# Deleting a WhatsApp Bot

Releasing a WhatsApp number allows you to remove it from an existing bot so that it can be reassigned to a standard WhatsApp account or a WhatsApp Business account. This ensures proper management of phone numbers and prevents conflicts when setting up new bots or accounts.

***

### Benefits of Releasing a WhatsApp Number

* Frees up a phone number for use on standard or business accounts.
* Prevents accidental conflicts between bot and personal WhatsApp usage.
* Ensures compliance with Meta’s phone number assignment policies.
* Allows seamless migration of a number between platforms.

***

### Step to Delete a WA Bot

1. Go to [business.facebook.com](https://business.facebook.com) and log in.

<figure><img src="/files/Rjlop1FhHE2QNxlcMQom" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select the **business portfolio** in which the WhatsApp bot was created.

<figure><img src="/files/twSLVYr7rRWZ7zTs2Mzu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Click on the business settings icon.
4. From the left-hand sidebar, select **“WhatsApp Accounts”** and choose the account linked to the bot.
5. Scroll to the bottom and click **“WhatsApp Manager”** to access the **Phone Numbers** section.

<figure><img src="/files/VzCohPhsrvEqwNQpqroz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Identify the number to release and click **“Delete”**. If prompted, provide a reason and confirm deletion.

<figure><img src="/files/dfkoC62UBJ87rsPgY5Br" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Wait approximately **5 minutes**, then refresh the page to confirm the number has been removed from Meta.
8. Go to BotPenguin and delete the WhatsApp bot associated with the number.

<figure><img src="/files/VukoLMzZB8wgj6gP8yif" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

9. The number is now free and can be used on a standard WhatsApp account or WhatsApp Business account.

***

### FAQs

<details>

<summary>Can I release multiple numbers at once?</summary>

Yes, you can delete many numbers simultaneously

</details>

<details>

<summary>How long should I wait after deleting the number before using it elsewhere?</summary>

Wait at least 5 minutes and refresh the page to confirm the deletion before using it on another account.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will deleting the number affect existing bot data?</summary>

Deleting the number does not delete the bot data itself, but the bot must be deleted separately on BotPenguin to fully release the number.

</details>

<details>

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

Yes, after following these steps, the number can be used on a standard WhatsApp account or WhatsApp Business account.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if deletion fails or the number still shows as active?</summary>

Ensure proper administrative access on Business Manager, then retry. Contact <support@botpenguin.com> if the issue persists.

</details>

***

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.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/whatsapp-bot/changing-a-whatsapp-bots-number/deleting-a-whatsapp-bot.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.