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How to Get WhatsApp API Access in 5 minutes

Already have WhatsApp API access through another provider or your own app? Read how to migrate to Watobot first.

You don't need your own Meta app or developer account. We're the Tech Provider, so signing in through us connects your number to the API, and you keep using the WhatsApp Business app on it as before.

Set up a business portfolio first

WhatsApp API access lives in a Meta business portfolio, and you need one even if you don't have a registered business. It can stay unverified. Our guide walks you through creating it and adding your WhatsApp number: How to Create a Meta Business Portfolio & Add Your WhatsApp Number.

Before you start

  • The WhatsApp Business app installed, with your phone number registered on it. Meta requires app version 2.24.17 or higher for coexistence.
  • An app (a chatbot, for example) hosted at a public HTTPS URL that receives incoming messages. You'll give us this URL in step 3, and use the same app to test sending through our endpoint. If you do not have an app yet, you can setup a test-chatbot

1. Sign in

Sign in to the Dashboard with your WhatsApp number. We send you a one-time code on WhatsApp.

2. Create your API key and connect your number

Choose Onboard WABA. The first time, we create your Watobot API key in your browser and show it once. Copy it somewhere safe, such as your app's secrets. We keep only a hash of it, so we can't show it again or recover it. We then sign you out, and you'll need the key to sign in again.

Sign in, choose Onboard WABA again and enter your key. A Facebook popup then walks you through connecting the number, and you'll pick your business portfolio there. This creates your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA). We encrypt the access token Meta gives us for it with your API key, so only you can unlock it.

3. Point incoming messages at your app

Open your number's page from the Dashboard and enter your app's incoming-message webhook URL, along with your Watobot API key. We check it responds correctly, then route your WhatsApp messages straight to it.

4. Test both directions

  • Send a message to your number from another phone. It should reach your app.
  • From your app, send a message through our endpoint with Authorization: Bearer <your Watobot API key>. The recipient's phone should receive it.

Ready?

Open the Dashboard →

What you can do for free, and the limits

Know your limits

  • Conversations you start: up to 250 unique customers per 24 hours (rolling window), rising to 2,000 once your business is verified. You can only send messages with an approved template, and you pay a per-message cost based on the customer's country. There is no free monthly quota for these messages.
  • Conversation started by your customer: you can send free form messages for 24 hours after a customer messages you. You get 1000 free responses per month. After the limit, you are charged at 'service' template rate, which is same as utility message.
    Exception: Any customer starting conversation via 'Click to Whatsapp' ad on Instagram/Facebook or by clicking 'chat on whatsapp' CTA on your facebook page, you can respond to them for free for upto 7 days, provided your first response to them was within 24 hour window of they messaging you.

Full details on WhatsApp's pricing page. These are Meta's rules, and they can change.