The number is already on WhatsApp
- The number is on the personal WhatsApp app. A number can only live in one place. To move it to a dedicated API line, delete the WhatsApp account on the phone first, then connect. If you want to keep using the app, use Coexistence instead (see WhatsApp Coexistence explained).
- The number is already registered on WhatsApp Business API elsewhere. It has to be released or migrated from the other platform before it can connect here.
Meta account and verification
- No Meta Business Account. Meta’s flow can create one during signup, but if it stalls, create a Meta Business Account first at business.facebook.com, then retry.
- Verification code not arriving. Wait a minute and request it again; try the alternate method (SMS versus call). Codes can be slow on some carriers. If a number has requested too many codes, Meta makes you wait before trying again.
- Business verification pending. Some capabilities and higher messaging limits require Meta to verify your business. You can start messaging within the limits while verification is in progress; it does not block the initial connection.
- Display name rejected. Meta reviews the business display name and rejects names that are misleading, are only a generic word, or do not match your business. Pick a name that clearly matches your brand and resubmit.
Quality and Messaging limit
The WhatsApp channel page shows two Meta-managed values:- Quality is Meta’s rating of how recipients react to your messages (blocks and “not helpful” reports pull it down). A healthy rating keeps your number in good standing; a poor one can lower your limit.
- Messaging limit is how many business-initiated conversations you can start in a rolling 24 hours. It rises automatically as you send quality messages and complete business verification. Answering people who wrote to you first does not count against it.