Can I use my existing number for the WhatsApp Business API?
There are three ways to do it, and a dedicated number is the simplest.
Usually the WhatsApp Business API needs a number that isn't registered on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app, so you either use a new, dedicated number or move your current number off the app. Meta also offers coexistence, through providers that support it, which keeps a WhatsApp Business app number working on both, with some app features switched off.
- Simplest: a dedicated number for the API.
- Or move your number off the app (its app account is deleted).
- Or coexistence, if your provider supports it: same number on both, with limits.
- WAnee uses a dedicated number.
Sources: Meta: onboarding WhatsApp Business app users (coexistence); WhatsApp Business app. Checked 9 October 2026.
Option 1: a new, dedicated number
Your current number stays on the app, untouched. Point new customers to the API number. Nothing breaks while you set up.
Option 2: move your current number to the API
Delete the number's WhatsApp account in the app, then register it on the API. You keep the number customers know, but you stop using it in the app.
Option 3: coexistence
Meta lets providers that support it connect a WhatsApp Business app number to the API while you keep using the app. Meta's documentation lists the trade-offs: broadcast lists in the app are switched off, disappearing messages, view-once messages and live location stop working in one-to-one chats, the number is capped at 20 messages a second on the API, and up to 180 days of chat history is synced.
With WAnee
WAnee runs on the WhatsApp Business API with a dedicated number, which keeps your existing app chats separate and lets WAnee answer every chat on the new number. We help you get it set up and approved by Meta. Instagram DMs (beta, on Pro) work with your existing Instagram professional account.
More answers
WhatsApp Business app vs API: which do you need?
The WhatsApp Business app is Meta's free app for small businesses that reply by hand from a phone. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is for businesses that need software to answer, automate or share chats across a team; it's paid per template message. Most API setups use a dedicated number; some providers support Meta's "coexistence" option, which keeps an app number on both, with limits.
Read the answer Setting upHow long does WhatsApp Business API setup take?
Getting onto the WhatsApp Business API usually takes a few days, mostly waiting on Meta: setting up a Meta Business account, registering the number and, optionally, verifying the business. Each message template then needs Meta's review, which Meta says can take up to 24 hours.
Read the answerKeep every customer smiling.
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