Release a WhatsApp number from your Meta account

When you need this guide

• You cancelled the line with your carrier and won't use it again.
• You're transferring the number to another business.
• You want to delete your WhatsApp Business account entirely.
• Your business has shut down.

1 Step 1: Remove the phone from WhatsApp Manager

This is the step that actually frees the number at Meta so another business can claim it later.

1. Open Meta Business Manager: business.facebook.com
2. In the sidebar: All tools → WhatsApp Accounts.
3. Pick the Business Account (WABA) that owns your number.
4. Open "Phone Numbers" → click the "…" next to your number → "Delete phone number".
5. Confirm. You need Admin rights on the Business Account.

2 Step 2: Delete templates (optional)

Templates don't block the release, but if you want a clean account:

1. On the same WABA page: open "Message Templates".
2. Click each template → "Delete template".

3 Step 3: Delete the Business Account (WABA) — optional

To remove the WABA itself (requires it to be empty of phone numbers):

1. Confirm all phone numbers are removed (Step 1).
2. Open Business Settings → WhatsApp Accounts → select the account → "Remove".