WhatsApp Business API Setup Guide for Indian Businesses (2026)
Complete step-by-step guide to setting up WhatsApp Business API in India. Prerequisites, verification, pricing, and integration with AI chatbots.
TL;DR: Setting up WhatsApp Business API in India requires a registered business entity, GST documentation, Meta Business Manager verification (1-5 business days), and a dedicated phone number. The Cloud API is recommended for most businesses. Pricing starts at ₹0.30-0.80 per conversation, with 1,000 free service conversations monthly. Most businesses can go live in 3-7 business days.
WhatsApp Business API Setup Guide for Indian Businesses
WhatsApp has 500+ million users in India (Source: Meta / Statista), making it the most important customer communication channel for Indian businesses. But setting up the WhatsApp Business API properly requires navigating Meta's requirements, Indian regulations, and technical integration.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of getting your business on WhatsApp Business API in 2025.
Understanding Your Options
Before diving into setup, understand the difference between WhatsApp's business offerings:
WhatsApp Business App vs. API
| Feature | WhatsApp Business App | WhatsApp Business API |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Pay per conversation |
| Devices | 1 phone + 4 linked | Unlimited |
| Automation | Basic quick replies | Full chatbot integration |
| Broadcasting | 256 contacts max | Unlimited (with opt-in) |
| CRM integration | No | Yes |
| AI chatbots | No | Yes |
| Analytics | Basic | Comprehensive |
| Best for | Micro businesses | Growing businesses |
Cloud API vs. On-Premise
| Aspect | Cloud API | On-Premise |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Meta's servers | Your infrastructure |
| Setup complexity | Low | High |
| Cost | Per-conversation | Hosting + per-conversation |
| Maintenance | Meta handles | You handle |
| Customization | Standard | Full control |
| Recommended for | Most businesses | Large enterprises |
Our Recommendation
For most Indian businesses, the Cloud API is the right choice. It's easier to set up, maintained by Meta, and works seamlessly with platforms like Hyperleap AI.
Prerequisites for Indian Businesses
Business Requirements
Before starting the setup process, ensure you have:
1. Registered Business Entity
- Private Limited Company
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
- Partnership Firm
- Proprietorship with GST registration
- Trust or Society (for NGOs)
2. Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GST Registration Certificate | Business verification |
| PAN Card (Business) | Identity verification |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Legal entity proof |
| Udyam Registration (if applicable) | MSME verification |
| Business Address Proof | Location verification |
3. Phone Number Requirements
- Dedicated phone number: Not currently on any WhatsApp account
- Can receive SMS or calls: For verification
- Must be Indian number: +91 prefix
- Business ownership: Number should be business-owned
Number Migration
If your desired number is already on WhatsApp (personal or Business App), you'll need to delete that account first. This will remove all chat history on that number.
Technical Requirements
- Website: Live business website with matching information
- Privacy Policy: Published on your website
- Business email: Domain email preferred (not gmail.com)
- Facebook Business Manager account: Required for API access
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Step 1: Create Meta Business Account
-
Go to business.facebook.com
-
Click "Create Account"
-
Enter your business details:
- Business name (must match registration)
- Your name and work email
- Business address
-
Verify your email address
Step 2: Verify Your Business
Meta requires business verification before granting API access.
Start Verification
- In Business Manager, go to Security Centre
- Click Start Verification
- Select verification type: Business Documents
Submit Documents
Upload the following:
- Business registration certificate
- GST certificate
- Any government-issued business document
Verification Timeline
| Business Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Private Limited | 1-3 business days |
| LLP | 2-4 business days |
| Proprietorship | 3-5 business days |
| NGO/Trust | 5-7 business days |
Step 3: Create WhatsApp Business Account
Once business verification is complete:
- In Business Manager, go to All Tools
- Select WhatsApp Accounts
- Click Add → Create a WhatsApp Business Account
- Enter:
- Display name (your business name)
- Category
- Description
Step 4: Add Phone Number
- In your WhatsApp Business Account, go to Phone Numbers
- Click Add Phone Number
- Enter your Indian business number (+91 format)
- Choose verification method (SMS or Voice Call)
- Enter the verification code
Step 5: Set Up Business Profile
Complete your business profile:
| Field | Tips |
|---|---|
| Display Name | Use your registered business name |
| Profile Photo | Use your logo (minimum 640×640 px) |
| Description | Clear, concise business description |
| Category | Select most relevant category |
| Address | Match your registered address |
| Business email address | |
| Website | Your website URL |
Step 6: Create Message Templates
Before sending messages to customers, you need approved templates.
Template Types
| Type | Use Case | Approval Time |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Promotions, offers | 1-3 days |
| Utility | Transactional updates | 1-2 days |
| Authentication | OTP, verification | 1-2 days |
Template Best Practices
✅ Good Template:
"Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been shipped!
Track it here: {{3}}
Need help? Reply to this message."
❌ Bad Template:
"BUY NOW! MASSIVE SALE! LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!
Click here for AMAZING DEALS!"
Approval tips:
- No ALL CAPS
- No excessive punctuation
- Include opt-out option for marketing
- Be specific and professional
- Match your business category
Step 7: Integrate with Your Platform
Connect WhatsApp to your chatbot or CRM platform.
Integration Options
| Method | Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperleap AI direct | Low | AI chatbot users |
| Meta Cloud API direct | Medium | Custom development |
| Third-party BSP | Low-Medium | Specific requirements |
Hyperleap Integration Steps
- In Hyperleap dashboard, go to Channels
- Click Add WhatsApp
- Connect your Meta Business Account
- Select your phone number
- Authorize the connection
- Configure AI agent for WhatsApp
Understanding WhatsApp Pricing in India
Conversation-Based Pricing
Meta charges per 24-hour conversation window, not per message.
| Category | Price (INR) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | ₹0.80 | All messages in 24-hour window |
| Utility | ₹0.35 | Transactional messages |
| Authentication | ₹0.30 | OTP and verification |
| Service | Free (1000/month) | Customer-initiated |
Free Tier Details
- 1,000 free service conversations per month
- Service = customer messages you first
- Resets monthly
- Great for small businesses starting out
Cost Examples
Scenario: E-commerce business
- 500 marketing messages/month: ₹400
- 200 order updates/month: ₹70
- 800 customer inquiries/month: Free (under 1000)
- Total: ₹470/month
Scenario: Hotel with AI chatbot
- 300 booking confirmations/month: ₹105
- 1,200 customer inquiries/month: ₹70 (200 beyond free tier × ₹0.35)
- Total: ₹175/month
Simplify Your WhatsApp Business API Setup
Skip the complexity. Hyperleap AI provides native WhatsApp integration with AI-powered automation for Indian businesses. Go live in days.
Explore AI AgentsCommon Setup Issues and Solutions
Issue: Business Verification Rejected
Common causes:
- Document mismatch (name differs from registration)
- Unclear document uploads
- Wrong document type submitted
Solution:
- Ensure exact name match across all documents
- Upload high-quality, readable documents
- Submit government-issued documents only
Issue: Phone Number Already in Use
Solution:
- Open WhatsApp on the phone with that number
- Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account
- Confirm deletion
- Wait 24 hours
- Try adding to Business API again
Issue: Template Rejected
Common causes:
- Promotional language in utility templates
- Missing opt-out for marketing
- Vague or misleading content
Solution:
- Review Meta's template guidelines
- Be specific about message purpose
- Include clear opt-out instructions
- Avoid promotional language in utility templates
Issue: Messages Not Delivering
Possible causes:
- Number not opted-in
- Template not approved
- Account suspended
- Rate limits exceeded
Solution:
- Verify opt-in was received
- Check template status in dashboard
- Review account health in Meta Business Suite
- Implement proper rate limiting
Compliance Requirements in India
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
While WhatsApp isn't directly regulated by TRAI, best practices include:
- Consent-based messaging: Explicit opt-in required
- Opt-out option: Easy way to unsubscribe
- Message timing: Avoid late night/early morning
- Content standards: No misleading or fraudulent content
Data Protection
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023:
| Requirement | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Consent | Explicit opt-in before messaging |
| Purpose limitation | Use data only for stated purposes |
| Data minimization | Collect only necessary information |
| Security | Encrypt stored customer data |
| Breach notification | Notify authorities and users of breaches |
WhatsApp Commerce Policy
For businesses selling on WhatsApp:
- No prohibited products (alcohol, tobacco, weapons, etc.)
- Accurate product representations
- Clear pricing and refund policies
- Customer service availability
Best Practices for Indian Businesses
Language Considerations
- Regional languages: WhatsApp supports Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other Indian languages
- Template translations: Create templates in multiple languages
- AI language support: Configure chatbots for regional languages
Timing Best Practices
| Purpose | Best Times | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | 10 AM - 8 PM | After 9 PM |
| Transactional | Anytime | N/A |
| Customer service | 24/7 via AI | N/A |
Opt-In Collection
Good opt-in methods:
- Website form with WhatsApp checkbox
- "Click to chat" button with consent
- QR code with consent language
- In-store sign-up with explicit consent
Required elements:
- Clear statement of what they'll receive
- Frequency indication
- Opt-out instructions
- Link to privacy policy
"The WhatsApp Business API setup process intimidates many Indian businesses, but the reality is much simpler than it appears. With the Cloud API and a good BSP, most businesses go from zero to a functioning AI chatbot on WhatsApp in under a week. The ROI starts from the very first automated conversation." — Gopi Krishna Lakkepuram, Founder & CEO of Hyperleap AI
Integration with AI Chatbots
Why AI + WhatsApp Works
- 24/7 availability: AI handles messages anytime
- Instant response: No customer waiting
- Scale: Handle thousands of conversations
- Consistency: Same quality every time
- Cost efficiency: Reduce per-conversation cost
Hyperleap AI Integration
Hyperleap AI provides native WhatsApp integration:
- Automatic response: AI responds to incoming messages
- Human handoff: Seamless transfer when needed
- Rich media: Send images, documents, buttons
- Template management: Easy template creation and approval
- Analytics: Track conversation metrics
Configuration Steps
- Connect WhatsApp account in Hyperleap
- Configure AI agent personality for WhatsApp
- Set up conversation flows
- Create and submit message templates
- Test with internal numbers
- Go live
Measuring Success
Key Metrics
| Metric | Target | How to Track |
|---|---|---|
| Response time | Under 5 min | Platform analytics |
| Resolution rate | 80%+ | Conversations resolved without escalation |
| Customer satisfaction | 4.5+/5 | Post-conversation survey |
| Opt-in rate | 30%+ of visitors | Sign-up tracking |
| Message delivery | 95%+ | WhatsApp analytics |
ROI Tracking
Track business impact:
- Inquiries handled via WhatsApp
- Bookings/orders from WhatsApp
- Support tickets deflected
- Customer satisfaction changes
- Staff time saved
Get Started with WhatsApp Business API
Hyperleap AI makes WhatsApp Business API setup easy with native integration and AI-powered automation. Start your 7-day free trial today.
Try for FreeNeed help setting up WhatsApp Business API for your Indian business? Contact our team for step-by-step guidance.
Related Tools
Improve your business's online presence with these free SEO tools:
- FAQ Schema Builder - Add structured FAQ data to your website
- Content Structure Score - Improve your guide's readability
- Meta Tag Analyzer - Audit your website's meta tags
- AEO Score Analyzer - Optimize for AI-powered search
Free Tools for WhatsApp Marketing
- AEO Score Analyzer - Optimize for AI search engines
- Content Structure Score - Improve page structure
- BOFU Keyword Finder - Find high-intent WhatsApp keywords
- FAQ Schema Builder - Add FAQ schema to your pages
- Meta Tag Analyzer - Audit your website SEO
WhatsApp Resources
- Best WhatsApp Automation Tools 2026 - Platform comparison
- Best Multi-Channel Chatbots 2026 - Omnichannel solutions
- Best Wati Alternatives 2026 - Wati competitor analysis
- Best Interakt Alternatives 2026 - Interakt competitors
Industry WhatsApp Guides
- WhatsApp Automation for Hotels - Hospitality focus
- AI Chatbot for Hotels in Mumbai - City implementation
- How to Choose an AI Chatbot Platform - Selection guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost in India?
The WhatsApp Business API itself is free to access, but you pay per-conversation fees to Meta starting at approximately ₹0.30-0.80 per conversation depending on the category (marketing, utility, service, or authentication). Additionally, most businesses use a Business Solution Provider (BSP) that charges ₹1,000-10,000/month for platform access and management tools.
How long does it take to set up WhatsApp Business API in India?
The complete setup process typically takes 3-7 business days from start to finish. Business verification through Meta usually takes 2-3 business days, while configuring your BSP, setting up message templates, and testing the integration can be done in parallel to speed up the timeline.
What are the verification requirements for WhatsApp Business API?
You need a verified Facebook Business Manager account, a valid business website, and official business documentation such as your GST registration, Udyam certificate, or Certificate of Incorporation. Meta reviews these documents to confirm your business identity, and having a consistent business name across all documents speeds up the approval process.
How long does message template approval take?
WhatsApp message template approval typically takes 24-48 hours, though it can happen in as little as a few minutes for straightforward templates. Templates that include promotional language, use all caps, or lack clear opt-out options are more likely to be rejected. Following Meta's content guidelines closely results in a 95%+ first-submission approval rate.
What is the difference between WhatsApp Business app and WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business app is a free mobile application designed for small businesses with limited automation and a single-device restriction. The WhatsApp Business API, on the other hand, supports unlimited users, advanced chatbot automation, CRM integrations, and can handle thousands of conversations simultaneously, making it the right choice for businesses processing more than 50-100 messages per day.
Can I migrate from WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp Business API without losing contacts?
Yes, you can migrate from the WhatsApp Business App to the API, but the process requires careful planning. Your phone number transfers to the API, and customers can still message you at the same number without any disruption. However, chat history from the Business App does not transfer to the API platform. To preserve customer relationships, export your contact list before migration and import it into your new BSP or CRM. The migration itself takes 24-48 hours, during which there may be a brief period where messages are not received.
What are the message template approval requirements for WhatsApp Business API in India?
Message templates must follow Meta's content guidelines and typically require 24-48 hours for approval. Templates must include clear, professional language without excessive capitalization or punctuation. Marketing templates require an opt-out option such as "Reply STOP to unsubscribe." Templates in Hindi or regional Indian languages are supported but must include accurate translations. Each template needs a unique name, a defined category (marketing, utility, or authentication), and relevant variable placeholders. Rejected templates can be edited and resubmitted, and maintaining a high-quality rating on your account speeds up future approvals.
Glossary
- WhatsApp Business API - API fundamentals
- What is a Chatbot? - Chatbot basics
- OTP Validation - Verified messaging
Industry Solutions
See how AI chatbots work for these industries:
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