Using a RingBoost Number with WhatsApp

Customers have reported errors when trying to use a number on WhatsApp that was recently ported from RingBoost to a wireless carrier. We have found that the number will eventually work on WhatsApp after about a 3-month waiting period. If you need a number to immediately work with WhatsApp we recommend that you obtain a number from a wireless carrier.

Overview of using your RingBoost number on WhatsApp

You just bought a memorable phone number from RingBoost that you want to use on WhatsApp. The good news is that you will be able to, but it may take some time and effort. RingBoost numbers are classified as landline/wireline so your number likely will not work with WhatsApp immediately after porting the number to your wireless carrier.

The WhatsApp website clearly states that they do not support VoIP or wireline numbers. However, after you port your number to your wireless carrier, you number will eventually be reclassified from a Landline to a Mobile line.

I ported my number to a wireless carrier but it still doesn't work on WhatsApp

If you ported your number to a wireless carrier and it's on an active SIM card, you should be able to add it on WhatsApp. You may, however encounter the following error:

There are 3 things you can try.

1. Contact WhatsApp

If you encounter this error, you may find success contacting WhatsApp support for assistance. WhatsApp customer support has become increasingly more difficult to work with so we are skeptical that this will work. Here are a couple of articles to consult as you try to use your number with WhatsApp:

Can't complete registration

Can’t register phone number

You can also try contacting WhatsApp for help within the app or completing the following WhatsApp form for assistance in using your number:

Contact WhatsApp

2. Contact your wireless carrier

After porting to a wireless carrier, you can contact the carrier and ask them to reclassify your number from landline --> wireless. We are skeptical that this will work but it's worth a try.

3. Wait 3 months and try again

We have observed multiple customers being allowed to use their number on WhatsApp about 3 months after porting to a wireless carrier. While we cannot definitively say what is going on with WhatsApp, here are two theories based on our observations:

1. WhatsApp does not immediately recognize that your number has been converted from a VoIP/Wireline number to a Wireless number. They don't seem to refresh their systems very often to recognize changes in line status but they do eventually refresh their systems.

2. WhatsApp has imposed some sort of a 3-month waiting period for numbers that have recently converted to wireless as a means of preventing spam on their platform.

Conclusion

Using a vanity number with WhatsApp can be a powerful brand strategy — but only if you handle the technical side right. Whether you’re a law firm, contractor, startup, real-estate agent, or whatever industry you are in, integrating your memorable number with modern messaging tools makes it easier for customers to reach you on their terms.

Need help getting started? RingBoost offers vanity numbers that are portable to wireless carriers. Contact us today to get started!