WhatsApp Business (Official API)
- How to connect WhatsApp Business using the official Meta API
- What prerequisites you need before starting
- When to choose the official API over the WhatsApp Web or Evolution API options
The WhatsApp Business API (labeled WhatsApp API (Oficial) in AutoTalk) is the official, Meta-supported way to connect a WhatsApp Business number to AutoTalk. It supports high-volume message delivery and pre-approved message templates, and does not require your phone to stay online.
When to use this option
Choose the official WhatsApp Business API when:
- You need to send message templates (notifications, appointment reminders, order updates) outside the 24-hour conversation window
- You expect high message volumes and need guaranteed delivery
- You want a connection that does not depend on a phone staying online
- Your business requires official compliance with Meta's WhatsApp Business policies
Prerequisites
Before setting up this channel, make sure you have:
- A Meta Business account at business.facebook.com
- A WhatsApp Business account connected to your Meta Business account
- A dedicated phone number for your business that is not currently registered with WhatsApp personal or the WhatsApp Business app
- Completed phone number verification through Meta's process
Setting up the connection
- In the sidebar, go to Integrations > Channels to open the Channels list.
- Click the Add channel button to open the New channel page.
- In the channel type picker, select the WhatsApp API (Oficial) tile.
- Click Continue with Meta. A Meta window opens where you authorize your account; the channel is created from that authorization — there are no API credentials or access tokens to enter by hand.
- On the channel's edit page, request and confirm the phone number verification code, then register the number.
Once connected, any message sent to your WhatsApp Business number will appear in your AutoTalk Inbox. You can reply directly, and your response will be delivered through WhatsApp.
Message templates
WhatsApp enforces a 24-hour conversation window. You can freely exchange messages with a customer for 24 hours after their last message. After that window closes, you must use a pre-approved message template to re-initiate contact.
From your channel settings, you can:
- View all cached message templates
- Refresh the template list from Meta
- Associate a template with a workflow, or delete it
New templates are created and submitted for approval in Meta's own tooling (the WhatsApp Manager), then pulled into AutoTalk with Refresh from Meta.
Create your message templates well in advance of needing them. Meta's approval process can take up to 24 hours, and templates that do not meet their content guidelines will be rejected.
Official API vs. other WhatsApp options
| Feature | WhatsApp API (Oficial) | WhatsApp Web | Evolution API |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta approval required | Yes | No | No |
| Message templates | Yes | No | No |
| High-volume messaging | Yes | Limited | Moderate |
| Phone must stay online | No | Yes | Depends on setup |
| Self-hosted infrastructure | No | No | Yes |
Next steps
- WhatsApp Web and Evolution API — Explore the WhatsApp Web and self-hosted alternatives
- Adding an integration — General channel setup walkthrough