Meta lets you move an existing phone number to the WhatsApp Business API (WABA). What you need to do, and what you keep, depends on where your number lives today and whether you want to keep using the WhatsApp Business App. This article explains the migration paths and what each one preserves. For the click-by-click connection steps, see How to connect WhatsApp Business API (WABA) to 2Chat.
Prerequisites
Administrative access to your Meta Business Manager (ideally verified).
Access to the phone number to receive a 6-digit verification code by SMS or call.
The number's two-step verification PIN (or it disabled), if one is set.
To run this process you must have an administrator role in 2Chat. Operators can't create channels.
Which migration path applies to you?
When you start the connection in 2Chat, the wizard asks whether you already use the WhatsApp Business App. Your answer — together with where the number is registered today — decides how it is migrated. The three cases below cover every situation.
Case A — Migrate but keep the WhatsApp Business App (Coexistence)
If your number is on the WhatsApp Business App and you want to keep using it, choose the option that says you already use the app. 2Chat sets the integration in Coexistence mode: the same number works from both the app and 2Chat at once.
What you keep: your chat history, and the app stays active on the number.
What it requires: the app must have been actively used on the number, and your region must be eligible. No number deletion needed.
Case B — Move the number fully to the API
If you no longer need the WhatsApp Business App on that number, you can migrate it fully to the Cloud API. The number then runs exclusively on the API (this is what enables features like WhatsApp calling). In the wizard, choose "No, but I have a WhatsApp Business acocount on Meta".
Important — this is the key migration step: if the number is already registered on WhatsApp Messenger or the WhatsApp Business App, you must delete that account on the mobile app before migrating for this Case B where you don't want to use it in the app. You will lose the chat history on that number, so back it up first. After deletion it can take a few minutes for the number to become available to register on the API, and it can no longer be used in the WhatsApp Business App while it's on the API.
Case C — Bring a number that's already on another provider (BSP)
If your number is already registered with the WhatsApp Business API through another provider, you don't delete or re-verify it from scratch — you reassign it. During Meta's Embedded Signup, select your existing WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) and the already-verified number instead of registering a new one.
What you keep: Meta carries over the display name, quality rating, messaging limits, and any approved message templates.
What it requires: administrative access to the Meta Business Manager that owns the number, and the number's two-step verification PIN (Meta asks for it during the move).
What is preserved vs. lost
Coexistence (Case A): chat history kept, app keeps working. Nothing is deleted.
Full migration / delete account (Case B): chat history is lost and the number leaves the WhatsApp Business App while it's on the API.
From another provider (Case C): display name, quality rating, messaging limits and approved templates all carry over.
Once you've picked your path, follow the connection steps in How to connect WhatsApp Business API (WABA) to 2Chat. If you're not sure which case fits you, reach out to support and we'll help you choose.