Before you can send WhatsApp messages in production from a number, it must be verified with Meta. You start the verification flow conveniently in the seven dashboard. seven forwards the request via the WhatsApp Cloud API directly to Meta; the code is delivered by SMS or voice call to the number being verified.
Verification in the seven dashboard
- Log in at dashboard.seven.io.
- Navigate to Settings > Sender IDs.
- Select the desired WABA entry.
- Open the Phone numbers section.
- Click Verify next to the number you want to verify.
- Choose SMS or Call as the delivery method for the code.
- You receive the code on the number itself and enter it in the dashboard.
The call is routed directly through Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API.
Requirements for the phone number
For the verification flow to succeed, the number must meet the following conditions:
- Not actively linked to a regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account. If the number is already registered in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app, sign it out there first. Otherwise Meta will refuse the verification. Alternatively, you can use Coexistence mode.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) on the number is disabled. If you have set a PIN on the number in the WhatsApp app, disable it beforehand.
- The number can receive SMS or calls. During the flow you receive a code that you must enter promptly.
- Landline numbers can only be verified by Meta via voice call, not via SMS. In that case, explicitly select "Call" in the dialog.
Correct number format
Enter the phone number in international format, e.g. +49 30 1234567 for Berlin. Common mistakes:
- The leading 0 included twice (e.g.
+49 0151 ...). - Too many digits due to typos or duplicate input.
- Special characters or whitespace that Meta does not accept.
A format check via our Lookup tool helps rule out typos before the verification attempt.
Business verification of the company
In addition to the phone number verification, Meta may require a separate business verification of your company for certain features (commercial register extract, domain match, etc.). This takes place in the Meta Business Manager and is independent of the code flow described above.
What to do if the code does not arrive
- SMS code not received: Try the verification again via voice call.
- Call code not received: Make sure that incoming calls are not blocked (e.g. by a phone system that rejects unknown callers).
- Cooldown: Meta limits the number of verification attempts. After repeated failures, wait a few hours before trying again.