WhatsApp & OperationsBSUID (Business-Scoped User ID)
What is a BSUID? The WhatsApp User ID for Chats Without a Number
Also known as: Business-Scoped User ID, BSUID, business-scoped user id, WhatsApp username, username WhatsApp, WhatsApp user id
Short answer
A BSUID is a unique ID that Meta gives a business to identify a WhatsApp user who uses a username and hides the phone number. It has a country code, a dot, then letters and digits, for example US.13491208655302741918.
Chats with a number and without a number
| With a phone number | BSUID only | |
|---|---|---|
| Name in the Inbox | Profile name or number | Profile name, or @username |
| Reply from the Inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic lead | Yes | No, until the number is known |
| Conversion to ad platforms | Yes | No, until the number is known |
| Connections that show it | Official and partner | Official WhatsApp only |
The BSUID format
A BSUID has a two-letter country code, one dot, then up to 128 letters or digits. A business with several portfolios can also get a parent form, for example US.ENT.13491208655302741918.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do some chats have no phone number?
- WhatsApp users can now use a username and hide their number. Meta shares the number only if your business messaged or called that person, or got a message or call from them, in the last 30 days. The number also shows if the person is in the business contact book.
- Can I reply to a chat that has no phone number?
- Yes. Your team replies from the Inbox as usual. The contact shows the profile name, or @username if there is no name. Authentication template messages still need a phone number.
- Does a BSUID change?
- A BSUID is valid for one business portfolio. When the user changes the phone number, the BSUID changes too. Konektor keeps the conversation in one chat.
- Does a chat without a number become a lead and send conversions?
- Not automatically. Lead and conversion matching need a phone number. When the number becomes known, the same conversation continues and a lead can be created.
Related terms
Konektor guides
Your ad numbers are only as accurate as the data behind them
Konektor captures the Click ID and sends conversions that close on WhatsApp, over the phone, or in a shop back to the ad platform.