY ACCOUNT. It will take a couple of minutes for the disconnected number to become available.

Once the number is available, return to Business Manager and refresh your browser window. You can now proceed with the registration process below.

Step 3: Connect your phone number #

3.1. Scroll down and click on Add phone number.

3.2. Fill in your business information and press Next.

3.3. Fill in your WhatsApp Business profile information and press Next. Your display name will get approved in up to 24 hours.

3.4. Add a phone number for your WhatsApp Cloud API. Please make sure this number is not registered with another WhatsApp account (or WhatsApp app on your phone). Click Next.

3.5. Verify your phone number by entering a 6-digit code that you receive on this number. Select Next.

That’s it! Your phone number is connected to your WhatsApp Cloud API account! If you want to send and receive messages, you must connect a CRM or an inbox that can integrates with WhatsApp Cloud API. Rasayel, as an example, is a WhatsApp inbox that makes automations and team collaboration easy.