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WAPI guide · Updated 4 November 2026

What is the WhatsApp Business API?

The WhatsApp Business API is Meta's way for medium and large businesses to message customers on WhatsApp at scale. Instead of one phone, it connects your WhatsApp number to software, so many agents can share it, messages can be automated and WhatsApp can link to your other systems. Businesses get it through an approved provider such as Flaxxa.

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Capabilities

Everything WAPI ships with.

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Shared team inbox

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Broadcasts + templates

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AI chatbots

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WhatsApp Pay

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Developer API

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Automations

The full feature list→ Start free

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What is the WhatsApp Business API?

The WhatsApp Business API (also called the WhatsApp Business Platform) lets a business send and receive WhatsApp messages through software rather than through the WhatsApp app on a phone.

Because it works through software, a whole team can answer from one number, customers can be messaged in large numbers with Meta-approved templates, and WhatsApp can be connected to a store, a CRM or a helpdesk. It has no app of its own: businesses use it through a platform such as Flaxxa WAPI, which provides the inbox, broadcasts, automation and chatbot on top.

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How is the API different from the WhatsApp Business app?

The WhatsApp Business app is a free phone app for small businesses. The WhatsApp Business API is for teams that have outgrown one phone.

  • People: the app works on one phone and a few linked devices; the API lets any number of agents share one number.
  • Scale: the app's broadcast lists reach only people who saved your number; the API sends approved templates to everyone who opted in.
  • Automation: the app has quick replies and away messages; the API runs chatbots, flows and messages triggered by your systems.
  • Integrations: the app stands alone; the API connects to Shopify, WooCommerce, CRMs, payment gateways and your own software.
  • Number: with Flaxxa, a number connected to the API is no longer used in the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business phone app.

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How do you get the WhatsApp Business API?

01

A Meta business account

The business is set up in Meta Business Manager, and verified where Meta asks for it.

02

A phone number

A number that can receive a call or SMS for verification, not in use on another WhatsApp account.

03

A display name

The business name customers will see, approved by Meta.

04

Connection through the partner

The partner connects the number and you start sending. With Flaxxa you connect it yourself through Meta's Embedded Signup, without leaving Flaxxa.

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How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?

There are two parts. Meta charges for the template messages a business sends, at rates that depend on the template category (marketing, utility or authentication) and the customer's country. When a customer messages you, you can reply freely within 24 hours, and Meta doesn't charge for those replies.

On top of that, the provider charges for its platform: the inbox, broadcasts, automation and support. Flaxxa has a Free plan to start on, with paid plans billed in INR or USD.

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What are template messages and the 24-hour window?

A template message is a message format Meta approves in advance. Businesses must use one to start a conversation, or to message a customer more than 24 hours after the customer's last message.

Within 24 hours of a customer writing to you, you can reply with normal messages: text, images, documents and buttons. Templates come in three categories: marketing (offers, announcements), utility (order and booking updates) and authentication (one-time passwords). Customers must have opted in to hear from your business.

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What do businesses use the WhatsApp Business API for?

The most common uses, each a part of Flaxxa WAPI:

  • Support from a shared inbox, with many agents on one number.
  • Bulk broadcasts for offers and announcements, with approved templates.
  • Order confirmations, shipping updates and abandoned cart reminders from Shopify or WooCommerce.
  • Appointment and payment reminders, and one-time passwords.
  • AI chatbots that answer common questions in the customer's language.
  • Selling from a WhatsApp catalog and collecting payment in the chat.
  • Answering leads from click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram.
FAQ

What is the WhatsApp Business API: common questions

Frequently asked questions

No. Meta charges for template messages a business sends, by category and country, and providers charge for their platform. Replies within 24 hours of a customer's message are not charged by Meta.

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