Step-by-step guide to migrating your WhatsApp number to the official Business API using WhatsTeam, including requirements, limitations, and troubleshooting.
This guide walks you through the process of migrating your existing WhatsApp number to the official WhatsApp Business API using WhatsTeam. The migration allows you to use advanced API features while keeping your current number and chat history.
Migrating to the WhatsApp Business API offers several key advantages:
Official WhatsApp API integration eliminates the risk of bans and disconnections that can occur with unofficial methods.
Continue having access to all your chats and contacts on both the mobile app and WhatsTeam. Your conversation history is preserved during the migration.
Continue using your WhatsApp Business mobile app while also leveraging the official API. No need to register a new number.
Complete the migration in minutes with our simple guided process. No technical expertise required.
Before starting the migration, ensure you meet the following requirements:
You must be using the WhatsApp Business App (not the personal WhatsApp) on your phone. If you're currently using the personal WhatsApp app, you'll need to migrate to WhatsApp Business first (see the Pre-Migration section below).
You need an active Facebook account linked to your business. This is required for the Meta authentication process.
You will need your mobile phone during the migration to link your current WhatsApp Business number.
Tip: The number setup process is easy and can be completed in minutes following the onboarding steps.
Skip this section if you're already using the WhatsApp Business App.
If you're currently using the personal WhatsApp app, you must first migrate to the WhatsApp Business App before proceeding with the API migration.
Follow these steps to migrate from personal WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business:
Open WhatsApp on your phone and create a backup of your chat history:
Download the WhatsApp Business app from your device's app store:
Open WhatsApp Business and verify your phone number:
How to verify your number in WhatsApp Business (WhatsApp FAQ)
When prompted, restore your chat history from the backup you created:
More Information:
Before proceeding with the migration, it's important to understand the operational limitations. The following features will NOT be available in WhatsTeam after migration, but WILL continue to work on the WhatsApp Business mobile app and WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
Groups management and messaging will only be available via the mobile app. You cannot send or receive group messages through the API.
WhatsApp Channels messaging will only be available via the mobile app.
Viewing and posting status updates will only be available via the mobile app.
Meta charges for pre-approved template messages sent via the API. Certain restrictions and additional costs apply to outbound messages in some scenarios.
Existing linked devices (WhatsApp Web/Desktop) will be disconnected during the migration. You can reconnect them after the migration is complete.
Important: The migration to the WhatsApp Business API is a one-way process and cannot be reversed. Once migrated, the number will remain on the official WABA connection in WhatsTeam.
More Information:
Once you've confirmed the requirements and acknowledged the limitations, you're ready to start the migration.
Navigate to the WABA migration page in the app and click "Let's begin" to start the process.
Confirm that you meet all the requirements and click "Continue".
Read and acknowledge each limitation by clicking on each item. All limitations must be acknowledged to proceed.
Review the important notes and click "Start Migration" to begin the Meta Connect process.
Important notes before starting:
A Meta Connect window will appear. Follow the authentication steps:
When prompted, enter your business details:
When prompted, enter your WhatsApp Business phone number. Select your country code and type your number in the field provided. This step is required to link your number to the WhatsApp Business API.
You will also see a message about connecting your existing WhatsApp Business app. This means your account information (such as phone number, contacts, chats, and chat history) may be shared to enable the migration. Your data will be managed securely by Meta.
Click Following to continue.
Once the process is complete, you'll see a success confirmation. Your number is now connected to the WhatsApp Business API!
Close the Facebook window and go back to the app window. You will see a success message like this:
After successfully migrating your number:
You can still use the WhatsApp Business app on your phone for one-to-one messaging, groups, channels, and status updates.
Messages are synced between the platform and your phone. Messages sent via the API appear in your WhatsApp Business App, and messages received on your phone appear in the app.
You can now use:
If you had WhatsApp Web or Desktop connected, you'll need to reconnect them:
If your number is already connected to another Business Solution Provider (BSP), you must disconnect it before migrating to WhatsTeam. WhatsApp does not support using the same phone number across multiple integrations simultaneously.
You need to disconnect from both Meta Business Suite and the WhatsApp Business App:
Step 1: Remove access in Meta Business Suite
Step 2: Disconnect from the WhatsApp Business App
If your number was registered only for Cloud API without the WhatsApp Business App:
Note: After disconnecting, it may take a few hours for the data to fully refresh. Once the changes are in place, you'll be able to connect your number to WhatsTeam.
If the migration fails or times out:
If messages aren't appearing in both places:
The migration option is available for numbers that are currently using the WhatsApp Business App and have not yet been connected to the official API. Navigate to:
Can I revert the migration after completing it?
No. The migration to WhatsApp Business API is irreversible. Once your number is connected via the official WABA, it cannot be reverted to using the WhatsApp Business App alone in WhatsTeam.
Will I lose my contacts?
No. Your contacts remain on your phone and in the WhatsApp Business App. Contacts that have been synced to WhatsTeam will also be preserved.
How long does the migration take?
The migration process typically takes 5-10 minutes. Message synchronization may take longer depending on your chat history size.
Is this available in all countries?
The Coexistence feature is not available for businesses in Nigeria and South Africa (as identified by the Business App phone number).
What about message throughput?
Numbers using Coexistence have a fixed throughput of 5 messages per second to remain compatible with the WhatsApp Business app.
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