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Questions, answered plainly

Including the ones with awkward answers — what is not built yet, what Meta controls rather than us, and where a competitor might suit you better. You will find out in a trial anyway; better here.

Getting started

What is the WhatsApp Business API?

The WhatsApp Business API — officially the WhatsApp Business Platform — lets a business send and receive WhatsApp messages from software rather than from a phone. It has no interface of its own, so you use it through a platform like ConneXus, which provides the shared inbox, automation, templates and reporting.

How long does it take to get set up?

The technical connection takes minutes through Meta Embedded Signup. The variable is Meta business verification, which can complete same-day if your documents are in order or take several days if Meta asks for more information.

Do I need a developer?

No. Connecting your number, building chatbots, creating templates and running campaigns are all done from the dashboard. A developer is only needed if you want to connect a custom system through the API.

Can I keep my existing WhatsApp number?

You can migrate a number from the WhatsApp Business app to the API, but the move is one-way and chat history does not transfer. Many businesses start the API on a new number and keep the old one running during changeover.

Do you charge a setup fee?

No. Many Indian providers charge a one-time onboarding fee; Embedded Signup is a self-serve flow, so we do not.

Pricing and costs

How does WhatsApp charge for messages?

Since 1 July 2025 Meta charges per delivered template message, priced by category — marketing, utility or authentication — and by the recipient's country. Utility and authentication rates step down as your monthly volume rises. Free-form replies sent inside the 24-hour service window are not charged.

Do you add a markup on Meta's charges?

No. ConneXus operates as a Meta Tech Provider, which means your WhatsApp Business Account is yours and Meta bills you directly for messaging. We are not in the billing path, so there is nothing for us to mark up. Our revenue is the platform subscription only.

What does ConneXus itself cost?

A monthly or annual subscription by plan, with a 14-day trial on paid plans. The subscription covers the platform; Meta's per-message charges are billed to you separately and directly by Meta.

Is there a per-agent charge?

Seats are included in the plan rather than billed per agent as an add-on, so growing your team does not automatically grow the bill the way seat-based pricing does.

Do you take a commission on sales or payments?

No. Payment links run on your own Razorpay, Stripe, PhonePe or UPI account and funds settle directly to you. We take no percentage of your revenue.

Features and limits

How many people can use one WhatsApp number?

On the WhatsApp Business API there is no device limit like the one in the WhatsApp Business app — your team signs in to the web app instead of linking handsets. How many seats you get depends on your plan.

Can I build a chatbot without coding?

Yes. The flow builder is drag-and-drop, with a simulator to test a flow before publishing, a validation panel that catches dead ends, and run history showing the path each real conversation took.

Can I send bulk WhatsApp messages?

Yes, to contacts who have opted in, using approved templates. Sends are batched and rate-limited to protect your quality rating, and opt-outs are honoured automatically.

Does it handle Instagram too?

Yes. Instagram DMs, comment-to-DM automation, SMS and email all arrive in the same inbox as WhatsApp, against the same customer record.

Can I assign a specific conversation to a specific agent?

Not yet from the inbox screen. Ownership is assigned at the lead level today. Conversation-level assignment and private internal notes are supported by the underlying data model and are on the roadmap for the inbox UI.

Do you support WhatsApp Flows?

Not yet. Meta's native multi-screen Flows forms are on the roadmap. Interactive buttons, list messages and our own multi-step chatbot flows are available today.

Compliance and account safety

What is the 24-hour window?

When a customer messages you, a 24-hour service window opens during which you can send free-form replies at no messaging cost. Once it closes you can only reach that customer with an approved template, which is charged. Every reply from the customer resets the clock.

How do I stop my number being blocked or restricted?

Message only people who opted in, honour STOP immediately, segment campaigns rather than broadcasting to everyone, and categorise templates honestly. Blocks and spam reports are what lower your quality rating, and a sustained low rating gets a number restricted.

How is opt-out handled?

A reply of STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE flags the contact automatically and excludes them from future marketing across WhatsApp, SMS and email. Per-channel opt-out means someone can leave marketing without losing order updates.

Can I get the green tick?

You can apply once you are on the API with business verification complete, but Meta grants it at its discretion and weighs brand notability heavily. It cannot be bought, and it affects neither your messaging limits nor your pricing.

Where is my data stored, and is it secure?

Data is held in a PostgreSQL database with per-tenant isolation. Credentials and secrets such as access tokens are encrypted at rest, audit logs are scrubbed of personal data before storage, and contact erasure requests are supported in line with the DPDP Act.

The wider platform

Is this only a WhatsApp tool?

No, and that is the main difference from most alternatives. WhatsApp sits on top of a full business system — CRM, bookings, GST invoicing and e-invoicing, point of sale, inventory, loyalty and a storefront — so an order taken in a chat updates stock and produces an invoice like any other sale.

Do I have to use the rest of the platform?

No. Modules are enabled per business, so you can run WhatsApp alone and switch on invoicing, bookings or POS later if you want them.

Can I migrate from another WhatsApp provider?

Usually. Whether you can move your number, templates and quality rating depends on whose name the WhatsApp Business Account is in — if it sits with a reseller rather than with you, their terms decide. Ask them before you start.

Is there a mobile app?

Not currently. ConneXus runs in the browser and works on a phone, but there is no native iOS or Android agent app yet.

Put your business on WhatsApp properly

Connect your number through Meta Embedded Signup, keep ownership of your WhatsApp Business Account, and pay Meta directly for messages — we never add a markup.