Overview
If you’re seeing this error while trying to onboard a phone number to the WhatsApp Business Platform for Coexistence (Coex), it means that WhatsApp has flagged the number as not having enough business activity to qualify for the platform. To ensure your business is using WhatsApp legitimately and actively, WhatsApp requires some engagement through the WhatsApp Business App first.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
1. Start Engaging in Real Conversations
WhatsApp checks for authentic business usage. Engage in meaningful interactions:
Send and receive messages with real customers or internal testers
Use features like quick replies, labels, and greeting messages
Send different types of content: text, images, documents, etc.
Respond promptly and keep conversations active for a few days
Try to maintain daily messaging activity for a month.
2: Retry the Onboarding Process
After consistent activity:
Go back to your onboarding tool GHL-> Whatsapp
- Retry connecting your number to the WhatsApp Business Platform
Why This Happens
WhatsApp wants to ensure numbers being onboarded to the Business Platform (API) are associated with legitimate, active businesses. Without prior message activity, your number won’t qualify until a usage pattern is established.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t try to onboard a fresh or unused number
Don’t use a number that hasn’t been registered on the WhatsApp Business App
Don’t delete the WhatsApp Business App too early — maintain activity until onboarding is successful
Tip: Use a Different Number (Optional)
If you're on a deadline, consider using a different phone number that has:
Previously been used actively on the WhatsApp Business App
Already has some customer interactions
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