WhatsApp Business API access with the inbox around it.
Connect an eligible number through Meta's Embedded Signup, then run replies, templates, broadcasts, webhooks and delivery tracking from one workspace.
WhatsApp starts on Growth ($129/mo) and Pro ($349/mo). No per-message or per-contact fee from Instant Reply; Meta bills its own fees.
The short answer
How do you get the WhatsApp Business API with Instant Reply?
You connect a WhatsApp Business number through Meta's Embedded Signup in the dashboard, on Growth ($129/mo) or Pro. Instant Reply then provides the inbox, AI replies, templates, broadcast campaigns, signed webhooks and delivery tracking. Meta decides eligibility and approvals, and bills its message fees to your Meta account.
Last verified
Key facts
- WhatsApp starts on Growth ($129/mo): 2 included. Pro ($349/mo): 5 included.
- Connection is Meta's Embedded Signup, standard or coexistence mode.
- 14 webhook event types, HMAC-SHA256 signed, up to 3 delivery attempts.
- No per-message or per-contact fee from Instant Reply; Meta bills its own fees.
- Approval timing is Meta's and is not promised.
Verified capabilities
What the WhatsApp API setup includes today
Checked against the product source code and plan data on October 2, 2026. The last two rows list what is conditional or unavailable.
| Capability | How it works today | Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting a number | Meta's Embedded Signup inside the dashboard, in standard or coexistence mode. Meta decides eligibility, business verification and timing; Instant Reply cannot speed them up. | Growth and Pro |
| Numbers included | 2 included on Growth, 5 included on Pro. Each additional number is $19/mo. | 2 / 5 |
| Shared inbox and AI replies | WhatsApp conversations arrive in the same inbox as Instagram and Messenger, with AI replies and human handoff. | Growth and Pro |
| Templates | Write a template, run a preflight check, submit it to Meta and watch its status. Meta makes the final category and approval decision. Broadcast campaigns send only approved templates. | Growth and Pro |
| Developer webhooks | Register endpoints for 14 event types, including message.received, message.delivery_failed and template.status_update. Payloads are signed with HMAC-SHA256, failed deliveries retry up to 3 attempts, and recent deliveries are listed in the API. | Starter and up |
| Delivery visibility | A delivery tracker shows each message as sent, delivered, read or failed, and a banner appears on campaigns when sends fail at delivery. | Growth and Pro |
| Meta fees | Meta bills its message fees to your Meta account. Plan prices include no per-message or per-contact fee from Instant Reply, and no markup is added to Meta's rates. | Billed by Meta |
| Running the app and API on one number | Only through coexistence mode, and only where Meta allows it for the number. Without it, moving a number to the API takes it off the WhatsApp Business app. | Coexistence only |
| Guaranteed approval timing | Display name, verification and template approvals are Meta's. No timing is promised. | Not available |
Best fit
Pick API access plus an inbox, or raw API access.
Instant Reply is the first kind: a finished workspace on top of Meta's platform.
Best fit
Teams that outgrew the WhatsApp Business app and want a shared inbox, AI replies and template broadcasts without building on the API themselves.
Also fits
Developers who want signed webhooks and a REST API next to the inbox.
Pick raw API access if
You are building your own product on WhatsApp and need no inbox or AI.
How it works
How It Works
Connect through Meta
Sign in to Meta, pick a number and finish the checks. Choose coexistence mode if you also use the WhatsApp Business app.
Meta reviews
Meta handles business verification and display-name review. Templates you submit are reviewed by Meta too.
Run the workspace
Use the inbox, AI replies, approved templates and campaigns, and send events to your systems with signed webhooks.
Why teams choose it
What Instant Reply adds around Meta's API
The platform moves messages. These parts help a team handle them.
Embedded Signup in the dashboard
Connect without a developer integration. Eligibility and approval stay with Meta.
Inbox and handoff
Route conversations to your team, use AI replies where they fit, and hand off when a person should answer.
Template workflow
Write, check, submit and track templates; broadcasts use approved ones.
Signed webhooks
14 event types signed with HMAC-SHA256, up to 3 attempts, and a delivery log in the API.
Best fit
Perfect for teams that move fast in DMs.
Outgrowing the WhatsApp Business app
Scenario
You need a shared inbox, broadcasts and AI replies. Connect through Embedded Signup after Meta's eligibility checks.
Outcome
Building automations
Scenario
Your developer subscribes to message.received and template.status_update webhooks and calls the REST API for sends.
Outcome
Moving off another provider
Scenario
Check number ownership and migration rules with Meta first, then connect the number here.
Outcome
The difference
Why Switch?
Without Instant Reply
With Instant Reply
FAQ
Common Questions
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
It is Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform: a way for businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages from software, with templates, broadcasts and multi-user inboxes that the WhatsApp Business app does not offer.
How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?
Two parts. Instant Reply plans start at $129/mo for WhatsApp (Growth), with no per-message or per-contact fee from us. Meta bills its own message fees to your Meta account, by message category and market. Since October 1, 2026 Meta also bills service messages; our pricing-change guide has the source.
How long does setup take?
No fixed time. You connect through Meta's Embedded Signup in the dashboard, then Meta handles eligibility, business verification and display-name review. Template approvals are also Meta's decision.
Can I keep my number on the WhatsApp Business app?
Where Meta allows it, yes: connect in coexistence mode and the same number works in the WhatsApp Business app and through Instant Reply. Without coexistence, a number on the API cannot also run in the app. Check eligibility before you switch.
Does Instant Reply offer webhooks and an API?
Yes. Every paid plan includes a REST API and signed webhooks (Starter $59/mo allows 120 req/min). There are 14 webhook event types, HMAC-SHA256 signatures, and up to 3 delivery attempts. The developer docs list the events.
What is the best WhatsApp API provider?
It depends on whether you want raw API access or a finished inbox. Compare onboarding, template tools, webhooks, delivery visibility, seats and how the provider charges on top of Meta. Our platform comparison lays out the differences with sources and dates.
Related reading
- What is the WhatsApp Business APIA plain explanation before you choose a provider.
- WhatsApp Business API pricing guideHow Meta and providers charge.
- WhatsApp automation platforms comparedPricing models side by side, with sources and dates.
- WhatsApp API pricing calculatorEstimate Meta's message fees for your volume.
Related features
Features that work with this one
Each page below covers the next step in the same workflow, with its own plan limits and a list of what it does not do.
Next
WhatsApp BSP setup
Connect an official WhatsApp Business number and manage the API workflow.
Next
WhatsApp automation bot
Automate routine questions, templates, and human handoffs on WhatsApp.
Next
Shared inbox
See every DM in one place.
Next
AI reply drafts
Draft replies fast and keep humans in control.
Ready when you are
Connect WhatsApp when your number is eligible.
Start the 7-day trial and read the setup steps before you commit.
An interactive read-only demo, and plan limits in plain English.