# Changing a Whatsapp bots number

Changing your WhatsApp bot number requires disconnecting the existing number and integrating a new one. WhatsApp does not allow replacing a number directly on an active integration.

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### Before You Begin (Important)

* You must have **access to the new WhatsApp number**.
* The new number **must not be already connected** to another WhatsApp Business API account.
* Ensure you have the **OTP access** for the new number.
* Existing chats and history **will not transfer** to the new number.

### Steps to Release (Delete) a WhatsApp Bot Number

#### Step 1: Remove the Number from Meta (Facebook Business)

1. Go to **business.facebook.com** and log in
2. Select the **Business Portfolio** where the WhatsApp bot was created
3. Click on **Business Settings**
4. From the left sidebar, select **WhatsApp Accounts**
5. Choose the WhatsApp account linked to your bot
6. Scroll down and click **WhatsApp Manager**
7. Open the **Phone Numbers** section
8. Locate the number you want to release
9. Click **Delete**
10. If prompted, select a reason and **confirm deletion**

{% content-ref url="changing-a-whatsapp-bots-number/deleting-a-whatsapp-bot" %}
[deleting-a-whatsapp-bot](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/whatsapp-bot/changing-a-whatsapp-bots-number/deleting-a-whatsapp-bot)
{% endcontent-ref %}

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FPV8kDqwm1Gicjwh7EhXt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d65608f3-3de2-4227-bf63-12801ec0e7b1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 2: Delete the WhatsApp Bot in BotPenguin

1. Log in to your **BotPenguin Dashboard**
2. Go to Bots
3. Open the WhatsApp bot associated with the deleted number
4. Delete or disconnect the WhatsApp bot

Once this is done, the number is fully released from BotPenguin.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2F4Ey42rRqf9izmDl2yQ4I%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d887eab5-a81b-4964-9f74-c3344d705818" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 3: Create a New WhatsApp Bot with the New Number

1. Go to **Bots**
2. Click **Create Whatsapp Bot**
3. Select **WhatsApp** as the channel
4. Enter and verify the **new WhatsApp number** (OTP required)
5. Complete the onboarding steps.

A **new WhatsApp bot** is now created with the new number.

View Reconnecting Whatsapp Bot here:

{% content-ref url="changing-a-whatsapp-bots-number/reconnecting-whatsapp-bot" %}
[reconnecting-whatsapp-bot](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/whatsapp-bot/changing-a-whatsapp-bots-number/reconnecting-whatsapp-bot)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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### FAQs

<details>

<summary>Can I directly edit my WhatsApp bot number?</summary>

No. WhatsApp numbers cannot be changed once a bot is created.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why is a new bot required?</summary>

Meta does not allow phone numbers to be reassigned within an active WhatsApp Business API setup.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will my old chats be available?</summary>

No. WhatsApp does not support chat history migration between numbers.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I reuse the number on any WhatsApp account?</summary>

Yes, once the number is released from Meta, it can be reused on a new bot or WhatsApp account.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is there any downtime?</summary>

Yes. The bot will be unavailable until the new number is verified and the new bot is live.

</details>

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If everything is correct and you are still unable to move forward, write to us at <support@botpenguin.com>. We will respond back within 48 business hours.