Skip to content

WhatsApp Business API

Your WhatsApp Business API number, in the same team inbox

Connect an API number next to the numbers you linked by QR code. Your team replies, sends Meta-approved templates and follows up from one inbox, on the connection that suits each number.

Sign up for free Book a demo

What is a WhatsApp Business API inbox?

A WhatsApp Business API inbox is a shared place where a team reads and answers messages for a number on Meta’s WhatsApp Business Platform (the Cloud API), instead of passing one phone around. In Risponse, API numbers sit beside numbers linked by QR code, so agents reply, send approved templates and follow up from one screen.

Why teams add the API

When one phone and one app stop being enough

  • The app has limits by design

    The Business app cannot send Meta-approved templates, and Meta does not grant Official Business Account status to app numbers. Growing teams run into both.

  • Two tools, two inboxes

    Adding the API often means one tool for the API number and another for the rest. Agents switch screens, and customers repeat themselves.

  • Costs that are hard to plan

    Meta charges for API messages by category and recipient country. Without a clear picture, it is hard to know what a reminder or a campaign will cost.

One inbox, every connection

API numbers and QR numbers, side by side

API numbers and QR numbers share one chat list. Every chat shows which of your numbers it belongs to, and the reply box shows the number your message will go out from.

  • Choose per number. Put a busy support line on the API and keep a sales line on QR, or the other way round.
  • One place to reply. Agents work every number from the same inbox, with no switching between tools.
  • Every reply shows its sender. Each message sent from Risponse is marked with the teammate who wrote it, whatever the connection.
Multiple numbers in one inbox

What the API adds

What changes when a number runs on the Business API

These rules come from Meta and apply to every API number, whichever inbox your team uses.

  • Meta-approved templates

    A template is a message format Meta reviews before you can use it. You need one to start a chat, or to write again after the 24-hour reply window closes.

  • Three template categories

    Every template is marketing, utility or authentication. The category decides how Meta prices it, so choose the one that fits the message.

    Meta’s template guide

  • Inbound and service messages

    Messages customers send you are free. As of October 2026, your free-form replies inside the 24-hour window are free up to 1,000 delivered per number each month, then billed.

  • Messaging limits

    Meta caps how many unique people your business can message outside the 24-hour window in a rolling day. New portfolios start at 250 and move up with verification, quality and volume.

  • A route to the blue tick

    Only API numbers can apply for Meta’s Official Business Account badge. Meta reviews each request and makes the decision.

    About the blue tick

  • Small groups only

    On the API, groups run through Meta’s Groups API. It needs an Official Business Account, a group holds at most 8 participants, and people join only by invite link. Use a QR number for bigger groups.

    Group management

QR code or API

Which connection fits each of your numbers

You can mix both in one workspace. Compare what each one gives you before you choose.

What you getQR codeBusiness API
How it connects Linked device, like WhatsApp Web, scanned from the phone A number on Meta’s WhatsApp Business Platform
Meta-approved templates No Yes, after Meta’s review
WhatsApp groups Groups sync into the inbox Groups API only: blue tick needed, up to 8 participants, invite link
Blue tick Not eligible Can apply. Meta decides
Meta fees None Per delivered message, by category and country
Sending limits Set by WhatsApp, which may restrict a number after blocks or spam reports Messaging limits per business portfolio, starting at 250 unique people in a rolling 24 hours
Business app on the phone Keeps working as normal Only with coexistence

Meta sets API prices and limits, and can change its rates each quarter. Check Meta’s pricing page for current rates in your countries.

Getting started

Add an API number to your team inbox

  1. 01

    Pick the number

    Decide which number goes on the API. If the owner still needs the Business app on that number, choose coexistence instead.

  2. 02

    Connect the API number

    Connect the number from your Risponse workspace. Its chats then join the same inbox as your other numbers.

  3. 03

    Get templates approved

    Send the templates you need for Meta’s review, then share the number’s chats with the right teammates using labels.

FAQ

WhatsApp Business API: your questions answered

Still unsure? Email us and a person from our team will reply.

Email info@risponse.com
What is the difference between the WhatsApp Business app and the API?

The Business app is free and runs from one phone, with linked devices for extra screens. The API is Meta’s platform for businesses that need templates, more volume and automation, and Meta charges per delivered message. In Risponse you choose per number, or run both on one number with coexistence.

WhatsApp coexistence
How does WhatsApp Business API pricing work?

You pay Meta for each delivered message, at a rate set by its category and the recipient’s country. Messages customers send you cost nothing, and as of October 2026 each number gets 1,000 free delivered service replies a month. Your Risponse plan is a separate cost.

Meta’s WhatsApp pricing
Do I need an approved template to message customers?

Yes, to start a conversation, or to write again once 24 hours have passed since the customer’s last message. Inside that window you can reply freely. Each template has a category (marketing, utility or authentication), and Meta reviews it before you can send it.

Meta’s template guide
How many people can I message per day on the API?

Limits belong to your business portfolio, and all its numbers share them. A new portfolio can reach 250 unique people in a rolling 24 hours outside the reply window, then 2,000, 10,000, 100,000 and unlimited as verification, quality and volume grow.

Meta’s messaging limits
Can my API number apply for the WhatsApp blue tick?

Yes, but the badge is not automatic. An API number can apply to become an Official Business Account, and Meta decides based on criteria such as Business Verification and two-step verification. Only API numbers qualify, so numbers linked by QR code and coexistence numbers cannot apply.

WhatsApp blue tick
What should I check when choosing a WhatsApp Business API provider?

Check whether you can work API and app numbers in one inbox, how templates and their review status are handled, and how Meta’s message charges reach you. Ask whether you can keep the Business app with coexistence, and what happens to your number and chat history if you leave.

Guides

Read more in our guides

In the docs

Risponse 1 of 2

Set up your account

The number your team will answer from.

By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.