You may need a WhatsApp sender, SMS number, or phone number to support different parts of your digital experience, such as messaging customers, sending notifications, or powering automated journeys. To set these up through Talkative, certain information is required by both Meta (for WhatsApp) and Twilio (for SMS and phone numbers). Because these requirements vary by region, number type, and use case, the exact details you’ll need can differ from country to country. Please read the guide carefully and check the specific requirements for your country to ensure your application is complete.
💡Before You Start Your Application
Before applying for a WhatsApp sender or SMS/phone number through Talkative, it’s helpful to know what information you’ll need and what to expect. WhatsApp onboarding involves Meta checks, while SMS/phone numbers follow Twilio’s regional regulatory requirements, so timelines and required documents can vary. The sections below outline the key details to prepare, along with a side-by-side comparison of the process and typical timelines for each channel.
SMS / Phone Number
🔄 Process Overviews
1. Review WhatsApp requirements and confirm Facebook Business access.
2. Prepare opt-in details, display name, and business documentation.
3. Submit via the WhatsApp Sender Request Form.
4. Talkative submits your information to Twilio / Meta.
5. WhatsApp display name & business verification are checked.
6. Once approved, Talkative activates your WhatsApp sender.
7. You receive confirmation and can begin setup & messaging.
1. Review Twilio’s regional regulations for SMS/Voice numbers.
2. Gather required business documents and use-case details.
3. Submit via the SMS/Phone Number Request Form.
4. Talkative submits your application to Twilio.
5. Twilio performs regulatory checks.
6. Number is provisioned or porting begins.
7. Number becomes active and ready for SMS/Voice workflows.
⚠️ Information You Should Have Ready
- Business information (name, address, website)
- Facebook Business Verification
- Approved WhatsApp Display Name
- WhatsApp opt-in method (how customers consent)
- Region(s) where WhatsApp messaging will be used
- If provisioning a new number: regulatory documents depending on country (per Twilio compliance bundles)
- Business information (name, address, website)
- Business verification documents (varies by country)
- Regulatory documents required by Twilio for the number’s country
- Intended use case (SMS notifications, inbound/outbound SMS, voice calls, etc.)
- Region where the number will be provisioned
📅 Key Timelines & Expectations
- Average 3 weeks, depending on Meta’s responsiveness.
- Requires Facebook Business verification before activation
- Twilio may request additional details
- Twilio may reject applications with incomplete or mismatched documents
- Certain industries (e.g. Pharma, Alcohol, Gambling) can be restricted.
- 1–14 business days depending on country regulations
- Some countries require strict compliance checks, which can extend timelines
- Twilio may request additional details
- Twilio may reject applications with incomplete or mismatched documents
📄 Applying for a New WhatsApp, SMS, or Phone Numbers
Step 1: Review the regulatory requirements for your region
Twilio publishes the mandatory documents you must supply to register or verify a number. Requirements depend on:
- Your country
- Whether the number is SMS, voice, WhatsApp, or toll-free
- Whether you’re registering as a business or an individual
Make sure you have the necessary documentation before submitting your request. Please review Twilio’s regulatory guidelines:
Step 2: Gather the required information
You will typically need:
- Business name and address
- Proof of identity or business registration
- Intended use case (e.g., customer notifications, two-way SMS, support)
- Region(s) where the number will be used
- Any supporting documents outlined in Twilio’s regulatory guide
WhatsApp may also require:
- Display name
- Facebook Business verification
Facebook Business Manager ID (click to see location)
Provide Talkative with your Facebook Business Manager ID:
Note - this is different to your Facebook page IDs. Your Facebook Business Manager must match your business organisation.
- Opt-in information
Step 3: Submit your request to Talkative
Click the appropriate option below to complete the form for the type of number you’re requesting. If you’re applying for a U.S. number, please complete the A2P-10DLC form instead of the standard SMS/Phone Number form, U.S. carriers require additional registration.
Need more information about the A2P-10DLC application process? Please visit our A2P-10DLC Application Guide.
Step 4: Talkative processes your request
Once submitted:
- Our team checks your documentation
- We submit the request to Twilio for regulatory review
- Twilio approves or asks for additional information
- Once approved, we provision the number or activate the WhatsApp sender
- You’ll receive confirmation and next steps
✅ Message Types
Social Messaging channels are each architected slightly differently.
While Talkative unifies the messaging experience as far as possible, some features are not supported on some channels.
Below is a breakdown of the key differences between each Social Messaging channels:
Receiving images from customers requires MMS which is not supported in certain regions including the UK.
❓FAQ’s: WhatsApp/SMS/Phone Number Process
Keeping Your SMS Compliant with UK Regulations
Due to evolving regulations in the UK aimed at reducing spam and fraud, organisations using SMS services need to comply with updated Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines issued by Ofcom, the UK regulator.
Key Points:
- Registration Requirement: Starting September 30, 2024, all UK long codes (local, national, mobile, and toll-free) must have an approved Registered Campaign (RC) bundle to be compliant.
- Action Needed: If you have a UK long code registered with Talkative, you will need to submit your business details, emergency contact information, and other required KYC information through the provided Google Form.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in service disruptions, including brownouts and potential blocking of your SMS traffic.
Additional Information:
- Talkative will notify users of UK long codes regarding the new regulations and provide guidance on how to submit the required information.
- For specific details on the required KYC information, consult the Twilio Help Center article on UK KYC Requirements.
- Review the available guides provided by Twilio for additional assistance on RC Bundle submission and compliance.
Why do I need to provide documents?
Twilio is legally required to verify the identity of organisations using local phone numbers. This helps prevent spam, fraud, and misuse.
What if I don’t have the documents listed?
You must provide the exact documentation required by Twilio. Alternative documents are rarely accepted.
Can I port an existing number into Talkative?
Yes, please contact the team and we’ll guide you through the porting process.
Why was my application rejected?
Rejection normally happens due to mismatched address information or missing documentation. You’ll be told what needs to be corrected.
Can I use my same phone number for Talkative SMS without porting it?
In the US this is possible, it’s called “hosting”. You keep your telephone number with your existing infrastructure, but you grant us permission to use it for SMS.
Can I use short codes?
Yes, Talkative supports SMS short codes through Twilio. Short codes are short, memorable numbers (typically 5–6 digits) designed for high-volume SMS messaging, such as marketing campaigns, alerts, or one-time passcodes.
Short codes are more expensive than regular SMS numbers and often require an approval process depending on your region. You can view Twilio’s current short code pricing here:
Short codes are available for SMS only — they cannot be used for WhatsApp.