WhatsApp Business API: questions answered.
Straight answers on what the API is, what it costs, how to get it, and the rules for sending messages — updated for Meta’s pricing from October 2026.
Basics
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
It is Meta’s official way for businesses to connect a WhatsApp number to software — now called the WhatsApp Business Platform. It allows many team members to reply from one number, chatbots and automation, integrations with CRMs and stores, and approved bulk messages to customers who opted in.
What is the difference between WhatsApp Business app and API?
The free WhatsApp Business app runs on a phone and suits a single shop. The API has no app of its own: you use it through a platform like WhatApsi, which adds a shared inbox, chatbots, campaigns, reports and integrations for growing teams.
What is a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider or Tech Partner?
A company approved by Meta to help businesses access the WhatsApp Business Platform and build software on it. WhatApsi is an Official Meta Tech Partner.
Do I need to know coding to use the WhatsApp API?
No. With WhatApsi you use a dashboard and a drag-and-drop chatbot builder. Developers can still use webhooks and the REST API for custom integrations.
Pricing
How does WhatsApp Business API pricing work?
Since 1 July 2025 Meta charges per delivered template message, not per conversation. The rate depends on the category — marketing, utility or authentication — and the recipient’s country code. You also pay your platform’s plan fee. WhatApsi adds 0% markup on Meta’s charges.
Are any WhatsApp messages free?
Yes. From 1 October 2026 each business number gets 1,000 free customer-service messages a month, after which service messages are charged. Messages in the free window that opens when a customer starts a chat from a Click-to-WhatsApp ad are also free, and messages a customer sends you are never charged.
Which WhatsApp message category costs the most?
Marketing templates — offers, announcements and promotions — cost the most. Utility templates (order and account updates) and authentication templates (one-time passwords) cost less.
How often does Meta change WhatsApp prices?
Meta can change rates only at the start of a quarter — 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October — and publishes the new rate cards in advance.
What is wallet balance in WhatApsi plans?
Prepaid credit used for Meta’s message charges. Each plan includes some wallet balance, and you can top it up from the dashboard.
Getting started
What do I need to apply for the WhatsApp Business API?
Six things: a Facebook (Meta) business portfolio, business documents, a website, your company name, a phone number that can receive a verification code, and your logo.
How long does it take to get the WhatsApp API?
Usually a few days. Your number can be connected quickly; Meta business verification and template approvals take the most time.
Can I use my current WhatsApp number?
Usually yes, once it is removed from the WhatsApp app it is registered on. We check whether your number is eligible and guide you through the move. A new number works too.
How do I get the green tick on WhatsApp?
Meta gives the verified badge to businesses it considers notable, judged on public presence such as press coverage. Once you are on the API, we help you prepare and submit the request.
Messaging rules
What is the 24-hour customer service window?
When a customer messages you, a 24-hour window opens in which you can reply with free-form messages. Outside that window you can only start a conversation with an approved template.
What is a WhatsApp message template?
A pre-written message — with optional variables, media and buttons — that Meta approves before you can send it to start a conversation. Templates are categorised as marketing, utility or authentication.
How many WhatsApp messages can I send per day?
Meta sets a daily limit on business-initiated messages for each number and raises it automatically as you send messages people engage with and don’t block or report.
Do I need customer consent to send WhatsApp messages?
Yes. WhatsApp’s policies require opt-in before you message someone, and local laws such as data-protection and electronic-marketing rules may add more requirements.
Why do WhatsApp numbers get banned?
Usually because of unofficial bulk-sending tools that automate the normal WhatsApp app, messaging people who didn’t opt in, or high block and report rates. Using the official API with approved templates and opted-in contacts avoids this.
Features
Can several agents use one WhatsApp number?
Yes. With the API and a shared inbox like WhatApsi’s, any number of team members can reply from the same number, with chat assignment, notes and tags.
Can a WhatsApp chatbot use AI?
Yes. WhatApsi combines drag-and-drop flows with AI replies that answer from your own FAQs and documents, and hand over to a person when needed.
Can customers pay inside WhatsApp?
Yes. You can send payment requests by UPI and card, with automatic confirmation. WhatApsi charges no commission on payments.
Does WhatApsi work with Shopify, WooCommerce and CRMs?
Yes — Shopify, WooCommerce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, Google Sheets, Zapier, Make, Pabbly, Klaviyo, plus webhooks and a REST API.
Countries
Which countries does WhatApsi serve?
WhatApsi is based in Ahmedabad and serves businesses across India, and also businesses in the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Can I send WhatsApp marketing messages to US numbers?
Not currently. Meta paused marketing templates to US (+1) numbers from 1 April 2025, with no restart date announced as of late 2026. Utility, authentication and service messages still work.
Is WhatsApp billed in rupees in India?
Meta introduced INR billing for Indian businesses on 1 January 2026. WhatApsi plans and wallet balance are billed in INR.