---
title: "Can I use a number already active on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business?"
description: "How to use a number already linked to a WhatsApp account"
url: https://help.getkanal.com/en/articles/28-can-i-use-a-number-already-active-on-whatsapp-or-whatsapp-business
collection: "FAQ"
updated: 2026-11-03
language: en
alternates: [fr-fr]
---

# Can I use a number already active on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business?

How to use a number already linked to a WhatsApp account

A number connected to Kanal cannot stay active at the same time in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app. Kanal does not support coexistence with the WhatsApp Business app: you first need to free up the number.

> **Info:** **Don't want to free up your number?** Kanal can provide a dedicated French landline number, for €8 excl. VAT per month with no commitment. It is already verified with Meta: you select it in one click during onboarding. See [Get a dedicated WhatsApp number with Kanal](https://help.getkanal.com/en/articles/139.md).

## My number is active in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app

You can connect to Kanal a number previously linked to a personal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account. You first need to delete the WhatsApp account tied to this number:

1.  Open the WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Business) app linked to the number you want to connect to Kanal.
    
2.  Go to **Settings**, then **Account**.
    
3.  Tap **Delete my account**, then enter your number in international format to confirm.
    

> **Warning:** **Back up your chats before deleting.** Deleting the WhatsApp account erases your chat history, and this history will not be recovered in Kanal. If you want to keep a copy, back up or export your chats from the app before deleting the account.

The number is freed about 3 minutes after the WhatsApp account is deleted. You can then use this number during the Kanal onboarding.

> **Info:** **How do I know if the number is still linked to WhatsApp?** Open the link https://wa.me/YOURNUMBER in your browser. If you see the message "The number +12345789 is not on WhatsApp", the number is free.

## My number is active on another solution (Crisp, Gorgias, Klaviyo, Sendcloud...)

> **Info:** Yes, **you can use your existing number, but it will need to be migrated to Kanal.**

> **Warning:** There is a fundamental rule to know: a phone number can only be connected to **one WhatsApp Business API provider at a time**.

Think of your phone number as a physical phone line. You can only plug it into one device (one provider) at a time. It is therefore impossible to use the same number on Kanal and on your previous solution (Gorgias, Crisp, Klaviyo, etc.) at the same time.

Given this rule, you have two options.

### Option 1: Migrate your existing number (Recommended)

This is the solution we recommend in 99% of cases. Migrating means "unplugging" your number from your previous provider and "plugging it back in" on Kanal.

**The benefits are major:**

-   **Continuity for your customers:** Your customers keep writing to you on the number they already know. No confusion.
    
-   **You keep your reputation:** You keep your display name, your quality score, and your current sending limits.
    
-   **Centralization:** All your WhatsApp activity is managed from one place: Kanal.
    

> **Info:** **How does it work?** Migration is a technical process our team can help you handle. Contact our support so we can guide you through the steps.

### Option 2: Use a new number for Kanal

If you prefer, you can get a new phone number (mobile or landline) and dedicate it exclusively to your Kanal account. Kanal can also provide a dedicated French landline number directly: [Get a dedicated WhatsApp number with Kanal](https://help.getkanal.com/en/articles/139.md).

**The benefits:**

-   **Simpler setup:** It is slightly faster because there is no migration process to go through.
    
-   **Room to test:** You can keep your previous system active while you try out Kanal.
    

**The main drawback:**

-   You will have to share this new number with your customers, which can create confusion. You will also end up managing two different WhatsApp numbers for the same business.
    

### Our advice

For a smooth customer experience and simpler management, we always recommend **migrating your existing phone number**. It is the most professional and most sustainable solution for your business.