Getting Started
Limitations of WhatsApp Business API (WABA) — What You Can & Can't Do
There are some Limitations to using the Whatsapp Business API, helpful to know before you apply for registration. ### Pre-Onboarding: - If onboarded with a WhatsApp Business API solution provider (
Updated Nov 21, 2025
Also searched as: WABA limitation, WhatsApp API limit, what can't WhatsApp Business API do, WABA restriction, WhatsApp API rules
There are some Limitations to using the Whatsapp Business API, helpful to know before you apply for registration.
Pre-Onboarding:
- If onboarded with a WhatsApp Business API solution provider (like ChatDaddy), the previous chats cannot be seen
- If onboarded with a WhatsApp Business API solution provider (like ChatDaddy), the number cannot be used on any other WhatsApp apps - including the WhatsApp & WhatsApp Business mobile app.
Post Onboarding:
- A WABA can have a maximum of 250 message templates.
- Meta Business Accounts are initially limited to 2 registered business phone numbers, but this limit can be increased to up to 20.
- A WABA must belong to only one Business Manager. You cannot have two or more Business Managers owning one WABA.
- Businesses can send messages by manually typing to customers only after a customer initiates a message. These messages are called session messages and can be sent by businesses to customers within 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, the session expires and businesses can only send 'template messages' to their users. Template messages must be pre-approved by WhatsApp and can be done from the ChatDaddy dashboard
- All template messages must adhere to WhatsApp Commerce Policies.
- The WhatsApp Group Feature is not supported
- WhatsApp profile pictures cannot be seen if using WABA
- WhatsApp Voice or Video Calls are not supported. Voice notes are supported.
- The WhatsApp Message Forwarding Feature is not supported
- WhatsApp apps cannot be used with the same number if using WhatsApp Business APIs
- WhatsApp Messages cannot be replied to in a thread
- Message template button can only include one URL button/ Phone number. Duplicated URL and Phone Number in one messages templates is limited.
- WhatsApp Business APIs do not display link previews for ads when a new message is received from the ads.
- WhatsApp Business APIs doesn’t support deleting of a message.
Feedback
Was this article helpful?