WhatsApp Business automation: app, API or unofficial tool?

"WhatsApp automation" covers three very different routes. Most confusion comes from treating them as one. Choose the route first, then the tool.

For the free app, see WhatsApp auto reply. The rest of this page covers the Platform, and why unofficial tools are not worth the risk.

The Platform lets software send and receive WhatsApp messages for your business number. That software can be a chatbot, an AI assistant or a shared inbox where your team replies together.

• Automation: WhatsApp's Business Policy says you may use automation when responding during the 24-hour window, but you must give customers a clear way to reach a human, such as a live agent, phone, email or web support.
• Several agents: the software you connect decides how many staff can answer from the one number.
• Message templates: pre-written messages that Meta reviews. Only approved templates can be sent. Meta's documentation says review can take up to 24 hours, and a template's status can change later based on usage and quality feedback.
• The customer service window: a 24-hour window opens when a customer messages you, and each new customer message resets the timer. Inside it you can send free-form replies. Outside it, templates are the only message type you can send.
• Opt-in: you may message only people who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you. You must honour opt-out requests.

Meta says it charges per delivered message that a business sends, and has done so since 1st July, 2025. Before that, pricing was per conversation. Messages from customers to you are not charged, and undelivered messages are not charged.

• Categories: each template message is marketing, utility or authentication. The category and the customer's country calling code decide the rate.
• Service messages: free-form replies sent inside the 24-hour window. Meta's page lists a free monthly allowance of service messages per business phone number.
• Free entry point window: if a customer starts a chat from a Click to WhatsApp ad, a free window can open when you reply, for up to 7 days.
• Volume tiers: utility and authentication messages get lower rates as monthly volume grows.
• 1st Oct, 2026 changes: Meta's page lists charges resuming for service messages above the free monthly allowance, and for utility messages sent inside an open window. It also notes that delivery may stop for businesses without a payment method on file once charges begin.

Solution providers may add their own fee on top of Meta's charges. Ask for the full cost before you commit.

• A number that can receive a code: the number must be able to receive a voice call or an SMS for verification. Landlines can work, usually by voice call.
• Not already in normal use: Meta's documentation says a number already used on WhatsApp cannot be registered unless you delete it from WhatsApp first. It also describes connecting an existing WhatsApp Business app account to the Platform through Embedded Signup. Read the official page before you switch a number you use every day.
• A display name: you give one when you register. It appears on the number's WhatsApp profile and must be approved.
• Business verification: new business portfolios are limited to two registered numbers. Completing business verification, or reaching a messaging limit of 2,000, raises that to 20.

Meta revises these requirements from time to time, so confirm them on the official page before you start. Keep your business name, address and documents ready for verification.

These tools ask you to scan a QR code so they can operate your normal WhatsApp number. They are inexpensive and quick to set up, which explains their appeal.

WhatsApp's Messaging Guidelines list unofficial clients, bulk messaging, auto-messaging and automation, when used to harm WhatsApp or its users, as adversarial behaviour. WhatsApp says it may respond by temporarily or permanently suspending an account. The Business Policy also says WhatsApp may limit access for messaging people at scale in an unauthorised way.

• A few chats a day, and you answer within the hour: stay on the free Business app. Set the greeting and away message.
• Customers ask about price, stock or delivery at all hours: you need the Platform with software that understands the question.
• Several staff must answer from one number: the Platform, with a shared inbox.
• You want to message old customers about an offer: the Platform with approved templates, and only to people who opted in.
• You will not risk your number: avoid unofficial tools in every case.

The same reasoning applies to your other channels. See business automation in Bangladesh for the bigger picture, or the Facebook Page chatbot guide.

LeadRevive is our product. It runs your chat on WhatsApp. The AI replies in Bangla, English or Banglish from your products and Business Knowledge. A Sales Agent takes the order, a Payment & Collections Agent asks for the advance by bKash or Nagad, and a Follow-up Agent chases customers who went quiet. You can take over any chat yourself. WhatsApp shares one inbox with Messenger and Instagram. See features, pricing or get started.