> ## 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.

# Select WhatsApp Phone Number

> Important considerations when choosing the phone number for WhatsApp Business

Choosing the right phone number is an important step for your WhatsApp Business account.

## Available Options

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Main Number" icon="building">
    **Use hotel main number**

    * Guests already know this
    * Unified communication
  </Card>

  <Card title="New Number" icon="phone">
    **Set up separate number**

    * More flexible use
    * Often free from provider
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Technical Requirements

### Supported Number Types:

* ✅ **Mobile numbers** (recommended)
* ✅ **Landline numbers**
* ✅ **Toll-free numbers** (0800, etc.)
* ✅ **International numbers**
* ❌ **Short numbers** (not supported)

### Important Restrictions:

<Warning>
  **Number already in WhatsApp?**\
  Numbers already connected to WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App must FIRST be disconnected. [Guide: Disconnect number →](/en/chat-ai/whatsapp/disconnect-number)
</Warning>

<Info>
  **One number per location**\
  Each physical hotel location needs its own WhatsApp number. One number for multiple hotels is not allowed.
</Info>

## Verification Process

The chosen number must be verified:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="SMS Verification ⭐">
    **Recommended for:**

    * Mobile numbers
    * SMS-capable landline numbers

    **Advantages:**

    * Immediate verification
    * No appointment needed
    * Automatic process

    **Process:**

    1. Receive code via SMS
    2. Forward to DialogShift
    3. Automatic activation
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Call Verification">
    **Necessary for:**

    * Pure landline numbers
    * Numbers without SMS reception

    **Note:**

    * Appointment required
    * Disable IVR/answering machine
    * Person must be available
    * English announcement

    **Process:**

    1. Schedule appointment
    2. Answer call
    3. Note 6-digit code
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Best Practices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check availability">
    Make sure the number is not already used for WhatsApp
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose SMS-capable">
    SMS-capable numbers significantly speed up the verification process
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inform your team">
    When using main number: inform team about changes
  </Step>

  <Step title="Plan ahead">
    For landline numbers: consider IVR shutdown and appointment scheduling
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I change my number later?">
    Yes, but changing requires new verification and all guests must be informed about the new number.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to incoming calls?">
    When using your main number for WhatsApp, normal phone calls on this number land on your landline as previously. Phone calls directly via WhatsApp are not possible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use a foreign number?">
    Yes, international numbers are possible. Note that guests may pay international fees.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  **Recommendation:** Use a separate mobile number for maximum flexibility and quick setup.
</Tip>