Official WhatsApp Cloud API Setup — Connecting Meta Business Manager for High-Volume Automation
When to Upgrade to the Cloud API
Consider upgrading from WhatsApp Web assisted messaging to the Official Cloud API when:
- You need to send more than 200 messages per day
- You want automated scheduling and drip campaigns
- You need delivery analytics and read receipts
- You want to send interactive messages with buttons and lists
- You have a dedicated business WhatsApp number separate from your personal one
SamparkWA's core extension and the Cloud API module are decoupled. You can continue using WhatsApp Web assisted messaging for personalized messages while using the Cloud API for bulk template broadcasts.
Prerequisites
- A registered business with GST/PAN number (for Meta Business verification)
- A dedicated phone number not currently linked to any WhatsApp account
- A Facebook Business Manager account (free to create)
- Business documents for verification (GST certificate, utility bill, etc.)
- Approximately 2-7 days for the full verification and approval process
Step 1: Create a Meta Business Manager Account
- Go to business.facebook.com and click 'Create Account'
- Enter your business name, your name, and your business email
- Complete the Business Manager setup wizard
- Add your business details: legal name, address, and website
Step 2: Verify Your Business
- In Business Manager, go to Business Settings > Business Verification
- Click 'Start Verification'
- Enter your business legal name, address, and phone number
- Upload a business document (GST certificate, PAN card, or utility bill)
- Wait for Meta to review (typically 1-3 business days)
- Once verified, you'll see a green 'Verified' badge
Meta's business verification process can take 2-7 days depending on document accuracy and verification volume. Start this process before you need the API urgently.
Step 3: Submit Message Templates for Approval
The Cloud API requires pre-approved message templates for business-initiated conversations. Create templates in the WhatsApp Manager:
- Go to WhatsApp Manager > Message Templates
- Click 'Create Template'
- Choose category: Marketing, Utility, or Authentication
- Write your template with variable placeholders (e.g., 'Hi {{1}}, your appointment is on {{2}}')
- Submit for Meta review (typically 1-24 hours)
- Once approved, the template is available for use in SamparkWA's Cloud API module
Templates must follow Meta's guidelines: no spam, no misleading content, clear purpose. Variables should be contextual (e.g., {{1}} for name, {{2}} for date). Avoid ALL CAPS and excessive punctuation.
Step 4: Connect SamparkWA Cloud API Module
Once your business is verified and templates are approved, connect the Cloud API module:
- Open SamparkWA Settings > Cloud API Module
- Click 'Connect Meta Business Manager'
- Enter your WhatsApp Business Phone Number ID and Access Token from Meta's WhatsApp Manager
- Select the approved message templates you want to use
- Map template variables to your CSV columns (e.g., {{1}} → name, {{2}} → appointment_date)
- Click 'Test Connection' to verify
- Start sending automated, Meta-compliant campaigns
WhatsApp Cloud API Pricing
| Category | Cost (India) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing conversations | Rs. 0.58 per conversation | Business-initiated promotional messages |
| Utility conversations | Rs. 0.29 per conversation | Business-initiated transactional messages (appointments, alerts) |
| Authentication conversations | Rs. 0.29 per conversation | OTP and verification messages |
| Service conversations | Free (first 1,000/month) | Customer-initiated conversations; Rs. 0.29 after free tier |
Meta updates WhatsApp Cloud API pricing periodically. Always check the official WhatsApp Business Platform pricing page for current rates. SamparkWA does not add any markup — you pay Meta directly.