Phone number verification
This one is required. The number needs its country and area code and must be able to receive a voice call or SMS. Short codes aren't supported, and you set a two-step verification PIN during registration.
Your WhatsApp Business questions, answered. We checked verification, numbers, the API and the 2026 rules against Meta's own docs.
WhatsApp Business comes in two versions. The free WhatsApp Business app is for small teams replying by hand, on up to 10 devices. The WhatsApp Business Platform, often called the API, lets software like an AI agent reply at scale. Meta charges for it per delivered template message, and replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are free.
- Checked against Meta documentation
- Updated 15 September 2026
- Sources linked
Last updated:
What is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?
There are actually three products. Personal WhatsApp is for people. The Business app is for small businesses that answer by hand, and the Business Platform is for automation and scale. Sources: business app features and WhatsApp Business FAQ.
| Feature | WhatsApp Business app | WhatsApp Business Platform (API) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Per delivered template message, replies in the service window free |
| Business profile | No | Logo, description, hours, website | Yes, managed in WhatsApp Manager or the API |
| Catalog | No | Yes, with collections | Yes |
| Quick replies, labels, away messages | No | Yes | Provided by your inbox or automation software |
| Devices and agents | Personal linked devices | Up to 10 devices and agents | No device limit, team access through software |
| Automation | No | Basic automatic messages | Full automation, including AI agents, with a path to a human |
| Message templates | No | No | Required to message people outside the 24-hour window |
| Verification | None | Meta Verified subscription | Business verification, blue badge, Meta Verified |
How does WhatsApp Business work?
The Business app is basically WhatsApp with business tools added. The Platform runs on rules about who writes first and when, which Meta sets out in its pricing documentation.
- Per-message pricing since 1 July 2025
- Meta charges each time a template message is delivered. Templates are split into marketing, utility and authentication categories, and rates depend on the country.
- The 24-hour customer service window
- Once a customer messages you, you can reply freely for 24 hours at no charge. Utility templates sent inside that window are free too.
- Messages from customers cost nothing
- You're not charged for messages people send to your business.
- 72 hours free from ads
- If someone reaches you from a click-to-WhatsApp ad or a Facebook Page button, all messages are free for 72 hours.
- Messaging limits
- A new portfolio can start 250 business-initiated conversations a day. As long as quality stays high, that steps up to 2,000, then 10,000, 100,000 and unlimited, according to Meta's messaging limits.
Can I use WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on the same number?
Not in both apps at the same time. A phone number can be registered in either WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business app. If you want both apps on one phone, use two different numbers, for example on a dual SIM phone.
The WhatsApp Business app and the Business Platform are a different story. They can share a number through Meta's coexistence onboarding. You'll need Business app version 2.24.17 or later and a Meta partner's embedded signup. Contacts and up to six months of chat history can sync. Messages you send from the app stay free, and API messages are billed at Platform rates.
Coexistence does come with limits. API throughput is fixed at 20 messages per second, and group chats, disappearing messages, view-once media, live location and broadcast lists aren't supported through the API. If you'd rather move a number to the Platform without coexistence, delete it from the app first.
How do I verify a WhatsApp Business account?
On WhatsApp, "verification" can mean four different things. Most businesses need the first two. The badges are optional.
Business verification
It's optional at signup. Doing it raises your messaging limit to 2,000 and lets a portfolio hold up to 20 numbers instead of 2. You submit accepted business documents in Meta Business Settings.
Official Business Account (blue badge)
You need business verification, at least 30 days on the Platform, two-step verification, an approved display name and compliance with Meta's policies. Apply in WhatsApp Manager under the number's profile. If you're refused, you wait 30 days.
Meta Verified for business
This is a paid subscription. It gives you a verified badge, impersonation protection and account support, and on WhatsApp it adds a custom web page and multi-device chat assignment. Plans and availability vary by region.
How do I get WhatsApp Business API access?
There are two ways in. You can build on Meta's Cloud API yourself, or connect through a Meta partner using embedded signup. Meta lists the requirements in its get started guide.
- 1
Create a business portfolio
Set up a Meta business portfolio. Business verification can come later.
- 2
Choose your route
If you're a developer, create a Meta app with the WhatsApp use case. Everyone else can use a partner's embedded signup, like ours at SimplyBoost.
- 3
Add your number
Verify a number that can receive a call or SMS, and set a two-step verification PIN.
- 4
Pick a display name
It should clearly relate to your business. It gets reviewed as your messaging limit grows.
- 5
Start messaging
Reply to customers inside the 24-hour window. To message people later, create approved templates.
Are AI chatbots allowed on WhatsApp in 2026?
Yes, as long as the AI serves your own customers. Meta's Business Solution Terms prohibit AI providers whose main offering is a general-purpose AI assistant from using the Business Solution. A business using AI for customer support, orders and bookings with its own customers fits the use Meta describes the Platform for.
The WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy also requires automated experiences to offer prompt, clear and direct escalation paths to a human. So build that in from day one. Tell customers when they're talking to AI, and make it easy to reach a person.
How do you add an AI agent to WhatsApp Business?
SimplyBoost is Meta approved. We connect your number to the WhatsApp Business Platform through embedded signup, and from then on the same agent answers on WhatsApp, your website, Instagram and Messenger.
Answers from your content
It only replies from your website, documents and FAQs. When it can't find an answer, it offers to bring in your team.
Hands over to your team
Complaints, refunds and requests for a person reach your team by email, in the dashboard, in Slack or as a helpdesk ticket.
Shopify on WhatsApp
Help with order status, address changes, returns and product recommendations, plus cart recovery messages, all within the 24-hour window.
More WhatsApp Business questions
The WhatsApp Business app is free. The WhatsApp Business Platform charges per delivered template message, but customer messages and your replies inside the 24-hour customer service window cost nothing.
When a customer messages your business, a 24-hour customer service window opens, and inside it you can send any reply for free. Once it closes, you need an approved template message, which Meta charges for per delivery.
The WhatsApp Business app supports up to 10 devices and agents. The Business Platform has no device limit, and teams work through inbox software instead.
On the Business Platform, you apply for an Official Business Account in WhatsApp Manager once your business is verified, has been on the Platform for 30 days, uses two-step verification and has an approved display name. Meta Verified for business is separate. It's a paid subscription with its own badge.
No. Developers can use Meta's Cloud API directly. Most businesses still go through a Meta partner, because embedded signup, the inbox and automation come ready to use.
Verify your business, or send 2,000 high-quality template messages to unique users within 30 days. Past 2,000, your limit rises automatically as long as quality stays high and you use at least half of your current limit within 7 days.
An Official Business Account is a free blue badge for verified businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform that meet Meta's requirements. Meta Verified for business is a paid subscription with a badge, impersonation protection and support, and you can get it on both the app and the Platform.
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