What Type of WhatsApp Number You Should Use to Connect with BOKBOK

Important — effective October 1, 2026

Meta Requires a Payment Method and Charges for Every Message

From October 1, 2026, Meta will not keep WhatsApp Business Platform access working unless you add a payment method to your WhatsApp Business Account. Meta will also charge for every message sent through the official WhatsApp API (including the free-form replies your chatbot or team sends).

BOKBOK is a Meta Tech Provider. We help you connect WhatsApp and run your chatbot. We do not pay Meta for your messages. You pay Meta directly for your own WhatsApp messaging service, using your own payment method on your WhatsApp Business Account.

Add a valid payment method in your Meta Business / WhatsApp Business Account before September 30, 2026.
From October 1, 2026, Meta charges per message for service replies and for utility messages sent inside the 24-hour customer window.
If no payment method is on file, Meta can stop delivering your WhatsApp replies — customers may still write to you, but your answers will not go out.

What to do: after you connect WhatsApp in BOKBOK, add a card (or other accepted payment method) to the WhatsApp Business Account in Meta Business billing. Keep it valid so message sending is not interrupted. Messaging charges come from Meta, not from BOKBOK.

Quick Answer: Use a Fresh, Unused Phone Number

To connect WhatsApp with BOKBOK (via the official WhatsApp API), you should use a new phone number that has never been used with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business before. The number must be able to receive SMS or voice calls for verification and should be dedicated to your business.

✅ Good choice

Brand new SIM/phone number that has never used WhatsApp
Number that can receive SMS or voice calls
Dedicated business number (not your personal daily number)

❌ Avoid using

Your personal WhatsApp number
A number already registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business
Numbers that cannot receive SMS/phone calls

What You Need Before You Connect

You do not need to be technical. Prepare these items, then connect from your BOKBOK dashboard. After that, customer WhatsApp chats come into BOKBOK and your chatbot can reply.

1. A BOKBOK account

Sign in to BOKBOK and open the chatbot you want to use for WhatsApp. Connection happens from that chatbot's Integrations page.

2. A Facebook account

Meta's signup window asks you to log in with Facebook. Use the Facebook account that should manage this business.

3. A fresh phone number

A number that has never been used on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, that can receive SMS or a voice call for the verification code, and that you will keep for the business.

4. Your business display name

The name customers will see on WhatsApp (your shop or brand name). Have it ready before you start.

5. Your own Meta payment method

Because BOKBOK is a Meta Tech Provider, you pay Meta for WhatsApp messaging yourself. After connecting, add a card on your WhatsApp Business Account in Meta Business billing. From October 1, 2026, Meta requires this and charges per message.

How to Connect WhatsApp to BOKBOK (What You Fill In)

Clicking Connect WhatsApp in BOKBOK opens Meta's official signup window (Embedded Signup). You fill in a few screens about your business and number. When you finish, Meta links that WhatsApp number to your BOKBOK chatbot.

In BOKBOK, open your chatbot → Integrations → WhatsApp → Connect WhatsApp.
A Meta / Facebook window opens. Log in with Facebook.
Create a new business, or choose one you already have. Enter your business name if asked.
Create a new WhatsApp account for this business, or select one you already have.
Enter the name customers should see on WhatsApp, plus a category if Meta asks (for example retail, restaurant, or services).
Add your phone number (country code + number). Use the unused number you prepared — not your personal WhatsApp.
Choose SMS or a phone call, then enter the verification code you receive.
Allow BOKBOK to manage WhatsApp for this business, then finish. The window closes and you return to BOKBOK.

What happens after you finish

Your WhatsApp number is connected to that chatbot. When a customer messages you on WhatsApp, BOKBOK receives it and can reply automatically. You manage chats in BOKBOK — not in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business phone app.

Next: add your billing method in Meta

After the signup flow, add a payment method on your WhatsApp Business Account. BOKBOK is a Meta Tech Provider, so you pay Meta for your own messaging. Open Billing, choose the WhatsApp Business Account you just connected, then add a card.

Add billing method in Meta Business

Opens Meta Business → Billing → Payment methods. Meta help: how to add a credit card

Why You Need a Number That Is Not Already Used on WhatsApp

BOKBOK connects to WhatsApp using the official WhatsApp API. Meta requires that the phone number you connect is not already active in the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile apps. If the number is already in use on a phone, the API connection will fail or you will be forced to log out from the app.

By using a fresh number, you:

Avoid conflicts between the mobile app and the API connection
Prevent unexpected logouts or message delivery issues
Keep your personal WhatsApp completely separate from your business automation
Follow Meta's official policies and reduce the risk of restrictions

Important: If you try to connect a number that's already in use on WhatsApp, you will have to delete that WhatsApp account from the app before you can move it to the API. After migrating to the API, you can no longer use that number in the normal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile app.

Exact Requirements for a WhatsApp Number with BOKBOK

Before you buy or choose a number, make sure it meets these requirements:

1. The number must be new to WhatsApp

It should not be registered with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business on any device. Ideally, use a brand new SIM card that has never been used for WhatsApp before.

2. It must be able to receive SMS or calls

During setup, Meta will send a verification code by SMS or voice call. Make sure the SIM is active, inserted into a phone (at least during setup), and able to receive messages or calls.

3. It should be a long-term, stable number

This number will appear to your customers as your official WhatsApp Business contact. Choose a number that you plan to keep for the long term and renew regularly with your telecom operator.

4. Prefer a number that matches your market

If most of your customers are in a specific country, it's usually better to use a number from that country. This makes it easier and cheaper for customers to save and recognize your number.

5. Decide: mobile vs landline

You can technically use a mobile number or a landline (as long as it can receive voice calls for verification). In most cases, a mobile number is simpler to manage because you can also use it for SMS-based verification.

What Type of Numbers You Should NOT Use

To avoid problems, do not use the following types of numbers when connecting WhatsApp to BOKBOK:

Your main personal WhatsApp number that you use every day
Any number already connected to WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business on a phone
Virtual numbers that cannot reliably receive SMS or phone calls
Temporary or disposable numbers that may expire soon

Note: Once a number is connected to the WhatsApp API through BOKBOK, you should not use that same number in the normal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile app. All conversations for that number will be handled through the API (via BOKBOK).

Examples: Choosing the Right Number in Real Life

Example 1: Small local shop

You already use a personal WhatsApp number to chat with friends and family. For BOKBOK, buy a new SIM, register it under your business owner's name, and use that new number for your WhatsApp integration. Your customers will see this as the official shop number.

Example 2: Online service business

You don't currently use WhatsApp for your business. You can simply pick a fresh mobile number from your telecom provider and use it only for automated WhatsApp support via BOKBOK.

Example 3: You want to move an existing number

If you really want to use your current WhatsApp Business number, you must first delete the WhatsApp/WhatsApp Business account from your phone and then connect that number through the API. After migration, you will manage all chats through BOKBOK, not from the phone app.

Step-by-Step: Preparing a WhatsApp Number for BOKBOK

Purchase or choose a new phone number that you will dedicate to your business.
Insert the SIM into a phone and confirm it can receive SMS or voice calls.
Do not register this number on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app.
Go to your BOKBOK dashboard, open Integrations, and click Connect WhatsApp.
Complete the Meta signup screens (Facebook login, business, WhatsApp name, number, and verification code).
Once verified, keep the SIM active with your operator so the number doesn't expire.
Because BOKBOK is a Meta Tech Provider, add your own payment method in Meta Business billing for WhatsApp messaging before September 30, 2026. You pay Meta for your own messaging service. From October 1, 2026, Meta charges for every message and will not keep access working without a payment method on file.

Choose the Right Number Once and Build a Scalable WhatsApp Channel

The most important rule is simple: use a fresh, unused phone number that can receive SMS or calls and dedicate it to your business. This keeps your personal WhatsApp separate, avoids technical problems, and gives you a clean, professional presence for your customers.

With the right number connected to BOKBOK, you can start sending and receiving WhatsApp messages at scale, automate customer support, and build a powerful communication channel that works 24/7 for your business. BOKBOK is a Meta Tech Provider, so remember that from October 1, 2026, Meta requires a payment method on your WhatsApp Business Account and charges for every message — you pay Meta for your own messaging service so chatbot replies keep reaching customers.

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Official platform resources

These are public help pages from each platform (account or Page basics only). They are not BOKBOK setup steps — after your account is ready, connect inside BOKBOK or message our team for guided help.

Create a Facebook Page
Official Meta help for creating a Facebook Page for your business.
Switch to an Instagram Professional Account
Official Instagram help for Business or Creator (Professional) accounts.
WhatsApp Business overview
Official WhatsApp Business introduction — account basics on their site.

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