Use the Free Number Provided by Meta for Your WhatsApp Business API with Chakra Chat Solution

Amy Baker -

For businesses looking to scale their operations, the WhatsApp Business API provides advanced features like automation, chatbots, and integrations. While the setup process involved multiple steps and several prerequisites, including a Phone Number (or an existing WhatsApp Business), Chakra helps teams make this seamless with a quick 5-minute embedded signup to complete the setup (subject to verifications for some businesses). Recently, Meta started offering a Free number, often called the "555 number," to eligible businesses, making it easier and quicker to get started without upfront costs for a dedicated line.

We explore below what you need to know about these free numbers and a step-by-step guide to obtaining and connecting one to the WhatsApp Business API via Chakra Chat, an official Meta partner.

What Is a Free WhatsApp Number by Meta?

A free WhatsApp number from Meta is a pre-verified virtual phone number provided specifically for businesses integrating with the WhatsApp Business API. These numbers, typically starting with "555," are designed to simplify onboarding for testing, development, and initial production use. Unlike traditional phone numbers, they don't require purchasing a SIM card or porting an existing line.

Meta offers up to two such numbers per eligible business account, allowing you to send and receive messages via the business API. This feature is part of Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform, which supports scalable messaging for medium to large businesses. The numbers are automatically verified, enabling quick setup for features like message templates and webhooks.

WhatsApp will generate a virtual number for your messages only. You cannot initiate or receive calls or text messages.

  • Display Name Only (Send messages on WhatsApp where people only see a display name in the chat.)

Many users who wished to quickly test, try the WhatsApp Business API solution without the hassles of procuring a new number. This feature is Meta's way of lowering the barrier to entry, letting businesses focus on building customer experiences rather than infrastructure.

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The "Meta 555 Number" is a Free phone Number provided by Meta for users setting up the WhatsApp Cloud API. WhatsApp will generate a virtual number for your messages only. You cannot initiate or receive calls or text messages. Send messages on WhatsApp where people only see a display name in the chat.

Advantages of Using a Free WhatsApp Number

Free WhatsApp numbers offer significant benefits, especially for startups or businesses testing the waters:

  • Zero Upfront Cost: No need to buy or port a phone number, saving on hardware, physical SIM, or telecom provider ongoing fees.
  • Quick Onboarding: The setup process becomes more straightforward. Since the number is virtual and managed directly by Meta, the verification step is integrated into the platform you're using (like the Meta Business Suite or your WhatsApp API provider). This can significantly reduce the time from starting the setup to sending your first message.
  • Scalable Testing: For businesses and developers who are new to the WhatsApp API, the free number is perfect for them. Sandbox Environment: Testing message templates, flows, and bot integrations in a safe, controlled environment without risking your primary business number. Quickly building a POC to demonstrate value before committing to a full-scale rollout, while also understanding the nuances of the platform without any initial cost.
  • Separation of Concerns: It allows you to keep your personal or existing primary business number separate while you experiment with the WhatsApp API. This prevents any potential mix-ups or customer confusion during the initial learning and testing phase.
  • Cost-Effective for Initial Stages: It's completely free. For a startup or small business watching its budget, this removes a barrier to entry, allowing them to explore the capabilities of the WhatsApp API at zero cost for the number itself.

Limitations of These Free Numbers Provided by Meta

While free numbers are a great starting point, they come with constraints to ensure fair usage and compliance with Meta's policies. Key limitations include:

  • Non-Migratable: You cannot transfer or migrate a free number to another WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) or use it outside the WhatsApp Business Platform. Once assigned, it's locked to your setup.
  • No Support for Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) Ads: These numbers can't be used in Meta ads or buttons that direct users to start a chat, limiting marketing automation.
  • Display Name Approval Required: To send messages, your business display name must be reviewed and approved by Meta. Unverified businesses may face delays or restrictions.
  • Messaging Limits: Like all WhatsApp Business API numbers, free ones start with a daily limit of 250 unique conversations (outside 24-hour customer service windows). Scaling to 1,000 requires quality-based approval, but free numbers may face stricter scrutiny.
  • Testing Focus: Primarily intended for onboarding and testing; high-volume production use might trigger reviews or require upgrading to a paid number.
  • No Bulk or Advanced Features Without Verification: Features like broadcast campaigns beyond limits or Official Business Account (OBA) status (green tick) aren't available without full business verification.

These restrictions ensure resources are used responsibly, but they make free numbers best suited for small-scale or trial implementations.

How Is It Different from Other Numbers?

Free WhatsApp numbers stand out from other options in the ecosystem, but understanding the contrasts helps choose the right fit:

Feature/Aspect

Free Meta Number (555)

Existing/Paid Number (e.g., Your Business SIM)

WhatsApp Business App Number

Cost

Free provision; pay-per-conversation

Purchase/porting fees + per-conversation

Free app, but limited scale

Verification

Auto-verified; display name review needed

Manual verification via SMS/call

Self-setup, no API access

Portability

Non-migratable; locked to one WABA

Fully migratable between BSPs/WABAs

Tied to app/device

Marketing Use

No CTWA ads/buttons

Full support for ads, broadcasts

Basic catalogs/labels

Scalability

Starts at 250/day; quality-based tiers

Same limits, but easier high-volume approval

Manual, single-device only

Integration

API-only (e.g., Cloud API)

API + app coexistence possible

App-only, no automation

Best For

Testing/onboarding

Production, established businesses

Small teams, simple chats

In short, free numbers prioritize ease and cost savings for API entry, while paid/existing numbers offer flexibility for growth. The app version is free but lacks API power for automation.

When Should You Use It vs. Your Own Number?

Scenario

Recommended Number Type

Testing the API, building chatbot, or learning.

Free Meta Number (Ideal)

Creating a proof-of-concept for a client.

Free Meta Number (Ideal)

Official customer support channel businesses.

Your Own Verified Business Number (Essential)

Marketing campaigns (notifications, promotions).

Your Own Verified Business Number (Essential)

Sales and lead generation.

Your Own Verified Business Number (Essential)

Business need a trusted contact point.

Your Own Verified Business Number (Essential)

How to Get This and Connect in Chakra WhatsApp API?

Chakra Chat is an official WhatsApp Business Solution Partner that simplifies API access with features like shared inboxes, AI chatbots, broadcasts, and CRM integrations - all without markups on Meta's pricing. It supports WhatsApp Coexistence, the dual access use case (API + app on the same number), and is developer-friendly with full API exposure. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting a free Meta number and connecting it:

Step 1: Sign Up for Chakra Chat

  • Go to chakrahq.com and click on FREE TRIAL Account, or directly go to Chakra WhatsApp Signup (once you create an account, it is by default assigned to the Free plan)
  • During onboarding, select WhatsApp as your channel. Chakra guides you through Meta's embedded signup for seamless integration.

Step 2: Start Embedded Signup (ES), use the Free Number

  • In Chakra's setup flow, go to WhatsApp Setup
  • Use the setup help guide to get started and complete the step-by-step process

Step 3: Complete your Chakra WhatsApp API

  • Complete the account setup

Step 4: Go Live and Start Testing

  • Start Testing with the Free WhatsApp Number. Use the help guide to test all the Chakra features

Conclusion

With Chakra Chat's powerful WhatsApp engagement solution, you can transform customer interactions- from quick replies to an automated funnel, all this without the hassle. Start small, prioritize quality, and watch engagement soar. Go to Chakra's site and claim your free number today.