Onboarding & Releasing Requirements
Review these 4 core requirements before attempting to bind your current number to the API.
Account Release
You must release the phone number by fully deleting the WhatsApp account in your mobile app settings.
No Simultaneous Apps
Once registered to the API, you cannot use WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business App on that phone number.
Data Erasure
Deleting your app account permanently erases your message history, group details, and cloud backup data.
Cooling Period
Wait exactly **3 minutes** after account deletion before starting partner API signup to allow Meta's databases to sync.
How to Release & Register Your Number
Follow this precise workflow to safely disconnect your number from standard apps and connect to the API.
Execute Manual Backups
Backup all your chat history inside WhatsApp (Settings > Chats > Chat Backup). Note that this backup cannot be restored directly into the WhatsApp API client. Export any crucial business chats to ensure data safety.
Release the Number (Account Deletion)
Open WhatsApp on your mobile phone. Navigate to Settings > Account > Delete my account. Enter your phone number in full international format, select a reason, and tap Delete my account to release the number.
Warning: Simply uninstalling the app from your mobile device does not release the number from Meta’s servers. You must execute the account deletion. Wait 3 minutes before initiating the API connection.
Connect to Wati or Partner Console
Launch the partner onboarding page (Wati Embedded Signup). Follow the prompts to select your Meta Business Manager account, associate the released phone number, and complete SMS/Voice OTP verification to make the API active.
What is WhatsApp Coexistence?
If you are currently using the WhatsApp Business App and want to connect your business number to Wati/CampaigningTool, you can configure **WhatsApp Coexistence**. This process allows you to connect the WhatsApp Business App and the API client to run together under the same brand profile without fully losing app accessibility.
Onboarding & Releasing FAQs
Review answers to the most common questions regarding registering existing numbers.