If your business is currently using the WhatsApp Business mobile app but wants to switch to Twilio’s WhatsApp Business API, you can transfer your existing number without deleting it. This process allows your business to manage WhatsApp messaging through Twilio’s unified system, enabling automation, integrations, and larger scale communication.
Before You Begin
Before transferring your number, make sure the following requirements are met.
You must own the phone number you plan to use.
The number can receive SMS or voice calls for verification.
You have access to a Meta Facebook Business Manager account.
You are ready to delete your WhatsApp Business account when prompted
Before deleting your account, it’s a good idea to back up your WhatsApp conversations, since all chat history will be permanently deleted once the account is removed.
Back Up Your Chats (Recommended)
Open the WhatsApp Business app.
Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
Tap Back Up Now to save your message history.
Limitations to WhatsApp Business Manager
You can only add up to two phone numbers to a WhatsApp account unless you have prior approval from Meta.
Before deleting your account, it’s recommended to back up your WhatsApp conversations, as all chat history will be permanently deleted once the account is removed.
Step 1: Prepare Your Number
Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone.
Go to Settings, go to your account and review your business information.
Select Delete My Account.
Deleting your account will:
Delete your account from WhatsApp and all your devices.
Erase your message history.
Delete you from all of your WhatsApp groups.
Delete your Google Account backup.
You can't regain access to your account.
Step 2: Verify Your Business in Meta Business Manager
Meta requires business verification for all WhatsApp Business API accounts.
Visit business.facebook.com and then settings.
Go to Business Info to check your verification status.
If not verified go to Security Center Business Verification and submit the following information
Your legal business name
Official address and phone number
Website or supporting business documents
Meta’s review typically takes two to five business days.
Verification ensures that your WhatsApp number can be used officially with a branded display name and allows higher messaging limits.
Step 3: Start the Setup in Twilio
Go to your Twilio Console and under Messaging Senders, select WhatsApp Senders.
Select add Sender in the top right
Select Use my existing number when prompted and enter the number you wish to use
Log into your Facebook and approve Twilio as your WhatsApp Business Solution Provider BSP.
Select the option to create a new WhatsApp profile in Twilio to add a new number; selecting existing one does not work.
Enter the same phone number you used previously with WhatsApp Business.
Step 4: Verify Your Number
Choose a verification method either SMS or Voice Call.
Receive the six digit verification code on your phone.
Enter this code in Twilio to confirm ownership.
Once verified your number becomes active in Twilio’s WhatsApp Business API.
Step 5: Configure Messaging in Twilio
After verification open your Twilio Messaging Service.
Add your verified WhatsApp sender number.
Connect it to your preferred application such as your Myma AI dashboard chatbot.
How to Connect your Twilio Number to your Myma WhatsApp Integration:
When going into Available Apps select connect on the WhatsApp tile. The message below will appear:
Within your Twilio account, you can go to the created phone number and find the Account SID and AUTH Token. This is the information your Myma Representative will need from you.
*INSERT A PICTURE OF WHERE TO GO IN TWILIO TO GET THIS INFO
After this on our side, we need to provide you with with a piece of text that you will copy and paste within the Twilio number's settings after Edit , which will then allow the incoming messages to go to the Myma dashboard.
*INSERT A PICTURE OF WHERE TO GO IN TWILIO PASTE LINK
In Summary
To move your WhatsApp Business number to Twilio back up your data uninstall but do not delete the WhatsApp Business app verify your business in Meta Business Manager register your number and complete verification in Twilio and configure your messaging setup once the transfer is complete.
After setup your number will operate entirely through Twilio’s WhatsApp API enabling automated messaging integrations and advanced analytics without losing your existing number.