Error: “This phone number is already registered to a WhatsApp account”

What does this error mean?

This error appears when the phone number you are trying to onboard for WhatsApp (Business or API) is already connected to an existing WhatsApp account. A phone number can only be linked to one WhatsApp account at a time. Until it is disconnected from the current account, it cannot be used again for onboarding.

Why am I seeing this error?

You may encounter this error for one of the following reasons:

• The number is currently active on the WhatsApp mobile app (personal or business).

• The number is already connected to another WhatsApp Business Platform or provider.

• The number was recently disconnected, but WhatsApp is still processing the change.

• The number was previously used for WhatsApp and not fully released yet.

How to fix this issue

Follow the steps below carefully to resolve the error.

Step 1: Disconnect the number from the existing WhatsApp account

If the number is active on a mobile device:

1. Open WhatsApp on the phone.

2. Go to Settings.

3. Select Account.

4. Tap Delete Account.

5. Confirm by entering the phone number.

Important: Deleting the account permanently removes chat history and disconnects the number from WhatsApp.

If the number is connected to another provider:

Contact the current WhatsApp provider and request a full release or deletion of the number from their WhatsApp Business Platform account.

Step 2: Wait for the number to refresh

Once the number is disconnected:

• Wait up to 3 minutes for WhatsApp systems to refresh the number’s status.

• In some cases, it may take slightly longer depending on WhatsApp’s backend processing.

Do not retry immediately multiple times, as this may cause additional delays.

Step 3: Retry onboarding

After the waiting period:

1. Return to the onboarding screen.

2. Re-enter the phone number.

3. Proceed with the verification steps.

This error is not a system failure. It is a safeguard by WhatsApp to ensure each phone number is uniquely associated with a single account. Once the number is properly disconnected and refreshed, onboarding should complete successfully.