Whatsapp Business API

The WhatsApp Business API is Meta's official way for businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages from their own systems. Access runs through the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API or an approved Business Solution Provider), and messages outside a 24-hour customer service window must use pre-approved templates. For an AI agent, the practical question is how to expose that messaging capability as MCP tools so a model can send, read, and route messages safely.

What the WhatsApp Business API does

The WhatsApp Business API lets a business send transactional alerts, support replies, and marketing messages to customers who have opted in. It also receives inbound messages and delivery status webhooks. Meta hosts the Cloud API. A business calls a Graph API endpoint with a phone number ID and an access token.

Each message type has different rules. Session messages work inside the 24-hour window that starts when a customer last messaged the business. Outside that window, the business sends a template message that Meta has approved.

Setup requirements

A business needs a Meta Business Manager account, a verified business, a WhatsApp Business Account, and at least one registered phone number. The access token should be a system user token with the minimum permissions required.

• Verify the business in Meta Business Manager.
• Register a phone number that is not already active on the consumer WhatsApp app.
• Create message templates and wait for approval before sending them.
• Subscribe the app to the messages webhook field to receive inbound events.

Pricing is per conversation and varies by country and category. Current rates are listed on Meta's pricing page, and the figures change, so check them before budgeting. Our own plan cost is 0 to 29.99 per month. This is a separate line item from Meta's messaging fees.

Exposing WhatsApp messaging as MCP tools

MCP tools for WhatsApp let an agent call defined actions instead of building raw HTTP requests. A useful tool set separates reads from writes. Read tools fetch conversations, message history, and template status. Write tools send session messages or approved templates.

• send_text: sends a session message inside the 24-hour window.
• send_template: sends an approved template with variable parameters.
• list_templates: returns template names, languages, and approval status.
• get_messages: returns recent inbound messages for a phone number.

Keep send tools behind an explicit confirmation step. A model that retries a failed send can message the same customer twice. The tool should accept an idempotency key.

Compliance and safety rules for agents

Meta's policies require opt-in consent before marketing messages. An agent must check consent status before it calls a send tool. It must also stop messaging a user who asks to opt out.

The 24-hour window closes 24 hours after the last inbound customer message. An agent that sends a free-form message after that window receives an error from the Cloud API. The agent should check the window state and fall back to a template when the window is closed.

Store message logs with timestamps and phone number IDs. Logs help with audits and with resolving customer disputes about billing.

Choosing a path to WhatsApp messaging

Teams can call the Cloud API directly, use a Business Solution Provider, or access it through an MCP gateway. Direct calls give full control and require the team to manage webhooks, token rotation, and template approvals. A BSP handles onboarding and support for a fee. A gateway lets an agent reach the same endpoints through a stable tool interface.

Choose direct access when the team already runs webhook infrastructure. Choose a BSP when onboarding speed matters more than control. Choose a gateway when the main consumer is an AI agent that needs a consistent tool schema across several channels.

Live pricing — business

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FAQ

Do I need Meta approval to use the WhatsApp Business API?

Yes. The business must complete Meta Business Manager verification. Meta must approve each message template before it can be sent outside the 24-hour customer service window.

Can an AI agent send WhatsApp messages on its own?

It can, if the tool layer enforces consent checks, the 24-hour window rule, and template use. Without those checks, an agent can send marketing messages to users who never opted in. That violates Meta's policies.

What happens if I send a message after the 24-hour window closes?

The Cloud API rejects a free-form message after the window closes. The business must send an approved template to restart the conversation.

Is there a free tier for the WhatsApp Business API?

Meta charges per conversation. Rates vary by country and message category. Check Meta's current pricing page for the latest rates. No single free tier applies to all accounts.

How do I receive inbound WhatsApp messages?

Subscribe the app to the messages webhook field in Meta's developer dashboard. Meta then posts each inbound message and status update to your webhook URL.

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Written with AI assistance from APIbase's published documentation and public data; checked automatically against them. Corrections: https://apibase.pro/

Published: 2026-11-04Source: live apibase.pro catalog snapshot