New WhatsApp Onboarding Flow: Connect, Create, or Migrate
We've completely redesigned the WhatsApp onboarding experience to give sub-accounts three clear paths to get started: connect an existing WhatsApp Business App with coexistence, create a new WhatsApp Business Account, or migrate from an existing Business Solution Provider (BSP) like 360Dialog, Twilio, Wati, ManyChat and others.
> If your sub-accounts are connected through another BSP today, they can now self-migrate to LeadConnector without losing a single asset. No support tickets, no downtime, no risk.
What's New
🔄 Migrate from an Existing BSP
- Self-Service BSP Migration: Sub-accounts connected to another BSP (360Dialog, Twilio, etc.) can now migrate directly to LeadConnector using Meta's Embedded Signup flow. Previously, this required creating a brand new WABA and risking the loss of critical business assets. For example, a dental clinic using 360Dialog can now switch to HighLevel and keep their verified phone number, approved templates, and Official Business Account status intact, all without a single day of messaging downtime.
- Full Asset Preservation: The migration carries over everything: your phone number, display name, quality rating, messaging limits, Official Business Account (OBA) status, and all previously approved templates. Nothing gets left behind.
- Pre-Migration Validation: Before starting, the flow checks eligibility so there are no surprises mid-migration.
📱 Redesigned Onboarding Experience
- Three Clear Paths: The onboarding screen now presents three distinct options, each with tailored guidance:
- Connect your WhatsApp Link your existing WhatsApp Business App and continue using it on your phone while managing conversations seamlessly inside the CRM. Up to 6 months of chat history will be synced automatically. Ideal for small businesses (like a local salon or real estate agent) that already talk to customers on WhatsApp and want to bring those conversations into the CRM without disrupting their daily workflow.
- Create a New WhatsApp Business Account: Set up a fresh WhatsApp Business Account with a landline, a mobile number not currently on WhatsApp, or a brand new number. Great for agencies onboarding new clients who don't have an existing WhatsApp presence yet.
- Migrate from an Existing BSP: Seamlessly transfer your existing WhatsApp Business Account from another provider to the CRM, preserving your phone number, quality rating, templates, and OBA status.
- In-App Guidance: Each path includes prerequisites, things to keep in mind, and links to help documentation before you begin.
📞 555 Business Phone Numbers
- Claim a Free US Business Number: Eligible sub-accounts can now claim up to two 555 business phone numbers during onboarding. These are real US numbers (+1 country code, 555 area code) that work like standard business phone numbers, with full pricing rules and quality ratings. This is a game-changer for agencies managing multiple client accounts: spin up a new WhatsApp-enabled sub-account in minutes without needing to buy or port a phone number.
- Instant Verification: 555 numbers are verified automatically, so there's no need for a phone call or SMS verification step. Perfect for businesses that want to get started immediately without using a personal or landline number.
- Things to Know: 555 numbers cannot be migrated to another WhatsApp Business Account or used outside the WhatsApp Business Platform. Display names must be approved before sending messages.
How to Get Started
- In the sub-account, go to Settings → WhatsApp.
- Choose the path that fits your situation:
Option A: Connect your WhatsApp
- Verify your phone number's country code is not on the restricted list. If it is, use Option B instead.
- Confirm your phone number is added to your Meta Business Manager account.
- Make sure you're already using the WhatsApp Business App on your phone.
- Click Connect with Facebook and follow the instructions to link your account.
Option B: Create a New WhatsApp Business Account
- If using a personal phone number, delete it from personal WhatsApp first (WhatsApp → Settings → Delete my account).
- Note: existing chat history won't transfer. Back up your chats before proceeding.
- If eligible, you'll see the option to claim a 555 business phone number during the phone number addition step.
- Click Connect with Facebook and follow the instructions to create and configure your new account.
Option C: Migrate from an Existing BSP
- Turn off two-step verification: go to WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers → Select your number → Two-step verification → Turn off.
- Confirm your business is verified in Meta Business Manager → Business Verification.
- Confirm your phone number display name is approved: WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers → Select your number → Profile → Check display name shows "Approved."
- Click Connect with Facebook and follow the Embedded Signup flow to complete the migration.
Why This Matters
Businesses today are stuck in one of three situations: they're on another BSP and afraid to lose their WhatsApp assets by switching, they're already using WhatsApp on their phone but can't bring those conversations into a CRM, or they want to get started with WhatsApp but don't have a dedicated business number. This update solves all three.
- Migrate from any BSP without losing your phone number, display name, quality rating, templates, or OBA status
- Reduce onboarding time from days (with manual porting) to minutes (with self-serve Embedded Signup)
- Sync up to 6 months of chat history when connecting via coexistence
- Get started instantly with a 555 number if you don't have a dedicated business phone number yet
- Eliminate support tickets related to BSP migration, number porting, and asset loss
Your sub-accounts no longer have to choose between their existing WhatsApp assets and HighLevel. They can have both.