WhatsApp Numbers: Changes and Porting
Comma connects to WhatsApp through the number itself — primarily tied to the number, not a specific device. Understanding how this works helps when you’re onboarding new users, changing phone numbers, or switching carriers.
How WhatsApp connection works
Section titled “How WhatsApp connection works”Comma connects to WhatsApp the same way WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop do: by scanning a QR code. No OTP or SMS verification is involved.
What’s required at connect time: the number’s WhatsApp account must be active on a phone that can scan the QR code shown in Comma’s setup flow.
This means:
- The phone running WhatsApp must be present and available to scan the QR — this is the same step as pairing WhatsApp Web
- Once connected, Comma captures messages in real time with no extra app installation
Changing your WhatsApp number
Section titled “Changing your WhatsApp number”If a user needs to move their WhatsApp account to a new number, WhatsApp Business includes a built-in Change Number feature. When used correctly, it migrates existing contacts and chat history to the new number so users don’t lose their conversation history.
To use Change Number:
- Open WhatsApp Business on your phone
- Go to Settings > Account > Change Number
- Follow the prompts to verify the new number
After completing the change, the user will need to reconnect WhatsApp in Comma using the new number.
Porting your number
Section titled “Porting your number”If you’re switching carriers or moving a number to a new SIM, you may be able to port the number. Number porting transfers your existing number to the new carrier or SIM and preserves your WhatsApp identity since the number itself stays the same. When a port completes successfully:
- Your WhatsApp account remains intact (same number, same contacts, same chat history)
- No change is needed in Comma — archiving continues uninterrupted
- You may need to re-verify WhatsApp once the port activates — WhatsApp will prompt you to confirm your account on the new SIM, which is separate from Comma’s connection
Porting is not always possible. Common blockers include:
- The number is on a contract with an early termination restriction
- The current carrier does not support outbound porting for that number type
- The destination carrier doesn’t support the number format (e.g., some virtual numbers can’t be ported)
- International porting restrictions apply
Quick Reference
Section titled “Quick Reference”| Scenario | Archiving impact | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| New number, old number still active | Interruption until reconnected | Connect new number in Comma after Change Number |
| Number port completes | None — same number | Re-verify WhatsApp if prompted; no Comma change needed |
| Number port fails | Old number stays active | Proceed with Change Number instead |
| Old number deactivated before migration | History not transferable | Connect new number fresh in Comma |