What actually differs
The app is one phone, a few devices
It cannot give a team a shared queue, assignment, or a record of who replied to whom.
No automation in the app
Away messages and quick replies only. No booking, no payment, no catalog sync, no integration with your systems.
No verification path
The green tick and higher messaging limits are only available through the API.
How to choose
- 01
Stay on the app if
One or two people handle chats, volume is modest, and nothing needs to connect to your other systems. It is free — do not pay for what you do not need.
- 02
Move to the API when
Several agents share the workload, you need bots or scheduled sends, you want the green tick, or messaging has to connect to bookings, stock or payments.
- 03
What changes
The number moves to the API and stops working in the consumer app. Chat history does not transfer.
- 04
What it costs
The API itself is billed by Meta per conversation; the platform is billed separately. Both are on the pricing page.
What you get
- Multi-agent shared inbox
- No-code bot builder
- Broadcast campaigns
- Bookings and payments
- Green tick verification support
Questions
Can I keep my existing number?
Usually yes, provided it is not currently active on the consumer WhatsApp app. Migrating it ends its use there.
Will I lose my chat history?
Yes. History from the app does not transfer to the API — plan the switch for a quiet period.
Do I get the green tick automatically?
No. Verification is Meta's decision, based on your business's public presence. The API makes you eligible to apply; it does not guarantee approval.