All WhatsApp Business API accounts are based on a valid phone number. The following rules apply: 

• You must own this number.
• The number needs to be 'clean', which means it mustn't have been registered with another WhatsApp user.
• The number must include a country code and an area code.
• The number must be able to receive a call or SMS for the channel activation.

These types of numbers are accepted:

• Landline numbers
• Mobile numbers
• Virtual Mobile Numbers (VMN); Need to be voice-capable to receive the activation token by call. VMNs can be purchased from MessageBird.

These types of numbers are not accepted: 

• Shortcodes
• Numbers with an IVR (automated call menu) attached to it, unless this can be disabled to receive the activation token.
• Toll-free numbers

Once your application has been approved, the Service Delivery team will reach out and ask you to provide a number to connect to your WhatsApp channel.