Error 133006 indicates that a phone number must be verified before it can be registered for use with the WhatsApp Business API. It is accompanied by the error message, “Phone number needs to be verified before registering.” This blog provides a step-by-step guide to verify a phone number and resolve the issue effectively.

How to Verify a Phone Number?

To verify a phone number using the Graph API, follow these steps:

1. Request a Verification Code

Use the PHONE_NUMBER_ID/request_code endpoint to request a verification code.

  • HTTP Method: POST

  • Parameters to Include:

    • code_method: Your preferred verification method (e.g., SMS or voice call).

    • language: The two-character language code for the desired language of the verification message (e.g., en for English).

  • Use a system user access token to authenticate the request. If Acting on Behalf of Another Business: The access token must have Advanced Access to the whatsapp_business_management permission.

Example Request

curl -X POST \'https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/FROM_PHONE_NUMBER_ID/request_code' \-H 'Authorization: Bearer ACCESS_TOKEN' \-F 'code_method=SMS' \-F 'language=en'

2. Complete the Verification

Once you receive the verification code via the chosen method, enter it to complete the verification process.

By following the outlined steps, you can ensure your phone number is verified and ready for use with the WhatsApp Business API. For more troubleshooting tips related to WhatsApp Business API check out our other blogs at heltar.com/blogs.