Steps to get Started with WhatsApp Number
In order to get started with WhatsApp messaging using SMS-Magic, the following are the steps you would need to complete:
First, reach out to our sales team on sales@screen-magic.com to know the prerequisites of enabling WhatsApp messaging capabilities with SMS-Magic. You would need to fill in the use case form and get it approved from WhatsApp.
You can bring your own WhatsApp-enabled business number (BYOP) OR get one procured through SMS-Magic
You can bring your WhatsApp registered templates OR get in touch with our Support Team who can help you get your Message Templates approved and registered with WhatsApp. You can check detailed information on creating WhatsApp templates in further sections.
For existing SMS-Magic customers, we will be tagging your existing templates with all channels so that you need not have to perform an additional step to use them for WhatsApp Messaging
Please note that the entire process of registering your WhatsApp-enabled business number and templates takes around 4 weeks
You can get your WhatsApp enabled business number and registered message templates configured with your account with the help of our support team (care@screeen-magic.com)
You are now ready to send your first WhatsApp Message
Changes to WhatsApp Activation Procedures in the USA
There has been a significant update to the process of activating WhatsApp (WA) services for users in the United States.
Key Update:
WhatsApp has implemented a new policy disallowing the use of virtual mobile numbers for the activation of its services within the United States. This change follows WhatsApp's recent modifications to their verification process, which now includes a check against the number registry to determine if a number is virtual or directly associated with a mobile carrier.
Implications:
Registry Check: WhatsApp's verification process will identify numbers based on a new criterion in the number registry, which flags numbers as either virtual or associated with a mobile carrier.
Provider Neutrality: It is important to understand that this update is not targeted at or specific to any single provider of virtual numbers. The determination of a number as 'virtual' is controlled by the operator ID that enables SMS capabilities on the number and is beyond our or any service provider's control.
Service Activation: Due to these changes, our current virtual sender IDs, including long codes and Toll-Free Numbers (TFN), cannot be used for activating WhatsApp services in the USA. Our existing provider for WhatsApp activation will also be unable to furnish numbers for use in the United States under these new guidelines.
Action Required:
In light of these updates, we advise all customers wishing to activate WhatsApp services in the USA to use their own mobile numbers tied to a mobile carrier. This adjustment is crucial for compliance with WhatsApp's new activation protocols.