To use WPChat’s WhatsApp chat features, you’ll need a WhatsApp Business number. If you don’t already have one, this guide walks you through setting this up, either with a dedicated mobile line or a business landline.
Why Do You Need to Use a Real Phone Number?
You need to be able to receive a verification text message (SMS) or phone call.
Virtual or VoIP numbers from services like Google Voice, Grasshopper, Skype, or online SMS services are frequently blocked by WhatsApp.
Even if you can successfully sign up with a virtual number or SMS services, you can get blocked later, which will cause customers to not be able to contact you from the number they already know, and you will lose your conversation history.
What Are the Reliable Ways to Set Up WhatsApp Business with a Real Phone Number?
This is a separate mobile phone number used only for your business.
Options
Prepaid SIM Card – You can get this from any local carrier, and the least expensive option you can find would work fine.
eSIM – This is a digital SIM that you can purchase from carriers stores or even online, since it doesn’t require a physical SIM card. This is supported by most modern iPhones and Androids.
Steps
Get a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM and activate it with your carrier.
Install the WhatsApp Business app on your phone. This is separate from the standard WhatsApp app, and it’s available for free from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
Enter your new business phone number when you are prompted during the setup process in the app.
Verify via a text message (SMS) or a voice call.
Fill out your business profile with the requested information like the business name, category, description, and hours
Prepaid SIMs get deactivated after 60-90 days with no usage. An occasional text or small top-up keeps it alive.
Approximate costs by region:
Region
Typical cost
Carriers & Notes
US
$10-30
T-Mobile, Mint Mobile prepaid
India
Under ₹200
Jio, Airtel. Aadhaar KYC required, same-day at carrier store
Brazil
R$15-20
TIM, Claro prepaid chip. CPF required
Southeast Asia
$2-10
Cheap and widely available. ID registration required in PH, ID, MY
Europe
€5-15
ID is required in most EU countries. Buy at a carrier shop
Business Landline
If you already have a business landline that receives incoming calls, you can register it with WhatsApp.
Steps
Install the WhatsApp Business app on your phone. This is separate from the standard WhatsApp app, and it’s available free from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
Enter your business landline phone number when you are prompted during the setup process in the app.
WhatsApp will try to verify with a text message (SMS) first. This won’t arrive on a landline, but this is expected.
After the SMS attempt times out, tap Call me.
Answer the call on your landline. An automated voice will read a 6-digit code.
Enter the code in the app.
Fill out your business profile with the requested information like the business name, category, description, and hours
The number must actually ring and be answerable. If your "landline" is really a VoIP line routed through a virtual PBX, the call may not come through or WhatsApp may filter it. Traditional landlines from major telecom providers are the safest option.
What to Avoid
Virtual numbers from online providers that claim WhatsApp compatibility
VoIP-based business phone services like Google Voice, Grasshopper, or Skype
“Workaround” methods found online. Even if they work initially, you risk losing your number and chat history if WhatsApp tightens its verification process in the future.
Connect Your WhatsApp Business Number to WPChat
Once you’ve set up your WhatsApp business number, you can return to the WPChat onboarding process and enter the number, or if you’ve already finished the onboarding, you can see our guide here on editing your WPChat Agent to add the number, or create a new WPChat Agent.
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