Zapstro connects to WhatsApp in two ways: the official WhatsApp Cloud API (recommended) or a QR code that links a regular WhatsApp app. Choose based on how critical WhatsApp is for your business.
The differences at a glance
| Official Cloud API | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| Provided by Meta | Yes. Zapstro is an official Meta Tech Provider | No. Not provided or endorsed by Meta |
| Number and account | In your company's name, under Meta's terms | A regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app |
| Approved templates and large broadcasts | Yes | No official templates |
| Starting conversations after 24 hours | With an approved template | No template needed, but higher risk |
| Stability | Business-grade | Can stop working at any time |
| Cost | Meta's per-message fees, paid directly to Meta | No Meta fees |
Option A: official Cloud API (recommended)
What you need from Meta
- A Meta business portfolio (Business Manager) for your company.
- A phone number you control that can receive a verification code by SMS or call. If the number is already used in a WhatsApp app, Meta's signup tells you whether and how it can be moved.
- A payment method in your Meta account for Meta's message fees.
- Meta may ask you to verify your business before raising your messaging limits.
Steps
- Open Settings › Connections and add a new WhatsApp connection using the official API.
- Log in with Facebook and follow Meta's signup window: choose or create your business portfolio, your WhatsApp Business account and your phone number, then confirm the verification code.
- Back in Zapstro, check that the connection shows as connected and choose the sector and entry stage where new conversations should land.
- Send a message from another phone to test it.
Meta's fees, with zero markup Meta charges per message, depending on the recipient's country and the category: marketing, utility or authentication. Customer-service replies within 24 hours of the customer's last message are free. Meta bills you directly with your own card, at Meta's price. Zapstro never adds a markup; your subscription only pays for the software. For current rates, see Meta's official WhatsApp Business pricing page.
The WhatsApp Business account and the number stay in your company's name. You can leave Zapstro at any time and keep your number.
Option B: QR code
- Open Settings › Connections and add a WhatsApp connection by QR code.
- On the phone with that WhatsApp, open Linked devices › Link a device and scan the code shown on screen.
- Keep that phone and its WhatsApp active. WhatsApp can log out linked devices if the phone stays offline for a long time.
How many numbers can I connect?
Starter: 1 WhatsApp. Growth: up to 3. Business: up to 8 WhatsApp numbers and 15 connections in total. Many teams start with QR and move to the official API as they grow.