Preparing a Dedicated Phone Number for WhatsApp Business

Why do you need a dedicated number?

Once you register a number with the WhatsApp Business API, that number becomes exclusive to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). You can no longer use the same number in the regular WhatsApp app or the WhatsApp Business app.

In other words, the registered number can only send and receive through the API (and since the Coauths CRM calls the API, only from the CRM).

Number requirements

• Able to receive SMS or a voice call — Meta sends a 6-digit verification code that you must enter to complete registration.
• Not linked to a current WhatsApp account — or you must fully delete that WhatsApp account before registering.
• A number from a supported country — Meta supports almost every country, except a few sanctioned ones. Korean 010 and international +82 are fine.
• Company-registered number recommended — a number under a staff member's personal name can lead to disputes over reclaiming it when they leave. Issue it under the company name via an MVNO or a virtual number.
• VoIP is only partly allowed — Meta accepts VoIP numbers such as Twilio or Vonage, but they may not receive the SMS code, so the voice-call option may be needed.

Conflicts with a number already on WhatsApp

If the number you want to register is already in use in the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app, you have two options.

Option 1: Delete that number's WhatsApp account (recommended)

1. Open the WhatsApp app on that phone
2. Settings → Account → Delete my account
3. Enter the number including the country code → confirm Delete my account
4. All chats, groups, and backups are permanently deleted (we recommend backing up first)
5. Wait 5~10 minutes, then try registering with the Business API

Option 2: Use a new number

If you want to keep the existing WhatsApp, issue a completely new number. See the next section for virtual number options.

Number options — which type to use?

1. Company main line (stable)

If the clinic's main line is a mobile number, you can use it as-is. But be careful if that number is also used for patient calls and SMS. Registering it with WhatsApp does not affect regular SMS reception (voice calls are also separate).

2. A new MVNO number ✅ recommended for Korean clinics

Activate a data-free line for around 1,000 KRW per month with an MVNO such as SK7 Mobile or KT M Mobile. Issue it under the company name and you only need it to receive SMS. Keeping it as a separate line for patient communication is clean to manage.

• Pros: company-registered, inexpensive, a Korean 010 number
• Cons: requires a USIM plus a phone or a USIM adapter

3. Virtual number / 070 internet phone

Issue a virtual number from a 070 internet-phone service such as Peace070 or Direct Call. Only some services support SMS reception, so check before signing up.

• Pros: no USIM needed
• Cons: some patients perceive 070 numbers as less trustworthy. Many such services do not receive SMS.

4. Global VoIP such as Twilio or Vonage

Use this if you handle many overseas patients or want a number other than +82. Since Meta can also send the verification code by voice call, the voice-reception option is essential.

• Pros: issued instantly, numbers from many countries
• Cons: monthly fee ($1~$5), some reject SMS

Pre-registration checklist

• ☐ The number is not linked to any WhatsApp account (or has been deleted)
• ☐ Can receive SMS or voice verification (the phone is in hand)
• ☐ Note the exact number including the country code (e.g., +82 10-1234-5678 → +821012345678)
• ☐ Decide the business name to display (the “Display Name” patients see — the clinic name)
• ☐ Choose a business category (Health & Wellness Services recommended)
• ☐ Business Verification completed or in progress

Tips for passing SMS/voice verification

1. If the SMS does not arrive, use the voice option: in WhatsApp Manager, click “Receive code via voice call”. With Korean carriers, voice is sometimes more reliable than SMS, which can be blocked.
2. Enter it within 10 minutes: the 6-digit code expires after 10 minutes. If you are late, request a resend.
3. Locked after 3 failures: entering the wrong code 3 times locks it for a while. Wait 30 minutes to 24 hours, then retry.
4. Get the country code right: it is +82 10, not 010. Drop the leading 0 and use +82.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can I later move a number I registered to a different clinic?

Yes, but it is complex. There is a procedure to transfer a number between WABAs (WhatsApp Business Accounts), and it requires Meta approval. It is better to register under the correct business name from the start.

Q. How is the clinic shown when a patient searches for it on WhatsApp?

It appears with the Display Name you set during registration. It is applied as the name patients see only after passing review (usually 1~2 days). Before it passes, patients only see the phone number on their screen.

Q. Can I run multiple clinics on the same number?

No. One number = one WhatsApp Business Account. Multiple clinics need multiple numbers.

Q. How do I use that number again in the regular WhatsApp app after registering?

In WhatsApp Manager, Migrate or Delete that number. After deleting, wait about 24 hours and you can re-register it on the regular WhatsApp.

Q. What are the next steps?

1. Issue a WhatsApp System User permanent token (required to obtain the token after registration)
2. Proceed with the installation steps in the WhatsApp connection guide