If you already have a phone number in use, we encourage you to keep it. Your fans will continue to receive messages from the same number, including the contact card if they already saved one
Overview
To minimize downtime, follow these steps in this order:
Select "Transfer Number" during SMS Set-Up
Input the phone number you will transfer, so we can map it when it arrives
Submit your business registration using our best practices
Once you get an email from from Cobrand that your registration is approved, contact your current SMS provider requesting your fan data and the number transfer
Cobrand will not automatically transfer your number from other service providers. Step 4 must be initiated by the current phone number owner with the current SMS provider.
Request the transfer from your current provider
Once Steps 1-3 are complete, you can send customer support at your current SMS provider the following requests:
Request a copy of your existing fan data
"I would like a CSV export of my fan data, including phone numbers in E.164 format. Please exclude contacts who have opted out of automated messages, or clearly indicate them as unsubscribed."
Request the number to be sent to Cobrand
"I would like to transfer my phone number to Twilio Account: SID: ACb34ec7b72d5964f7dbff41a963eb0668. Please also delete the active WhatsApp Sender in Twilio, and remove the WhatsApp Sender from any active Twilio Messaging Services."
Once you receive your fan data, you can upload it in the Fanbase tab, by clicking Import Fans.
Once you request the number transfer, there may be 1-2 days delay for Cobrand to actually receive it since your current SMS provider must action the request.
Once Cobrand does receive the number, it will be immediately available for use on your account.
FAQs
Why does Cobrand recommend completing my business registration before requesting the number transfer?
Whether you are transferring or generating a new number, while your business registration is pending, your messaging will have some constraints. First, all messages sent in the US will begin with "Cobrand:" and end with "// sent by cobrand". To avoid this branding, wait until the registration is approved. Also, you cannot configure WhatsApp until your registration is complete.
Are there any consequences to registering with Cobrand while my number is active elsewhere?
No. There will be no impact on messaging activities with your current provider until you actually transfer the number.
If I want to, can I initiate the transfer before registration is complete anyway?
Yes, you can do this. The number will be immediately available for use, however the constraints of not having a registered business will still apply until your business is approved.