Mampu AI connects WhatsApp in two ways. Normal WhatsApp Web Link links the WhatsApp app on your phone by scanning a QR code. Official WhatsApp API is Meta’s official connection for businesses. This page compares the two and explains how Meta charges the official one.
Which one to choose
| Normal WhatsApp Web Link | Official WhatsApp API | |
|---|---|---|
| How you connect | Scan a QR code with the WhatsApp app | Log in with Meta and connect your business number |
| Who can use it | Anyone with a WhatsApp number | A business with a Meta business account |
| Messaging first | Any message | Approved templates only, outside the 24-hour reply window |
| Meta charges | None | Per delivered template, by category and country |
| Sending limits | None set by Meta, but WhatsApp may ban numbers that send in bulk | A daily limit that grows with good-quality sending |
| When rules are broken | WhatsApp can ban the phone number | Meta warns first, then restricts the account |
Note: For blasts, a flow agent on a busy number, or anything you cannot afford to lose to a ban, choose the Official WhatsApp API. See Connecting a WhatsApp inbox for both.
How Meta charges the Official WhatsApp API
- Templates are charged when delivered. The price depends on the template’s category (marketing, utility or authentication) and the customer’s country code. A failed message is not charged.
- Replies inside the 24-hour reply window are service messages. Meta has started charging for them, switching numbers over gradually. See The 24-hour reply window.
- Customers who come from a click-to-WhatsApp ad open a free window in which nothing is charged. See The free ad window.
- Normal WhatsApp Web Link carries no Meta charges.
Each message in a conversation shows how it was billed, for example Free or Charged · Utility, next to its time.
Note: Prices are set by Meta and change from time to time. See Meta: pricing for current rates, and Finding the receipt for conversational cost for WhatsApp API for your invoices.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Official WhatsApp API give me a green tick?
Not by itself. The tick is a separate approval Meta grants to well-known, verified businesses.
Can I move from Normal WhatsApp Web Link to the Official WhatsApp API later?
Yes. Add a new WhatsApp inbox and choose Official WhatsApp API. See Connecting a WhatsApp inbox.
Why does Meta charge per message now?
Meta moved from charging per 24-hour conversation to charging per delivered template, so you pay for what reaches the customer.
Related
- Connecting a WhatsApp inbox
- The 24-hour reply window
- The free ad window
- WhatsApp messaging limits and quality rating
- When your WhatsApp account is restricted
- Adding a payment card for the Official WhatsApp API
From Meta: