These are the most common errors and statuses when creating a WhatsApp channel in 2Chat, and how to solve each one yourself.
Number in the wrong format
"Please make sure the number is valid and using international format"
The number is not in international format or does not have WhatsApp enabled. Enter it as country code + number (e.g. +1 555 013 4567) and make sure the number has a WhatsApp account.
Number used previously
"The number you are trying to add already exists. If you or your team didn't add this number before, please get in touch with us."
The number is already used by another channel, even in another account. Check whether you have another channel with the same number; if you don't, contact our support team.
The channel shows "Configuration required"
Your channel was created but its setup is not finished:
"This number hasn't been configured yet. Start the configuration process to send and receive messages."
Click the Configuration required button in the Status column of the channel list (or open the channel and click Start configuration). The Setup Wizard finishes the registration for you.
The number's link with Meta is out of date
"This number's link with Meta is out of date: the reference 2Chat stored no longer exists, or 2Chat lost access to the number. Retrying the registration won't fix it. Re-link with Meta to restore the connection — your chats, templates and campaigns are kept."
This happens when the number was removed or changed on Meta's side after the channel was created, or when the access 2Chat had expired. Retrying will never fix it. Click Re-link with Meta in the setup and sign in with an admin of the Meta Business Portfolio that owns the number. The channel stays the same: your chats, templates and campaigns are kept, and you don't need to delete it or deregister anything first.
WhatsApp is not letting this number send yet
"1 step pending in your Meta account before this number can send"
Meta needs something from your account first — for example a payment method or the account's time zone. The setup lists each pending step with a How to do it guide and a link to the right place in Meta. Your number is already linked: don't delete it or connect it again. When you're done, click I fixed it — check again.
Meta rejected the registration for a reason we don't recognize yet
The setup shows Meta's answer as is, with its code. Don't delete or reconnect the number: click Write to support — the message to our team already includes the code, so we can tell you what to do.
Too many registration attempts
"Too many registration attempts for this number. WhatsApp allows 10 per 72 hours — please try again later."
This is a WhatsApp limit, not a 2Chat error. The setup shows an estimate of when you can retry ("You should be able to try again around {time} — often sooner") and a Try again button. You don't have to wait watching the screen: 2Chat keeps retrying in the background and the registration completes on its own. Retrying many times without fixing the underlying cause can temporarily block the number, so if an error is shown above the button, solve that first.
Sending is capped until your business is verified
"Your number is connected and can send messages now. Until Meta verifies your business, new conversations you start are capped at 250 per 24 hours — replies to customers who write to you are unlimited."
This is not an error and the channel is not blocked — it works. Meta caps business-initiated conversations at 250 per 24 hours until your business completes business verification in Meta Business Manager. Replies to customers who message you first are unlimited. Complete the verification to lift the cap.
The Meta window doesn't open
"Your browser blocked the Meta window. Please allow pop-ups for this site and try again — or use Chrome if it keeps happening."
Allow pop-ups for app.2chat.io in your browser and start the connection again. If it keeps happening, try from Chrome on a computer.
The Meta signup didn't finish
If you see "Your WhatsApp signup session expired. Please start the connection again." or "We didn't get a complete response from Meta. Please close the Meta window and try again.", close the Meta window and start the connection again from the beginning, completing every step of the Meta window without closing it early.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to support.