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WhatsApp Cloud API Activation Guide

Status: Beta

The WhatsApp Cloud channel is in beta.

This guide covers what you need before connecting WhatsApp Cloud — Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform — to Shrinkit, and what it costs.

Requirements

  • A Meta (Facebook) account that can create or manage a Meta business portfolio.
  • A phone number that can receive an SMS or voice call for verification. A number already in use on the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app must first be removed from that app (or migrated) before Meta will register it on the Cloud API.
  • A display name that follows Meta's display-name guidelines and matches your brand. Meta reviews the name.
  • Business verification in Meta Business Manager is optional to start, but Meta requires it to raise your messaging limits.

Connecting

  1. In Shrinkit open Messaging Channels → Add Channel → WhatsApp Cloud API.
  2. Click Connect with Facebook. Meta's Embedded Signup window opens.
  3. Sign in, choose or create your business portfolio and WhatsApp Business account, then add and verify your phone number.
  4. Confirm the display name. When the window closes, the channel appears as connected.

Templates and the 24-hour window

When a customer messages you, you can reply freely for 24 hours. Outside that window — including every COD confirmation and cart-recovery message you start — WhatsApp only allows message templates approved by Meta. Create templates under Templates; approval usually takes minutes to a day.

Costs

  • No Shrinkit setup fee or markup. Meta bills WhatsApp messaging directly to the payment method on your WhatsApp Business account.
  • Meta's charges depend on the message category (marketing, utility, authentication, service) and your customers' country. See Meta's pricing page.
  • Message only customers who agreed to hear from you on WhatsApp, and honour opt-outs.
  • Meta rates your number's quality from customer blocks and reports. A low rating can reduce your messaging limit or pause the number — watch it in Meta Business Manager.

Prefer not to use the Cloud API?

Shrinkit also offers the WhatsApp (QR-paired) channel, which links a normal WhatsApp number by QR code with no Meta approval — but without templates or the COD confirmation flows, and it is not Meta's official API. See Messaging Channels.

Install Shrinkit on your store

Shrinkit works with Salla, Zid and Shopify. Install the app on your store and your orders, carts, products and customers appear in the dashboard automatically — no coding, no data import.

🛒 Install on Salla 🛒 Install on Zid 🛒 Install on Shopify

Not on any of those platforms yet? Talk to us on WhatsApp.