By QuickMessage Team · Last updated November 3, 2026
Quick answer
The WhatsApp Cloud API is the version of the WhatsApp Business API hosted by Meta. It is now the only way to use the API: Meta shut down the self-hosted On-Premises API on 23 October 2025, and new feature updates have shipped only to Cloud API since January 2024. You can use Cloud API directly with your own developers, or through a platform such as QuickMessage that adds an inbox, chatbots and campaigns on top.
Cloud API vs On-Premises API
| Cloud API | On-Premises API | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted by | Meta | The business or its provider, on their own servers |
| Status | Active; receives all new features | Sunset on 23 October 2025; can no longer send messages |
| New phone numbers | Can be registered | Cannot be registered |
Source: Meta's On-Premises API sunset notice. If a provider still talks about "on-premise WhatsApp hosting", ask them what they mean.
Cloud API limits you should know
- Throughput: up to 80 messages per second per number by default. Numbers with an unlimited messaging limit, at least 100,000 unique users and a quality rating of yellow or better can reach up to 1,000 messages per second.
- Coexistence numbers (also used in the WhatsApp Business app) are fixed at 20 messages per second.
- Messaging limits control how many customers you can start conversations with in 24 hours, from 250 up to unlimited. See messaging limits.
- Pricing is per delivered message by category. See Meta's WhatsApp charges.
Two ways to use Cloud API
Directly with Meta
Your developers create a Meta app, register the number, build the sending code, webhooks, inbox and reports, and maintain them as Meta's API changes. Suits companies with an engineering team.
Through a platform
A provider such as QuickMessage connects your number and gives you a ready shared inbox, chatbot builder, campaigns and reports, plus an API for your developers. Suits most businesses.
What you need to get started
- A Meta business portfolio for your business.
- A phone number that can receive an SMS or call for verification. See using your existing number.
- A display name that matches your business.
- A payment method for Meta's message charges, in INR for eligible Indian businesses.
- Approved message templates for messages you start.
Business verification unlocks higher messaging limits. See the documents required in India.
Cloud API with QuickMessage
QuickMessage connects your number to the WhatsApp Business API and gives you a shared team inbox, flow builder, campaign management, Android and iOS apps, Shopify integration, and a REST API with webhooks. Onboarding help and template approval assistance are included on every plan, from ₹999 a month. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WhatsApp Cloud API?
It is the WhatsApp Business API hosted by Meta. Businesses use it to send and receive WhatsApp messages from software, either directly or through a platform.
Is the WhatsApp On-Premises API still available?
No. Meta sunset the On-Premises API on 23 October 2025, and it can no longer send messages. Cloud API is the replacement.
Is the WhatsApp Cloud API free?
Meta does not charge for hosting, but it charges per delivered message by category. Messages customers send you are free, and the first 1,000 service replies per number each month are free.
How many messages per second can Cloud API send?
Up to 80 messages per second per number by default, and up to 1,000 for eligible numbers with an unlimited messaging limit, at least 100,000 unique users and good quality. Coexistence numbers are fixed at 20.
Start on the WhatsApp Cloud API without coding
Our team connects your number and sets up your inbox, chatbot and first templates.
Book a free demo