Question 1

What is the WhatsApp Business API?

Accepted Answer

The WhatsApp Business API (now called the WhatsApp Business Platform) is the official way for medium and large businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business App, the API has no chat interface of its own, instead it connects to software like Dunefox, which adds an AI chatbot, a shared team inbox, broadcast campaigns, and CRM. It lets you automate customer support, send notifications, and run marketing to thousands of customers while staying fully compliant with Meta's policies.

Question 2

How do I get the WhatsApp Business API?

Accepted Answer

You cannot access the API directly from Meta. You sign up through an official Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Dunefox. With Dunefox the process takes minutes: create an account, connect your Facebook Business Manager, verify your business, add and verify a phone number (it must not be active on the regular WhatsApp app), and submit your display name for approval. Dunefox guides you through each step and you can start sending test messages the same day.

Question 3

How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?

Accepted Answer

Meta charges per 24-hour conversation, and rates vary by country and category (Marketing, Utility, Authentication, and Service). Marketing conversations cost roughly $0.011 in India, $0.025 in the US, and $0.041 in the UK, while the first 1,000 service conversations every month are free everywhere. On top of Meta's per-conversation fee, your provider charges a platform subscription. Dunefox plans start free for 14 days, then from $39/month with no per-message markup. Use our WhatsApp API Pricing Calculator to estimate your exact monthly cost across 50+ countries.

Question 4

Is the WhatsApp Business API free?

Accepted Answer

The API itself has no setup fee, and Meta gives every account 1,000 free service (customer-initiated) conversations per month. However, business-initiated conversations are billed by Meta, and you need a provider platform to actually use the API. Dunefox offers a free 14-day trial so you can build your chatbot, connect a number, and send real messages before paying anything.

Question 5

What is the difference between the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API?

Accepted Answer

The WhatsApp Business App is a free mobile app built for very small businesses: one phone, one user, manual replies. The WhatsApp Business API is built for scale: multiple agents on one number, automation and AI chatbots, bulk broadcasts to opted-in customers, chatbot flows, analytics, and integrations with your CRM and website. If you have a team, high message volume, or want to automate replies 24/7, you need the API.

Question 6

Can I send bulk marketing messages with the WhatsApp Business API?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only to customers who have opted in, and using pre-approved message templates. This is the compliant alternative to unofficial "bulk sender" tools that get numbers banned. With Dunefox you upload your opted-in contacts, pick or create an approved template, segment your audience, and broadcast. You also get delivery, read, and reply analytics for every campaign.

Question 7

Do I need a Facebook or Meta Business account to use the WhatsApp API?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The WhatsApp Business Platform runs on Meta's infrastructure, so you need a Facebook Business Manager (Meta Business Suite) account to host your WhatsApp Business Account and verify your business. If you don't have one, Dunefox helps you create and configure it during onboarding, it's free and takes a few minutes.

Question 8

Can I use my existing WhatsApp number for the Business API?

Accepted Answer

You can use an existing number only if it is not currently registered on the WhatsApp consumer app or WhatsApp Business App, a number can live on the API or the app, but not both. Many businesses use a fresh dedicated number for the API, or first delete the number from the app and then migrate it. Dunefox supports both options and walks you through the migration so you don't lose access.

Question 9

How is Dunefox different from other WhatsApp API providers?

Accepted Answer

Dunefox is more than a message gateway. It combines the official WhatsApp Business API with a no-code AI chatbot that answers in your customers' language 24/7, a shared team inbox, lead qualification, broadcast campaigns, and a built-in CRM, and it works across WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and your website from one dashboard. There is no per-message markup, pricing is transparent, and you can start free.

Question 10

How long does WhatsApp Business API approval take?

Accepted Answer

With Dunefox, most businesses are up and running the same day. Phone number and API setup are instant. Display-name approval by Meta typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1–2 business days, and official green-tick (verified badge) verification is a separate optional step that can take longer. You can send messages during the review, approval is only required for your display name to appear, not to start using the API.

Message Type	Best Used For	India	United States	United Kingdom
Marketing	Promotions, offers, product launches	~$0.011	~$0.025	~$0.041
Utility	Order confirmations, shipping updates, reminders	~$0.0014	~$0.015	~$0.016
Authentication	One-time passcodes and security codes	~$0.0019	~$0.035	~$0.041
Service	Customer support messages initiated by user	First 1,000/mo free	First 1,000/mo free	First 1,000/mo free

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