> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dialogshift.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Disconnect WhatsApp Number

> How to disconnect a phone number from an existing WhatsApp account

Before you can use a phone number for WhatsApp Business API, it must be disconnected from all existing WhatsApp accounts.

<Warning>
  **⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE:**\
  When disconnecting, ALL data on the original device will be permanently deleted:

  * All chat histories
  * Saved media
  * Contacts and groups
  * Backup data

  **Nothing changes for your contacts** - they keep their chat history with your number.
</Warning>

## Preparations

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create backup">
    Secure important chats and media if needed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inform contacts">
    Inform important contacts about the changeover
  </Step>

  <Step title="Prepare alternative">
    Set up an alternative WhatsApp number if necessary
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Disconnect Number - by App Type

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="WhatsApp Business App">
    ### Option 1: Via Facebook Business Manager (recommended)

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open Business Manager">
        Go to [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Navigation">
        Settings → Business Settings → WhatsApp Accounts → WhatsApp Manager
      </Step>

      <Step title="Phone Numbers">
        Click "Phone numbers" in the left sidebar
      </Step>

      <Step title="Delete number">
        Click the trash icon next to the number to be deleted
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm">
        Confirm the deletion in the dialog
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Option 2: In the app itself

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open app">
        Open WhatsApp Business on your phone
      </Step>

      <Step title="Settings">
        Menu → Settings → Account
      </Step>

      <Step title="Delete account">
        Select "Delete my account"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter number">
        Enter your phone number for confirmation
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm deletion">
        Tap "DELETE MY ACCOUNT"
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Card title="Official Guide" icon="book" href="https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/phone-numbers#migrate">
      Facebook Developer Documentation
    </Card>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="WhatsApp (Consumer)">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open WhatsApp">
        Open the regular WhatsApp app
      </Step>

      <Step title="Settings">
        Menu → Settings → Account
      </Step>

      <Step title="Delete account">
        Select "Delete my account"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select reason">
        Optionally select a reason for deletion
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm number">
        Enter your phone number in full format
      </Step>

      <Step title="Delete">
        Tap "DELETE MY ACCOUNT"
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Card title="WhatsApp FAQ" icon="question" href="https://faq.whatsapp.com/605464643328528">
      Official WhatsApp Help
    </Card>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## After Disconnection

<Info>
  **What happens next?**

  * The number is immediately available for WhatsApp Business API
  * Your contacts still see your name and previous chat
  * You can communicate with all contacts again via the API
  * New features like chatbot and multi-agent become available
</Info>

## Common Problems

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Number shows as 'already in use'">
    * Wait 5-10 minutes after deletion
    * Make sure the number has been disconnected from ALL devices
    * Also check linked devices (WhatsApp Web, Desktop)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cannot delete my old number">
    * Make sure you have internet access
    * The entered number must match exactly
    * With 2-factor authentication: have PIN ready
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What about my contacts?">
    Your contacts:

    * Keep their chat history with you
    * Can still message you
    * See no difference (except possibly business features)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  **Tip:** Plan the disconnection outside your main business hours to minimize interruptions.
</Tip>