# WhatsApp Business API documentation > Unofficial WhatsApp Business API docs on messaging, pricing and fixing bans and errors, plus guides to the 24-hour rule, messaging limits and template approval. How WhatsApp Business API messaging and pricing work and how to fix bans and errors, with guides to the 24-hour rule, messaging limits, template approval and API error codes. Official Meta docs Updated Nov 3, 2026 01 ## Messaging 2 articles - What is WhatsApp Business API? The Complete Guide for 2026WhatsApp Business API is a programmable interface that allows medium to large businesses to broadcast messages to unlimited users, automate customer support with chatbots, and integrate with CRM systems. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business App, the API enables enterprise-scale customer communication.9 min read - WhatsApp Business API pricing: 2026 rates by countryMeta charges per delivered WhatsApp message, by category and the recipient's country. Every market's rates, the October 2026 changes, worked examples and a calculator.21 min read 02 ## Troubleshooting 20 articles - How to Fix Meta Error 459 (Account Checkpoint)Error 459 from Meta indicates that your Facebook account has been checkpointed, meaning it is temporarily suspended for security reasons. This comprehensive guide shows you how to resolve this issue, including common scenarios like after paying for Meta verification.3 min read - WhatsApp Coexistence Limitations: What You Need to KnowUsing WhatsApp Business App and Volty together on the same number? Understand the key limitations of WhatsApp Coexistence mode, including the critical 14-day disconnection rule if you don't open the WhatsApp Business App regularly.4 min read - WhatsApp Account Blocked? How to Restore Access to Your Blocked AccountLearn how to restore access to your blocked WhatsApp account. This comprehensive guide covers temporary vs permanent blocks, 8 common reasons for account blocking, step-by-step recovery instructions, and proactive measures to prevent future blocks.12 min read - WhatsApp Error 131026: Message Undeliverable - Complete Troubleshooting GuideFix WhatsApp Error 131026 with this comprehensive troubleshooting guide. Learn all 10 causes of message delivery failures including recipient issues, template problems, and India-specific restrictions. Includes step-by-step debug checklist and prevention best practices.7 min read - WhatsApp Error Code 131060: Companion Device Message Visibility IssueLearn how to resolve WhatsApp error code 131060, which occurs when messages are sent from companion devices in Coexistence mode. Understand why this happens, where the message went and what your team should do.4 min read - WhatsApp Error: Object With ID Does Not Exist or Missing PermissionsFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Unsupported post request. Object with ID does not exist, cannot be loaded due to missing permissions, or does not support this operation' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: Session Has Expired, Access Token Validation FailedFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Error validating access token: Session has expired' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection. Step-by-step guide to fix expired session issues.2 min read - How To Unban Your WhatsApp Account Within 24hLearn how to appeal a WhatsApp ban and get your account restored. This guide covers temporary vs permanent bans, the official appeal process, email templates, and tips to avoid future bans.7 min read - WhatsApp Error #3: Application Does Not Have API Granular PermissionFix the WhatsApp Business API error '(#3) Application does not have the API granular permission to make this call' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection and granting required permissions.2 min read - WhatsApp Error #200: You Do Not Have Permission to Send MessagesFix the WhatsApp Business API error '(#200) You do not have the necessary permissions required to send messages on behalf of this WhatsApp Business Account' with solutions for both Coexistence and Non-Coexistence flows.2 min read - Unable to Remove WhatsApp Business App from Meta Business PortfolioCannot remove WhatsApp Business app from your Meta Business Portfolio? Learn how to fix this by adjusting your 2FA settings in Meta Business Suite before attempting removal.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: You Cannot Access the App Till You Log In to FacebookFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'You cannot access the app till you log in to www.facebook.com and follow the instructions given' by completing the Facebook verification process.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: Unable to Update Contact, Email Already TakenFix the WhatsApp CRM error 'Unable to update contact. Please try again later' caused by duplicate email addresses in your contact database.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: Template Name Not Found (Error 132001)Fix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Template name does not exist in the translation' (error 132001) by checking the template name, the language code and the template's approval status.3 min read - WhatsApp Error: Need to Add Payment Method for Broadcast CampaignsFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Need to add payment method first in order to use the WhatsApp campaign broadcast feature' by configuring payment settings in Meta Business Portfolio.2 min read - WhatsApp Error 131042: Business Eligibility Payment Issue, 72 Hour BlockFix WhatsApp Business API error 131042 (business eligibility payment issue) by waiting 72 hours and avoiding retry attempts. Learn why this block happens and how to prevent it.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: Phone Number Not Eligible to Connect to Business PlatformFix the WhatsApp error 'Your phone number is not eligible to connect to the WhatsApp Business Platform' by increasing app activity and recreating your account before onboarding.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: Phone Number Already Registered with INBOX ProductFix the WhatsApp error 'This phone number is already registered with the INBOX product' by disconnecting the existing partner before onboarding with a new platform.2 min read - WhatsApp Disconnection: Messages Are Now End-to-End Encrypted WarningFix WhatsApp Business API disconnection identified by the yellow 'Messages and calls are now end-to-end encrypted' text. Learn how to re-onboard your number and restore connection.2 min read - WhatsApp Error: This Account Can No Longer Use WhatsApp, Appeal GuideFix the WhatsApp ban message 'This account can no longer use WhatsApp' by submitting a review request through Meta Direct Support. Step-by-step appeal process for banned accounts.2 min read 03 ## Guides Longer reads on the 24-hour rule, messaging limits, template approval and API errors. - WhatsApp 24-hour rule: how the window works and what it costsWhatsApp's 24 hour customer service window decides when a business can send free-form replies. What opens and resets it, what it costs since October 1 2026, and how to reach a customer once it closes. - WhatsApp Business API messaging limits explained (2026)WhatsApp messaging limits cap how many unique people a business portfolio can reach outside the 24 hour window in a moving 24 hours. The levels from 250 to unlimited, how to move up, and what to do when you hit the cap. - WhatsApp Template Rejected? Here's How to Fix ItThe process of getting WhatsApp Business Template approval can sometimes be challenging. Understanding common issues and their solutions is crucial for streamlining communication efforts with customers on the WhatsApp Business API. - WhatsApp Business API Errors: Complete Fix GuideA troubleshooting index for WhatsApp Business API errors: what each common error code means, whether to retry, and a guide for each one, for businesses on a provider and for developers. 04 ## Building on the API, not just reading about it What you can put in front of a WhatsApp number once it is connected. - WhatsApp AgentA WhatsApp helpdesk with an AI agent inside, which answers, books and hands off in the same thread. 05 ## Frequently asked questions Short answers to the questions that bring most readers to these docs. WhatsApp Business API is Meta's official interface for medium and large businesses to communicate with customers at scale. Unlike the regular WhatsApp Business app, the API allows integration with CRM systems, automated messaging, chatbots, and supports unlimited agents on a single number. Meta charges per template message delivered, priced by the recipient's country and the template's category. Meta publishes a rate card per billing currency, and an account is billed on the card for its own currency. On Meta's US dollar card effective July 1, 2026, a number in the United States or Canada is US$0.0250 for marketing and US$0.0034 for utility and authentication, and a Singapore number is US$0.0732 and US$0.0160. From October 1, 2026 Meta also charges for service messages, the replies you send inside a customer's 24-hour window. Each business number gets 1,000 free service messages a month, and Meta charges the market's utility rate beyond that. Rates differ by country and by message category. Error 131026 occurs when you try to send a message outside the 24-hour customer service window without using an approved message template. To fix it, either use a pre-approved template message or wait for the customer to message you first to reopen the 24-hour window. WhatsApp Business API messaging limits are set per business portfolio and count unique customers you message outside the 24-hour window in a rolling 24 hours. The tiers are 250, 2,000, 10,000, 100,000 and Unlimited. A new portfolio starts at 250 and reaches 2,000 through business verification or enough high-quality sends, then moves up a tier when it uses at least half its limit in seven days with a good quality rating. Message templates are created in Meta Business Manager under WhatsApp Manager > Message Templates. Templates must be approved by Meta before use, and Meta's template documentation says review can take up to 24 hours. They can include text, headers, buttons, and variables for personalization. The 24-hour rule means you can only send free-form messages within 24 hours of a customer's last message. After 24 hours, you must use pre-approved message templates which require Meta approval. This protects users from spam and is strictly enforced. ## Start your free trial Talk to Volty · Start your free trial Sign up for our 7-day trial. No credit card needed. Not convinced? Hear more from our CEO and Volty The Leonard and Volty Show · October 8, 2026 Meta now charges for WhatsApp replies The Leonard and Volty Show · October 1, 2026 Too busy to hire? The Leonard and Volty Show · September 21, 2026 From $500 chatbot jobs to agentic AI The Leonard and Volty Show · September 10, 2026 Your AI is a new employee The Leonard and Volty Show · September 4, 2026 Trust in the AI world The Leonard and Volty Show · August 29, 2026 Does the AI model matter? The Leonard and Volty Show · August 19, 2026 What are AI agents? Meta now charges for WhatsApp replies. Here's what it means for your business, October 8, 2026 ## Links - [What is WhatsApp Business API? The Complete Guide for 2026WhatsApp Business API is a programmable interface that allows medium to large businesses to broadcast messages to unlimited users, automate customer support with chatbots, and integrate with CRM systems. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business App, the API enables enterprise-scale customer communication.9 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/what-is-whatsapp-business-api) - [WhatsApp Business API pricing: 2026 rates by countryMeta charges per delivered WhatsApp message, by category and the recipient's country. Every market's rates, the October 2026 changes, worked examples and a calculator.21 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-business-api-pricing) - [How to Fix Meta Error 459 (Account Checkpoint)Error 459 from Meta indicates that your Facebook account has been checkpointed, meaning it is temporarily suspended for security reasons. This comprehensive guide shows you how to resolve this issue, including common scenarios like after paying for Meta verification.3 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/meta-error-459-checkpoint) - [WhatsApp Coexistence Limitations: What You Need to KnowUsing WhatsApp Business App and Volty together on the same number? Understand the key limitations of WhatsApp Coexistence mode, including the critical 14-day disconnection rule if you don't open the WhatsApp Business App regularly.4 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-coexistence-limitations) - [WhatsApp Account Blocked? How to Restore Access to Your Blocked AccountLearn how to restore access to your blocked WhatsApp account. This comprehensive guide covers temporary vs permanent blocks, 8 common reasons for account blocking, step-by-step recovery instructions, and proactive measures to prevent future blocks.12 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-account-blocked-restore-access) - [WhatsApp Error 131026: Message Undeliverable - Complete Troubleshooting GuideFix WhatsApp Error 131026 with this comprehensive troubleshooting guide. Learn all 10 causes of message delivery failures including recipient issues, template problems, and India-specific restrictions. Includes step-by-step debug checklist and prevention best practices.7 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-131026-message-undeliverable) - [WhatsApp Error Code 131060: Companion Device Message Visibility IssueLearn how to resolve WhatsApp error code 131060, which occurs when messages are sent from companion devices in Coexistence mode. Understand why this happens, where the message went and what your team should do.4 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-131060-companion-device) - [WhatsApp Error: Object With ID Does Not Exist or Missing PermissionsFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Unsupported post request. Object with ID does not exist, cannot be loaded due to missing permissions, or does not support this operation' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-object-does-not-exist) - [WhatsApp Error: Session Has Expired, Access Token Validation FailedFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Error validating access token: Session has expired' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection. Step-by-step guide to fix expired session issues.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-session-expired) - [How To Unban Your WhatsApp Account Within 24hLearn how to appeal a WhatsApp ban and get your account restored. This guide covers temporary vs permanent bans, the official appeal process, email templates, and tips to avoid future bans.7 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/how-to-unban-whatsapp-account) - [WhatsApp Error #3: Application Does Not Have API Granular PermissionFix the WhatsApp Business API error '(#3) Application does not have the API granular permission to make this call' by reauthorizing your Facebook connection and granting required permissions.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-api-granular-permission) - [WhatsApp Error #200: You Do Not Have Permission to Send MessagesFix the WhatsApp Business API error '(#200) You do not have the necessary permissions required to send messages on behalf of this WhatsApp Business Account' with solutions for both Coexistence and Non-Coexistence flows.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-200-no-permission-send-messages) - [Unable to Remove WhatsApp Business App from Meta Business PortfolioCannot remove WhatsApp Business app from your Meta Business Portfolio? Learn how to fix this by adjusting your 2FA settings in Meta Business Suite before attempting removal.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-unable-remove-from-meta-portfolio) - [WhatsApp Error: You Cannot Access the App Till You Log In to FacebookFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'You cannot access the app till you log in to www.facebook.com and follow the instructions given' by completing the Facebook verification process.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-facebook-login-verification) - [WhatsApp Error: Unable to Update Contact, Email Already TakenFix the WhatsApp CRM error 'Unable to update contact. Please try again later' caused by duplicate email addresses in your contact database.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-unable-update-contact-email) - [WhatsApp Error: Template Name Not Found (Error 132001)Fix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Template name does not exist in the translation' (error 132001) by checking the template name, the language code and the template's approval status.3 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-template-name-not-found) - [WhatsApp Error: Need to Add Payment Method for Broadcast CampaignsFix the WhatsApp Business API error 'Need to add payment method first in order to use the WhatsApp campaign broadcast feature' by configuring payment settings in Meta Business Portfolio.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-add-payment-method) - [WhatsApp Error 131042: Business Eligibility Payment Issue, 72 Hour BlockFix WhatsApp Business API error 131042 (business eligibility payment issue) by waiting 72 hours and avoiding retry attempts. Learn why this block happens and how to prevent it.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-131042-payment-issue) - [WhatsApp Error: Phone Number Not Eligible to Connect to Business PlatformFix the WhatsApp error 'Your phone number is not eligible to connect to the WhatsApp Business Platform' by increasing app activity and recreating your account before onboarding.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-phone-number-not-eligible) - [WhatsApp Error: Phone Number Already Registered with INBOX ProductFix the WhatsApp error 'This phone number is already registered with the INBOX product' by disconnecting the existing partner before onboarding with a new platform.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-already-registered-inbox) - [WhatsApp Disconnection: Messages Are Now End-to-End Encrypted WarningFix WhatsApp Business API disconnection identified by the yellow 'Messages and calls are now end-to-end encrypted' text. Learn how to re-onboard your number and restore connection.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-disconnected-end-to-end-encrypted) - [WhatsApp Error: This Account Can No Longer Use WhatsApp, Appeal GuideFix the WhatsApp ban message 'This account can no longer use WhatsApp' by submitting a review request through Meta Direct Support. Step-by-step appeal process for banned accounts.2 min read](https://voltade.com/resources/guides/whatsapp/whatsapp-error-account-can-no-longer-use) - [WhatsApp 24-hour rule: how the window works and what it costsWhatsApp's 24 hour customer service window decides when a business can send free-form replies. What opens and resets it, what it costs since October 1 2026, and how to reach a customer once it closes.](https://voltade.com/blog/navigating-the-whatsapp-24-hour-messaging-rule) - [WhatsApp Business API messaging limits explained (2026)WhatsApp messaging limits cap how many unique people a business portfolio can reach outside the 24 hour window in a moving 24 hours. The levels from 250 to unlimited, how to move up, and what to do when you hit the cap.](https://voltade.com/blog/mastering-whatsapp-business-api-your-guide-to-messaging-limits) - [WhatsApp Template Rejected? Here's How to Fix ItThe process of getting WhatsApp Business Template approval can sometimes be challenging. Understanding common issues and their solutions is crucial for streamlining communication efforts with customers on the WhatsApp Business API.](https://voltade.com/blog/common-whatsapp-business-template-approval-issues-fixes) - [WhatsApp Business API Errors: Complete Fix GuideA troubleshooting index for WhatsApp Business API errors: what each common error code means, whether to retry, and a guide for each one, for businesses on a provider and for developers.](https://voltade.com/blog/common-whatsapp-business-api-errors-fixes) - [WhatsApp AgentA WhatsApp helpdesk with an AI agent inside, which answers, books and hands off in the same thread.](https://voltade.com/product/whatsapp-agent)