> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.chatarmin.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp Number Requirements

> Chatarmin guide: WhatsApp Number Requirements

When connecting your WhatsApp account to **Meta**, you need to register a phone number that will belong to your WhatsApp account. This number will be used to run WhatsApp marketing through your account.

✅ **Important:** The number **must be reachable via SMS or phone call** for Meta verification.

💡 Ideally, you can use your **Customer Support number** or the number listed in your **legal imprint/Impressum**, especially if it’s already used to communicate with customers.

☎️ **Landline numbers (Festnetz)** can also be used (if they never have been connected to WhatsApp before). They only need to be able to **receive the verification code via call**.

The easiest option is to use a **new number** that is reachable only via SMS or call for verification. This can then be easily registered in Meta.

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## **Types of WhatsApp Accounts & Using Your Existing Number** 📲

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If you already have a WhatsApp number, you might be wondering if you can use it for the WhatsApp API. Below we explain the three account types and what’s possible with existing numbers.

**1. Private WhatsApp account**

The private WhatsApp Messanger number **cannot** be used for the WhatsApp API connection.

**2.WhatsApp Business account**

The WhatsApp Business account number can only be connected to the API if the account is deleted first. Here are the [Official WhatsApp instructions](https://faq.whatsapp.com/2138577903196467/?cms_platform=iphone\&helpref=platform_switcher) to delete your WhatsApp Account. After deletion, wait about **10 minutes** ⏱️ before using the same number for the WhatsApp API.

**3. WhatsApp Business API** - used for WhatsApp Marketing

If you already have a **WhatsApp API number**, you can continue using it, as long as it is still reachable via SMS or phone call.

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Once your **number is ready**, you can start **setting up** your Account in Chatarmin. ✅\
[Follow the step-by-step setup guide here:](/how-to-get-started/creating-your-whatsapp-account)