Using CloudTalk numbers in your own WhatsApp mobile apps
We understand that our users are on the go, and they may want to use their CloudTalk numbers in their own phones to talk with customers on WhatsApp.
While CloudTalk and our carriers do not directly place any limitations on this, WhatsApp/Meta itself restricts certain numbers from being activated in their apps.
Because of this and other factors outside our influence, CloudTalk cannot make any guarantees that our numbers will be able to be used in WhatsApp apps. Please keep the following in mind if you would like to try activating your CloudTalk numbers in WhatsApp:
Officially, WhatsApp does not support the use of any VoIP numbers on their mobile apps, so CloudTalk cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide you a number from your desired country that will also be usable in WhatsApp externally.
Your mobile number may not be capable of receiving the verification code or call from WhatsApp. In-country operators may not support passing OTPs and 2FAs to specific virtual mobile number carriers or ranges
Both Meta and country limitations can change over time, and a number type that you may have activated in the past, may no longer be supported.
(Typically when Meta stops supporting a certain country or number type, this means new numbers will be blocked for activation, but they do not usually "de-register" numbers that you already have in use in your phone.)
Rejections from WhatsApp/Meta
USA Numbers
As of 2024, WhatsApp has begun blocking activation of all USA numbers that are classified as hosted-VoIP numbers. If you try to activate your USA number, you will receive an error message that the number is not valid.
Unfortunately, this means that the USA numbers offered by CloudTalk cannot be registered externally with WhatsApp.
Other Countries
While some numbers may be able to initially be registered in WhatsApp/WhatsApp Business, Meta will likely stop supporting them for use in the app over time as well.
Often, a number can be successfully registered in the app at first, and after a few days, WhatsApp/Meta will detect this and will deregister your number. You would see this error that the number cannot be used in WhatsApp because of a policy violation.
If you would like to try to use your CloudTalk numbers in your external App despite the likely rejections, you can see the activation guide with WhatsApp here.
WhatsApp Messenger: only supports mobile numbers
WhatsApp Business: supports mobile and landline numbers (landline numbers need to be registered with a verification call instead of a verification SMS)
If you do not receive the verification code, you can also try to activate your numbers with a verification call:
"After you enter your phone number, please wait for an SMS to be delivered to your phone. The SMS will contain a 6-digit verification code, which you can enter on the verification screen in WhatsApp. The verification code is unique and changes each time you verify a new phone number or device. Please don’t guess the verification code as you may be locked out for a period of time. [...] If you don’t receive your code via SMS, our automated system can call you with your code. Please wait for the timer to finish counting down and do not edit your number during this time. After the timer ends, tap Call Me."