Already using WhatsApp with another provider and switching to charles? Great news, you don't have to start from scratch. Migrating your phone number means you bring your existing WhatsApp presence with you, keeping everything that matters while moving into a more powerful platform.
What You'll Keep After Migrating
Unlike setting up a brand new WhatsApp channel, migrating your number is a transfer, not a reset. Here's what carries over:
✅ What You Keep | Why It Matters |
📞 Your phone number | No need to communicate a new number to your audience |
📈 WhatsApp Messaging Limits | Your sending capacity built up over time stays intact |
🔵 OBA Verification (blue checkmark) | Your Official Business Account status is preserved, no need to re-apply |
💡 If you were to set up a new WhatsApp number instead of migrating, you would lose your messaging limits and your OBA verification, and would need to request the blue checkmark again from scratch. Migration avoids all of that.
Before You Start
Make sure all of the following are in place before starting.
Prerequisites checklist:
You have admin access to Meta Business Manager
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is disabled in your current WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)
Your phone number is ready to receive an SMS or a phone call for verification purposes
⚠️ 2FA must be disabled before starting the migration. If 2FA is still active on your current WABA, the migration will fail.
How to Disable 2FA in WhatsApp Business Manager
Go to Meta Business Manager
Navigate to your WhatsApp Account and find the Two-Step Verification section
Click Turn off two-step verification
You will receive an email to confirm it
Once 2FA is disabled and all prerequisites are met, you're ready to proceed.
How to Migrate Your Number
The migration follows the same flow as a standard WhatsApp connection in charles, with one important difference you must not overlook.
During the WABA setup step, you will see a dropdown to select an existing WhatsApp Business Account. Do NOT select your old WABA from the list. Instead, choose "Create a new WhatsApp Business Account" This is what ensures your number is properly migrated to charles.
Once you've noted that, follow the full step-by-step connection process here:
→ Connect WhatsApp
What to Expect After Migration
The migration is designed to be seamless:
✅ No downtime - the switch is immediate and your WhatsApp channel remains operational throughout
✅ Your number stays the same - your customers won't notice any difference
✅ Your messaging limits and OBA verification carry over
Need Help? We've Got You.
Our support team is happy to walk through the entire migration process together with you, step by step, in real time. You don't have to do this alone. 🙌
→ Open a Support Ticket to get help from our team or to schedule a call to go through the migration together with a charles expert