A Virtual Number for WhatsApp: How to Get a Number for WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp is now the main service and sales channel for many businesses in Israel — but working with customers from the owner’s personal number is a mistake. The fix is a virtual number for WhatsApp: a dedicated business number, separate from the personal one, that you register WhatsApp Business on. This guide explains how it works, how to register a number, and the difference between the app and the API.
In short
- What it is: a dedicated virtual (DID) number you register the business’s WhatsApp Business account on — without exposing the personal number.
- The requirement: the number must receive a verification code (by SMS or call). A virtual number that supports that works.
- Know this: one number = one WhatsApp account. You can’t use the same number for personal and business at once.
- App vs API: the app for a small business; the API (WhatsApp Business Platform) for multiple agents, automation and integration with your contact center and CRM.
Why a virtual number for business WhatsApp?
- Separation of personal and business. The owner doesn’t want their personal number to be “the company’s WhatsApp” forever. A dedicated number fixes that.
- Continuity. The number belongs to the business, not an employee — even if whoever ran the chat leaves.
- Multiple agents on one number. With the WhatsApp Business Platform, several agents answer from the same number, in one workspace.
- Professionalism. A business number (including a local or national virtual number) signals an organized company.
How it works — registering the number
The process is simple: pick a virtual number that can receive verification, and register it on WhatsApp Business. During registration WhatsApp sends a verification code by SMS or voice call — so the number must be able to receive it. Once verified, the number is tied to the business account and ready to send and receive.
WhatsApp Business app vs the API
- WhatsApp Business app — free, suited to a small business on one device. Simple, but limited on agent count and automation.
- WhatsApp Business Platform (API) — for businesses that need multiple agents, approved templates, automation, bots and integration with the CRM and contact center. This is how you run WhatsApp at real volume.
For businesses handling volume, the API plugs into your business-messaging solution and the contact center — so every WhatsApp conversation sits next to voice and chat in one agent workspace.
Things to know
- One number, one account. You can’t run the same number on personal and business WhatsApp at once.
- Verification. Confirm up front that the virtual number you pick receives an SMS or voice call for the code.
- Porting. You can usually register an existing business number — or allocate a new virtual number dedicated to WhatsApp.
A virtual number for WhatsApp is the first step to running WhatsApp like a real business channel — not from a personal phone. At Reshetcall we allocate virtual numbers and connect WhatsApp Business to your contact center, with multiple agents, automation and CRM integration. Talk to us and we’ll set up business WhatsApp the right way.