Migrating WhatsApp Phone Number: From App to API & Between BSPs

The application of WhatsApp in business is gaining popularity and relevance across departments and industries. This can be done either through the basic WhatsApp business App or via the more powerful WhatsApp Business API solution. Of all the things you can do with WhatsApp for Business, number migration or porting is not the most obvious or common — but it's an important process that enables you to transfer your existing phone number to a new provider or solution.

For Landbot users in particular, WhatsApp number migration is a crucial step to take to avoid any disruptions to their workflows. It doesn't matter whether you're moving from a direct Facebook Business API integration or from another WhatsApp BSP (Business Solution Provider).

In this article, we'll cover how Landbot WhatsApp number migration works and what you need to do to get started. Let's begin.

What Is Phone Number Migration?

WhatsApp number migration in the business context is a process that allows a WhatsApp phone number to be transferred to a different service provider. Often referred to as WhatsApp number porting, it involves moving a number from an existing BSP (Business Solution Provider) to another.

The same process can be used to:

• Transfer a number from one Facebook Business Manager account to another
• Transfer a number from a tech provider to a BSP like Landbot

Why Would I Need to Migrate a WhatsApp Number?

More often than not, WhatsApp number porting or migration comes down to a matter of cost and efficiency.

If your current BSP's pricing, features, or services no longer align with your business needs, switching providers usually calls for porting your WhatsApp number to a new BSP. Similarly, if you've outgrown your existing infrastructure or need access to more sophisticated tools and integrations, migration can give you access to a more advanced platform that better supports your business needs.

Additionally, some companies eventually decide to migrate from self-managed direct API integration to a BSP like Landbot to take advantage of a more comprehensive and supported environment, including access to customer support, pre-built integrations, and regular updates.

In short, if you have an existing WhatsApp number associated with your brand and want to switch to Landbot, number migration means you get to keep your existing brand presence and contact details without having to deal with the transition costs (both financial and CX-related).

Prerequisites to Migrate Your WhatsApp Phone Number to Landbot

Before you can migrate your number to Landbot, here's what you'll need:

1. A verified Facebook Business Manager account. Your business needs to be verified by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp. This requires a Facebook Business Manager account where your business verification is approved.
2. Access to your current BSP or direct integration. You must have admin access to your current WhatsApp Business API setup, whether it's through another BSP or a direct integration.
3. A working phone number. This refers to a valid phone number that is currently active and registered under your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA).
4. Landbot account with WhatsApp channel enabled. You must have an active Landbot account with the WhatsApp channel set up and configured.

How Does Landbot WhatsApp Number Migration Work?

The WhatsApp number migration process with Landbot involves 8 steps:

1. Disconnecting the phone number from the current BSP. Before initiating the number migration to Landbot, you need to disconnect your phone number from its current BSP. This step is crucial to ensure the number is free and available for transfer.
2. Deleting the WhatsApp phone number from the Business Solution Provider. Follow the current BSP's process for number deletion. This frees up the number for migration to Landbot.
3. Disabling Two-Step Verification (2SV). Your current provider usually requires disabling the two-step verification (2SV) tied to the number to proceed with migration. Ensure this is done as part of the preparation steps.
4. Using a new WABA or joining an existing WABA. You have two options when migrating to Landbot: create a new WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) or join an existing one. Each path has its nuances, and Landbot provides Landbot WhatsApp porting tutorial.
5. Connecting the phone number to Landbot via WABA. Once the number is free and the account is set up, you'll connect the phone number to Landbot through the designated WABA. This step officially initiates the transfer of the number to Landbot.
6. Completing the 6-digit phone number verification code. After connecting the number, WhatsApp will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone number. This step is necessary to verify your ownership of the number during the migration process.
7. Re-enabling Two-Step Verification (2SV). Once the migration is complete, we strongly recommend re-enabling 2SV for security purposes. This step is important to protect your business's WhatsApp account from unauthorized access.
8. Opening a Landbot test conversation. After the migration, open a test conversation in Landbot to ensure everything is working correctly. This includes checking that the number is correctly linked to your chatbot flows and that messages are being sent and received as expected.

Restrictions and Considerations for WhatsApp Number Migration with Landbot

The WhatsApp number migration process is generally straightforward but there are a few important restrictions and considerations to keep in mind:

• You cannot migrate landline numbers. WhatsApp restricts the use of landline numbers in certain regions or for certain account types. Always check if your landline number is eligible for migration before starting the process.
• Message templates will not be transferred. When migrating your WhatsApp number to a new BSP like Landbot, your existing message templates will not be automatically transferred. You'll need to recreate and submit your message templates in the new environment for approval by WhatsApp.
• Quality ratings will not be transferred. Your current quality rating, which reflects how your messages are received by users, will not carry over to Landbot. You'll need to build up your quality rating again on the new platform, which requires following WhatsApp's best practices and maintaining high-quality interactions.
• Conversations and contacts are not migrated. Existing conversations and contacts from your previous BSP will not be moved over during the migration. You'll start fresh with Landbot, so it's important to ensure you have backups or records of important conversation histories and contact details.

Can You Migrate a WhatsApp Number from Landbot to Another BSP?

Yes, just as you can migrate a number to Landbot, you can also move your WhatsApp number away from Landbot to another BSP, should the need arise. The process is similarly straightforward: you'll need to disconnect the number from Landbot, disable 2SV, and then follow the new BSP's migration process.

Landbot's flexible approach to number migration ensures that businesses aren't locked into our platform and have the freedom to choose the best solutions for their evolving needs.

Ready to start the WhatsApp number migration process to Landbot? Contact our team to get started.