WhatsApp Business API was introduced by Facebook in August 2018 to help businesses communicate with customers at scale directly on WhatsApp.

It enables medium and large businesses to move beyond one-to-one chats and build structured, automated, and scalable customer communication.

With WhatsApp Business API, businesses can:

Set up WhatsApp chatbots to automate replies and conversations

2. Send WhatsApp broadcast messages to unlimited users at once

3. Deliver automated alerts such as payment reminders, order confirmations, and delivery updates through their own systems or CRM

4. Apply for the official WhatsApp Blue Tick (verified business badge)

5. Handle conversations with multiple human agents using a single WhatsApp number

However, WhatsApp Business API is only an API. This means businesses must use or build a platform to manage live chats, chatbots, and broadcast campaigns after getting API access.

To solve this, Affinect provides a ready-to-use platform that includes CRM and smart campaign tools for sending marketing messages and also ensures that delivery and reputation are protected.

How long does WhatsApp Business API approval take?

Access to WhatsApp Business API is granted through an application process that is reviewed by Meta.

While businesses can now directly obtain API access through WhatsApp Cloud API, you still need a platform like Affinect to actually use the API features effectively.

Can one business have multiple WhatsApp Business API numbers?

Yes. A single business can own multiple WhatsApp Business API accounts for different teams, such as Sales, Finance, Customer Support, or Operations.

Each WhatsApp Business API account must be linked to a separate mobile number.

How to switch between WhatsApp App and WhatsApp Business API?

Any phone number can be upgraded to WhatsApp Business API as long as it is not currently active on WhatsApp App or WhatsApp Business App.

If the number is already registered on a WhatsApp app, you must delete that account before applying for the API.

Note: If you decide to stop using WhatsApp Business API later, you can downgrade the number and restore it back to WhatsApp App.

Steps to delete WhatsApp Business App before applying for API:

1. Open WhatsApp

2. Go to More options (three dots) → Settings → Account → Delete my account

3. Enter your phone number in full international format

4. Select a reason for deleting the account

5. Tap Delete my account to confirm

Once the number is deleted, you can proceed with your WhatsApp Business API application.

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