Phone Number Rules to
Apply for WhatsApp Business API

Are International Phone Numbers Allowed for the WhatsApp Business API?

Yes.
You can use a phone number from any country, provided Meta (Facebook) supports WhatsApp Business API operations in that region. However, WhatsApp restricts API usage for businesses and users in these countries:

Crimea (+7978)

Cuba (+53)

Iran (+98)

North Korea (+850)

Syria (+963)

Users with numbers from these countries cannot send or receive WhatsApp API messages, regardless of where they are physically located. The restriction is tied to the country code of the phone number.

Can I Change My WhatsApp Business API Phone Number Later?

No.
Once a number is registered on the WhatsApp Business API, it cannot be changed.
If you want to use a different number, you must apply for a new WhatsApp Business API account.

Can a WhatsApp API Number Be Used on WhatsApp Apps?

No.
A number that is active on the WhatsApp Business API cannot be registered on:
WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Business App

If your number is already registered on these apps and you want to use it for the API:

You must delete the WhatsApp account from that number.
Deleting the app is not required—only the account must be removed.
How to Delete Your WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Business) Account:
1. Open WhatsApp

2. Tap More Options (⋮) → Settings → Account → Delete My Account

3. Enter your phone number in full international format

4. Select the reason for deleting your account

5. Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT

Can the API Number Still Perform Regular Phone Operations?

Yes.
The number can still:
Make calls

Send SMS

Receive SMS

The only limitation is that WhatsApp apps cannot be linked to that number.

Can Multiple WhatsApp API Clients Be Connected to One Phone Number?

No.
Each phone number can be linked to only one WhatsApp Business API account.
However, businesses can get multiple API accounts for different departments, such as:

Sales

Finance

Customer Support

Procurement

Each department must use a different phone number.

Can Toll-Free or 1-800 Numbers Be Used for WhatsApp API?

Generally, yes — but with limitations.
Toll-free and 1-800 numbers usually operate through IVR systems. Since WhatsApp sends an automated verification call during registration, the IVR system cannot process it.
WhatsApp may share 1–2 specific phone numbers that the verification call will come from.
You can whitelist these numbers in your IVR system to redirect the call to:

An employee

A voicemail

A dedicated line that can capture the verification code

If exceptions can be added to your IVR, add your number to the WhatsApp Business Account first, then open a Direct Support ticket requesting:
The registration call phone numbers

Confirmation for the WhatsApp Business API registration attempt

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