How to Use Your WhatsApp Number in GoHighLevel

If you are moving from tools like ClickUp or other CRMs and want to manage WhatsApp conversations inside GoHighLevel, it is important to understand how WhatsApp phone number registration really works. This guide explains, step by step, what you can and cannot do with an existing WhatsApp number when connecting it to the GoHighLevel WhatsApp integration.

Understanding WhatsApp Registration in GoHighLevel

When you connect WhatsApp to GoHighLevel, you are not simply logging into a normal WhatsApp app. Instead, you are registering a phone number through Meta’s WhatsApp Business API. This works differently from the regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business mobile apps.

At registration time, GoHighLevel connects to Meta and binds a specific phone number to the WhatsApp Business account used by your sub-account. Because of this, there are strict requirements about what kind of number you can use and how that number is being used elsewhere.

Can You Use an Existing WhatsApp Number in GoHighLevel?

You cannot take a phone number that is already active on the standard WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business mobile app and register that same number directly in GoHighLevel for API use. Meta does not allow the same phone number to be used simultaneously in:

• Regular WhatsApp app
• WhatsApp Business mobile app
• WhatsApp Business API (used by GoHighLevel)

If your goal is to keep using your current WhatsApp mobile app exactly as it is, that number cannot be connected to the WhatsApp Business API in GoHighLevel at the same time.

Why Existing WhatsApp Numbers Have Limitations

GoHighLevel relies on the official WhatsApp Business API, which treats numbers differently from the consumer apps. Once a number is moved to the API, WhatsApp expects that number to be used only through approved API partners or platforms.

This technical limitation exists on Meta’s side, not within GoHighLevel itself. The platform must follow WhatsApp’s rules to keep your number in good standing and to avoid any risk of being blocked or restricted.

Options for Using WhatsApp with GoHighLevel

Because an already active mobile-app number cannot be directly reused in GoHighLevel, you have a few practical options for setting up WhatsApp messaging inside your account.

Option 1: Use a New Number for GoHighLevel

The simplest and officially supported way to connect WhatsApp to GoHighLevel is to use a fresh phone number that is not registered in any WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app.

To do this:

1. Get a new phone number (mobile or landline, depending on Meta’s current requirements).
2. Ensure this number is not registered in any WhatsApp-related app.
3. Go to your GoHighLevel sub-account’s WhatsApp integration or phone number settings.
4. Begin the WhatsApp registration process and enter the new number.
5. Follow the verification steps provided by Meta (usually an SMS or voice call PIN).

Once completed, you can send and receive WhatsApp messages through GoHighLevel using this new number.

Option 2: Migrate an Existing Number (With Caution)

If you really want to use your existing business number, you would first need to remove it from the current WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app before connecting it to the API through GoHighLevel. This is a one-way type of migration and must be done carefully.

Typical high-level steps are:

1. Back up any important WhatsApp chat history you may need to keep in your existing app.
2. Delete or deactivate the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account tied to that number on your phone.
3. Wait for WhatsApp to fully release the number from the mobile app (this can take some time in certain cases).
4. Only after that, start the registration process for the WhatsApp Business API inside GoHighLevel and use that same phone number.

After the migration, the number becomes dedicated to API usage and should no longer be used in the normal mobile app. Carefully evaluate whether this trade-off works for your business.

How to Start the WhatsApp Setup in GoHighLevel

The exact user interface may change, but the general process inside GoHighLevel follows a consistent pattern.

Step 1: Access WhatsApp Settings in GoHighLevel

Log in to your sub-account where you want to enable WhatsApp messaging. Then:

• Navigate to the phone or messaging settings area.
• Look for the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business API integration section.
• Start the WhatsApp number registration or connection wizard.

Step 2: Prepare Your Phone Number

Before you type any number into GoHighLevel, confirm these points:

• The number is not currently active on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, or you have removed it following WhatsApp’s official process.
• You have access to the SMS inbox or voice calls for that number.
• You are ready to receive a one-time verification code from Meta.

Step 3: Complete the Verification

Follow the prompts given in GoHighLevel to register the number with WhatsApp Business API:

1. Enter the phone number in international format.
2. Choose SMS or voice verification as offered.
3. Retrieve the verification code from your phone or phone system.
4. Submit the code in the GoHighLevel interface.

After the verification succeeds, the number should appear as connected to WhatsApp in your GoHighLevel account, and you can begin sending and receiving WhatsApp messages according to your plan and WhatsApp policies.

Important Notes and Restrictions for GoHighLevel Users

When using WhatsApp inside GoHighLevel, keep the following details in mind:

• A phone number can only be tied to one WhatsApp Business API account at a time.
• You cannot simultaneously use the same number in the mobile WhatsApp apps and through the API.
• If you change numbers later, you may have to repeat the verification and configuration steps.
• WhatsApp Business API usage is subject to Meta’s messaging rules, templates, and rate limits.

Always review the latest official documentation before making permanent changes to a phone number’s WhatsApp configuration.

Where to Learn More About WhatsApp and GoHighLevel

For the most accurate and current information, review the original help article from the platform here: WhatsApp number registration help for GoHighLevel.

If you are implementing complex workflows or need strategic guidance on CRM, marketing automation, and integrations, you can also consult specialists at Consultevo for tailored implementation advice that works with GoHighLevel and related tools.

Summary: Using WhatsApp Numbers in GoHighLevel

To recap the key points:

• You cannot use a phone number that is already active in the normal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app directly in the WhatsApp Business API inside GoHighLevel.
• The recommended approach is to use a new, unused phone number when connecting WhatsApp to your GoHighLevel sub-account.
• If you must reuse an existing number, you first need to remove it from all WhatsApp apps, then register it through the API using the GoHighLevel integration flow.
• Always plan carefully, back up important data, and verify that the number is free before starting the API registration.

By following these guidelines, you can configure WhatsApp correctly inside GoHighLevel and avoid conflicts between your mobile apps and your WhatsApp Business API setup.

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