Migrate to WhatsApp Business API

This guide walks you through the process of migrating your existing WhatsApp number to the official WhatsApp Business API using Bulldog WP. The migration allows you to use advanced API features while keeping your current number and chat history.

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Benefits of Migration

Migrating to the WhatsApp Business API offers several key advantages:

🛡️ No Ban Risk

Official WhatsApp API integration eliminates the risk of bans and disconnections that can occur with unofficial methods.

📜 Keep Chat History

Continue having access to all your chats and contacts on both the mobile app and Bulldog WP. Your conversation history is preserved during the migration.

📱 Keep Current Number

Continue using your WhatsApp Business mobile app while also leveraging the official API. No need to register a new number.

⚡ Easy Setup

Complete the migration in minutes with our simple guided process. No technical expertise required.

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Requirements

Before starting the migration, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. WhatsApp Business App

You must be using the WhatsApp Business App (not the personal WhatsApp) on your phone. If you're currently using the personal WhatsApp app, you'll need to migrate to WhatsApp Business first (see the Pre-Migration section below).

2. Facebook Account

You need an active Facebook account linked to your business. This is required for the Meta authentication process.

3. Mobile Phone Access

You will need your mobile phone during the migration to link your current WhatsApp Business number.

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Pre-Migration: Personal to Business App

Skip this section if you're already using the WhatsApp Business App.

If you're currently using the personal WhatsApp app, you must first migrate to the WhatsApp Business App before proceeding with the API migration.

Follow these steps to migrate from personal WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business:

Step 1: Back up your chat history

Open WhatsApp on your phone and create a backup of your chat history:

1. Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup
2. Tap Back Up Now
3. Wait for the backup to complete

Step 2: Download WhatsApp Business

Download the WhatsApp Business app from your device's app store:

• Download for Android (Google Play)
• Download for iOS (App Store)

Step 3: Verify your number

Open WhatsApp Business and verify your phone number:

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app
2. Accept the Terms of Service
3. Enter your phone number
4. Verify with the SMS code

Step 4: Restore your chat backup

When prompted, restore your chat history from the backup you created:

1. WhatsApp Business will detect your backup
2. Tap Restore to recover your chats
3. Wait for the restoration to complete

More Information:

• How to migrate from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business (WhatsApp FAQ)
• How to backup your chats history (WhatsApp FAQ)

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Limitations to Acknowledge

Before proceeding with the migration, it's important to understand the operational limitations. The following features will NOT be available in Bulldog WP after migration, but WILL continue to work on the WhatsApp Business mobile app and WhatsApp Web/Desktop.

1. Groups Messaging

Groups management and messaging will only be available via the mobile app. You cannot send or receive group messages through the API.

2. Channels Messaging

WhatsApp Channels messaging will only be available via the mobile app.

3. User Status (Stories)

Viewing and posting status updates will only be available via the mobile app.

4. Template Message Pricing

Meta charges for pre-approved template messages sent via the API. Certain restrictions and additional costs apply to outbound messages in some scenarios.

5. Linked Devices Disconnection

Existing linked devices (WhatsApp Web/Desktop) will be disconnected during the migration. You can reconnect them after the migration is complete.

6. Irreversible Process

Important: After migrating to WABA connection, you cannot use the QR connection method in Bulldog WP for the migrated number.

More Information:

• Learn more about limitations when using WABA Cloud API (Meta Developers)

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Migration Steps

Once you've confirmed the requirements and acknowledged the limitations, you're ready to start the migration.

Step 1: Start the Migration

Navigate to the WABA migration page in the app and click "Let's begin" to start the process.

Step 2: Review Requirements

Confirm that you meet all the requirements and click "Continue".

Step 3: Acknowledge Limitations

Read and acknowledge each limitation by clicking on each item. All limitations must be acknowledged to proceed.

Step 4: Confirm and Start

Review the important notes and click "Start Migration" to begin the Meta Connect process.

Important notes before starting:

• All linked devices will be disconnected
• You can reconnect them after the migration is complete
• Simply follow the steps in the popup window until finished
• Do not close the window during the process

Step 5: Complete Meta Authentication

A Meta Connect window will appear. Follow the authentication steps:

1. Log in with your Facebook account
2. Select or create your WhatsApp Business Account
3. Choose the phone number to connect
4. Complete the verification process

Login into your Facebook account

Step 6: Enter Business Information

When prompted, enter your business details:

• Business name: Must match the name on your registration documents (important for future business verification)
• Website: Enter your business website, or select "My business does not have a website" if applicable

Step 7: Enter your Phone number

When prompted, enter your WhatsApp Business phone number. Select your country code and type your number in the field provided. This step is required to link your number to the WhatsApp Business API.

You will also see a message about connecting your existing WhatsApp Business app. This means your account information (such as phone number, contacts, chats, and chat history) may be shared to enable the migration. Your data will be managed securely by Meta.

Click Following to continue.

Step 8: Migration Complete

Once the process is complete, you'll see a success confirmation. Your number is now connected to the WhatsApp Business API!

Close the Facebook window and go back to the app window. You will see a sucess message like this:

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What Happens After Migration

After successfully migrating your number:

✅ Your mobile app continues to work normally

You can still use the WhatsApp Business app on your phone for one-to-one messaging, groups, channels, and status updates.

✅ Messages are synchronized

Messages are synced between the platform and your phone. Messages sent via the API appear in your WhatsApp Business App, and messages received on your phone appear in the app

✅ Advanced features are now available

You can now use:

• Bulk messaging campaigns
• Automated chatbots and flows
• Team inbox collaboration
• API integrations
• Message templates
• Analytics and reporting

⚠️ Reconnect linked devices

If you had WhatsApp Web or Desktop connected, you'll need to reconnect them:

1. Open WhatsApp Business on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices
3. Tap Link a Device
4. Scan the QR code on WhatsApp Web/Desktop

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Troubleshooting

Disconnect from a Previous WABA Provider

If your number is already connected to another Business Solution Provider (BSP), you must disconnect it before migrating to Bulldog WP. WhatsApp does not support using the same phone number across multiple integrations simultaneously.

For numbers using Coexistence (WhatsApp Business App + Cloud API)

You need to disconnect from both Meta Business Suite and the WhatsApp Business App:

Step 1: Remove access in Meta Business Suite

1. Log in to Meta Business Suite using your business credentials
2. Click on Settings (usually located in the bottom left corner)
3. Under the Accounts section, click on WhatsApp accounts
4. Select the WhatsApp Business App in question and open the Partners tab
5. Click Manage next to your current BSP
6. In the pop-up window, click Remove access

Step 2: Disconnect from the WhatsApp Business App

1. Open the WhatsApp Business App on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Account → Business platform
3. Tap on the partner/provider you want to disconnect
4. Select Disconnect

For numbers registered exclusively for Cloud API (non-coexistence)

If your number was registered only for Cloud API without the WhatsApp Business App:

1. Log in to Meta Business Suite using your business credentials
2. Click on Settings (usually located in the bottom left corner)
3. Under the Accounts section, click on WhatsApp accounts
4. Select the WABA associated with the number you want to delete
5. Click WhatsApp Manager
6. Locate the number you wish to remove and click the trash can icon to delete it

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Migration failed or timed out

If the migration fails or times out:

1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection
2. Check that your Facebook account is in good standing
3. Verify that your WhatsApp Business App is up to date
4. Try again from the beginning

Messages not syncing

If messages aren't appearing in both places:

• Ensure synchronization has completed
• Check that you shared conversation history during setup
• Remember that media older than 14 days cannot be synchronized
• New messages should sync automatically

Can't find the migration option

The migration option is available for numbers currently connected via QR code (WhatsApp Web method). Navigate to:

1. Go to your device settings in Bulldog WP
2. Look for the "Migrate to WABA" option

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go back to QR code connection after migrating?

No. The migration to WhatsApp Business API is irreversible. Once migrated, you cannot use the QR connection method for that number in Bulldog WP.

Will I lose my contacts?

No. Your contacts remain on your phone and in the WhatsApp Business App. Contacts that have been synced to Bulldog WP will also be preserved.

How long does the migration take?

The migration process typically takes 5-10 minutes. Message synchronization may take longer depending on your chat history size.

Is this available in all countries?

The Coexistence feature is not available for businesses in Nigeria and South Africa (as identified by the Business App phone number).

What about message throughput?

Numbers using Coexistence have a fixed throughput of 5 messages per second to remain compatible with the WhatsApp Business app.

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Related Articles

• Coexistence with WhatsApp Business API - Learn more about how the mobile app and API work together
• WhatsApp Business API Pricing Guide - Understand messaging costs
• Messaging Costs Calculator - Calculate your estimated costs

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Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during the migration process or have questions, please contact our support team for assistance.

Contact Support