WhatsApp Business API
Covers everything you need to know about the WhatsApp Business API.
Facebook launched the WhatsApp Business API in August 2018 with a vision for organisations to scale their business and reach out to users in a much better manner on WhatsApp itself.
The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to:
• Implement WhatsApp chatbots and automate responses.
• Send WhatsApp broadcasts to unlimited users in one go.
• Send automated notifications like payment reminders, delivery updates, etc. via your own systems/CRM.
• Avail a Verified WhatsApp Green Tick on your business account.
• Manage multiple human-agent chats on the same WhatsApp mobile number.
But it is just an API — businesses have to develop their own dashboard for Live Chat, Chatbot and Broadcasting messages once they get access to the official WhatsApp Business API.
Hence, we developed the Wapzio platform, which fulfills all these requirements along with a lot more features like an in-built WhatsApp CRM, Smart Campaign Manager & API-based Campaigns.
How much time does it take to get the WhatsApp Business API approved?
Getting access to the API is a process via an application that Facebook reviews.
You can now directly access the WhatsApp Business API from Facebook via the WhatsApp Cloud API. But you'd ultimately still need a platform like Wapzio to make use of it.
Wapzio is a Meta Business Partner helping you procure the API within 10 minutes for FREE, as well as providing you with the platform to use it.
Can I use my WhatsApp Business API account on the phone?
Yes, the dashboard provided by Wapzio is compatible with both laptops and mobile devices, so you can manage your account on the go.
Can a business have access to multiple WhatsApp Business APIs?
Yes, a business can procure multiple WhatsApp Business APIs for different departments, such as Finance, Sales, Customer Support, or Procurement. Note that each of these APIs must be procured on a different mobile number.
How to make the transition from WhatsApp App to WhatsApp Business API and vice versa?
Any phone number can be upgraded to WhatsApp Business API, provided the number isn't active on any of the WhatsApp Apps. If a number is registered on the WhatsApp App and you need the API on the same number, the WhatsApp Account must be deleted first.
Note: If you don't wish to use WhatsApp Business API, you can downgrade the number & restore it back to the WhatsApp Apps.
Here's how to delete your WhatsApp Business App before applying for the API:
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap More Options (three dots) > Settings > Account > Delete My Account.
3. Enter your phone number in full international format and tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
4. Select a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown.
5. Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
WhatsApp Business can be used based on your own requirements — commercial, marketing, or support — but choosing the right one plays a major role.
The first and foremost difference is based on whether your business is small or large. Features and capabilities for each will differ significantly, along with the number of customers, employees, and service type.
WhatsApp Business App
Built for all small business owners — free to download and use. It makes it easy to personally connect with customers, highlight products and services, and answer questions throughout the shopping experience.
With a WhatsApp Business account created via the Business App, you can:
• Send a broadcast to 256 people.
• Set up auto-replies for welcome & away messages.
• Share documents, location, etc.
• Operate the account on 5 devices (1 mobile + 4 PCs).
Example: A small-scale bakery or cake shop creates a WhatsApp Business Account using the Business App to reach more customers — enabling a business profile with key details, a product catalogue, Quick Replies for common queries, Labels for organizing chats, and Away/Greeting messages.
WhatsApp Business API
Designed for medium to large businesses, enabling them to communicate with customers across the globe in a simple, secure, and reliable manner.
• Allows creation of a business profile with essential details such as address, description, email, and website.
• Enables sending broadcast messages to a wide audience without limitations, while also supporting customer queries and service.
• Ideal for larger businesses handling a high volume of messages — beyond the capacity of the WhatsApp Business App.
• Supports integration with WhatsApp Business Solutions or CRMs for enhanced automation and workflow management.
In summary, the key difference is that the Business API requires WhatsApp's approval before it can be activated — you need to apply and get Meta's approval before using it.