Connect WhatsApp Business to your virtual business number

WhatsApp Business works with your 03 number and all regional numbers (like 020, 0161 or 0121). Want to use WhatsApp Business? Get a national or local number at Rinkel and connect it to WhatsApp Business.

A Rinkel number can't receive SMS, so text verification won't work. Use the voice call option instead: WhatsApp will ring you and read out the code.

Here's how:

1. Enter your Rinkel number in WhatsApp Business (without the leading 0)
2. Ignore the error message and tap 'Didn't get a code' on the SMS screen
3. Make sure your Rinkel settings are correct, then choose 'Call me'
4. Answer the call and type in the code.

Have a pen and paper handy so you can jot it down straight away.

Turn off all greetings before you tap 'Call me'. Check your greeting message, call menu and call recording. If any of these are active, the bot will read out the code before you can pick up — and you'll miss it.

Also check that your call forwarding is set up correctly. Is your mobile number first in the forwarding list? Your business hours and user schedule also need to be set to open at the time you're verifying. Otherwise your Rinkel number won't be reachable when WhatsApp calls.

This message comes from WhatsApp and means their system has temporarily blocked verification for your number. It usually happens after several failed attempts in a row.

What you can do:

• Wait 24 hours before trying to verify again
• In the meantime, double-check your Rinkel settings (custom greeting off, etc.)
• Try at a different time — outside office hours often works better
• Still not working after 48 hours? Get in touch with the Rinkel support team — we'll check whether anything on our end is causing the issue

The problem is almost always on WhatsApp's side. Rinkel can't fix it directly, but we can help you figure out the right next step.

Yes. WhatsApp Business stays connected to your number after porting — you don't need to reconfigure anything. The link is between WhatsApp and your number, not between WhatsApp and your provider.

One exception: if you choose a completely new number instead of porting your existing one, you'll need to verify WhatsApp Business again with that new number. The process is the same as the first time.

Yes. You can connect WhatsApp Business to up to five devices — phones or computers — so colleagues can read and reply to messages too. The first device you install WAB on stays the admin device.

To link a new device:

1. Open WhatsApp Business on the admin device
2. Go to Settings > Linked devices
3. Tap Link a device
4. Scan the QR code on the new device

The admin phone doesn't need to be on all the time, but if you don't use it for 14 days, all linked devices will be disconnected automatically.

No. Your Rinkel business number (03 or regional) works fine — and for business use it's often a better choice, since it keeps work and personal separate and looks more professional.

A lot of business owners assume WhatsApp Business only works with a mobile number. It doesn't. WhatsApp accepts virtual business numbers too; you just verify via the voice call option instead of SMS.

WhatsApp usually blocks a Business account when you break their rules — often without realising it. The main one: don't send unsolicited messages to people who haven't messaged you first. That includes existing customers who left their number somewhere without giving you explicit opt-in consent.

What you can do:

• Reply to customers who message you first
• Ask for opt-in via your website, checkout process or at the start of a conversation — only then can you message proactively
• Use automated welcome and away messages
• Use your product catalogue, labels and quick replies
• Make it easy for people to opt out (for example: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe")

What to avoid — this is how accounts get blocked:

• ❌ Cold outreach or bulk messages to numbers that haven't messaged you
• ❌ Marketing or promotional messages without opt-in (required under UK/EU law)
• ❌ Buying or renting contact lists and messaging them en masse
• ❌ Using unofficial WhatsApp versions like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp
• ❌ Offering products or services that violate the WhatsApp Commerce Policy
• ❌ Using the same number that was previously registered with the WAB API or bulk-messaging software

WhatsApp usually gives you a warning in the app before blocking. Don't ignore it — it's your last chance to change course.

Already blocked? Request a review through the WhatsApp app itself (Help > Contact us) or via faq.whatsapp.com. Rinkel can't lift an account ban — that's WhatsApp's call. But your number stays active with Rinkel, so once it's resolved, everything works just as before.