UNDERSTAND YOUR INTEGRATION MODEL

WhatsApp Web API vs Meta's official WhatsApp Cloud API

Both approaches can connect business systems to WhatsApp, but they have different authorization, onboarding, account dependencies and operational risks. RelayWA is a QR-linked WhatsApp Web integration. It does not provide Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform API.

QR-linked WhatsApp Web sessions

An authorized account owner links an existing WhatsApp number with the Linked devices QR workflow. RelayWA then exposes a session-based REST interface and related webhooks. The connection can require re-pairing and is dependent on changes to the underlying WhatsApp Web service.

Because this is unofficial, it may be affected by WhatsApp restrictions, connection changes and service interruptions. No vendor can truthfully guarantee ban immunity or unrestricted automated sending.

Read RelayWA QR onboarding →

Official Meta WhatsApp Cloud API

Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform uses official business assets, account and phone number setup and API authentication through the platform. The official API has its own published pricing, messaging rules, limits and approval or verification requirements where applicable.

Use the official platform if formal Meta authorization or an official partner integration is a requirement for your organization. A QR-linked product should not be represented as equivalent approval.

Meta official API collections ↗

What should you compare before choosing?

Connection and credentials

Do you need QR pairing tied to a Linked devices session, or official business platform credentials and managed phone number setup?

Account policy and consent

Which usage rules govern your business? Either way, obtain appropriate customer consent and respect opt-outs. For unofficial applications, account restriction and authorization risks deserve special scrutiny.

Reliability expectations

What happens when a session disconnects or service behavior changes? Design reconnection and operational monitoring without treating a successful send request as guaranteed recipient delivery.

Cost and team ownership

Compare live subscription/session allowances against Meta's official pricing structure, plus integration time, support needs and your own maintenance responsibilities.

Common questions about the two API approaches

Does RelayWA use Meta Cloud API?

No. RelayWA connects WhatsApp accounts using unofficial QR-linked WhatsApp Web sessions and its own REST gateway.

Does a QR connection remove WhatsApp restrictions?

No. Account policies and enforcement still matter. Unofficial tools can face restrictions or account interruption; there is no guaranteed safe sending volume.

Which approach is best for regulated business messaging?

If your organization requires formally authorized Meta integrations, assess the official WhatsApp Business Platform first. Review requirements with the service provider and your compliance team.

Sources and further reading: Meta WhatsApp Business Platform documentation · WhatsApp Business App terms · WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy. Product capabilities and platform terms may change; consult the live source before deciding.

Compare RelayWA subscription plans · Webhook integrations · Technical documentation