What is the WhatsApp Business app?
The WhatsApp Business app is the free WhatsApp app for small businesses, which works like normal WhatsApp on your phone with extras such as a business profile, quick replies and away messages.
In plain words
For most small businesses, this is where WhatsApp starts. You install it on a phone, register your business number, and set up a profile with your address, hours and a short description. Customers message you as they would message a friend.
The app adds a few tools for busy owners. Quick replies save the answers you type most often. Greeting and away messages send a set reply when someone first writes or when you are closed. You can also link the app to a computer and reply from a bigger screen.
What the app cannot do on its own is understand a question and answer it while you are busy. Every real answer still needs a person to read and type, or to tap a saved reply.
The app is different from the WhatsApp Business Platform, which is a service for software and larger senders, with its own rules and fees.
How it works in Spaces
Spaces connects the WhatsApp number you already use by scanning a QR code, the same way you would link WhatsApp to a computer. It does not go through the WhatsApp Business Platform, so there are no templates or approvals.
WhatsApp's Terms prohibit bulk messaging and auto-messaging unless WhatsApp has authorised it, and Spaces is not affiliated with Meta or WhatsApp. Spaces lowers the risk with pacing of 15 seconds between messages, at most 200 messages and 10 new chats a day, and a warm-up for new numbers.
Related terms
- WhatsApp Business Platform: The WhatsApp Business Platform is Meta's service for software to send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale, with approved templates, a 24-hour reply window and per-message fees.
- QR code linking: QR code linking is connecting a WhatsApp account to another device or service by scanning a code on screen with the phone that holds the number.
- Linked device: A linked device is a computer, browser or service connected to your WhatsApp account from your phone, which can read and send messages from your number.
- 24-hour window: The 24-hour window is the period after a customer's last message in which a business on the WhatsApp Business Platform can send free-form replies; after it closes, only approved templates can be sent until the customer writes again.
FAQ
Is the WhatsApp Business app free?
Yes, WhatsApp offers the app free to download and use.
Can I keep using the app after connecting Spaces?
Yes. You and your team keep replying from the app as usual.
Do I need the Business Platform to use an AI agent?
Not to connect one. Spaces links your existing number by QR code. Read WhatsApp's rules on automation before you start.
Does the app have automatic replies?
It has greeting and away messages and quick replies. They are set messages, not answers to the actual question.
Can WhatsApp restrict my number?
Yes. WhatsApp decides what happens to accounts on its service. Spaces lowers the risk but cannot remove it.
Useful next: WhatsApp limits, WhatsApp API, Will WhatsApp ban my number?. Every term: the glossary.