WhatsApp error 2388386: why can't I add another number?
Your Meta business portfolio is at its number limit. A new portfolio can have 2 WhatsApp numbers. Meta raises it to 20 by itself once your business is verified, or once you reach the 2,000 a day messaging limit.
Checked 11 November 2026 against Meta's own documentation. Meta changes its rules now and then, and Meta always has the final say.
Why it happens
Meta counts the numbers registered in your business portfolio, not just the ones in Sonar. Numbers another tool connected count too. When you add a third number to a new portfolio, Meta's window stops with error 2388386 and asks you to delete a number or ask for more.
See every number your portfolio has: open Phone numbers in WhatsApp Manager. If you have more than one business, check the right one is picked at the top left.
Three ways round it
- Use a number that's already connected. If you only need to send today, a number already in your portfolio works straight away.
- Delete a number you no longer use. In Phone numbers, press the bin next to it. Only a business admin can, Meta may ask for the number's two-step verification PIN, and a number that sent paid messages in the last 30 days can't be deleted until 30 days after the last one. Only delete a number you're sure you don't need.
- Put the new number in a new business portfolio. When Meta's window asks for a business, create a new one instead of picking yours. It needs its own payment method. Meta doesn't let you move a number to another portfolio later, so choose this only for a number you're happy to keep there.
Lift the limit for good
Verify your business: in Meta Business Suite, open Settings, then Security Center, then Start verification (Meta explains it here). Once it's verified, Meta raises the limit to 20 by itself. What South African businesses need for it is in what Meta needs from you. For more than 20, ask Meta support.
How Sonar helps: Sonar connects numbers through Meta's own window, so Meta's limit applies to us too. Your Sonar plan has its own number allowance on top.
More guides
- WhatsApp pricing in South Africa
- POPIA and WhatsApp marketing
- Event invites with one-tap RSVPs
- AI Agent and Copilot: a WhatsApp chatbot in your voice
- Use Sonar with the WhatsApp Business app
- Disconnect your WhatsApp Business app number
- Import your contacts
- Order and booking updates from your other systems
- Which number to use for WhatsApp
- What Meta needs from you before Sonar can send
- Connect a client's WhatsApp number
- WhatsApp API providers in South Africa, compared
- How WhatsApp flows work
- Integrations: WhatsApp connected to your other tools
- Developers: API and webhooks
- Switching to Sonar
- WhatsApp marketing that earns B-BBEE points
- WhatsApp RSVPs for events
- Competitions and prize draws
- WhatsApp error 131047: why wasn't my message delivered?
- Do you need 30 days on WhatsApp before Meta business verification?
- Can I move a WhatsApp number to another Meta business portfolio?
- WhatsApp error 131042: how do I add a payment method?
- Can I use my WhatsApp in Claude or ChatGPT?
- Can I connect Sonar to Zapier, Make or Google Sheets?
Need a hand?
Email support@whats-hub.co.za with the error code and what you were doing. We can't change Meta's rules, but we'll tell you what Meta is asking for.