WhatsApp bulk sender vs the official API.
WhatsApp says bulk messaging from its app can get your number banned. Otobiz runs on Meta's official API.
Checked . Written by Otobiz from WhatsApp's terms and help center and Meta's documentation.
Why WhatsApp bans a number
WhatsApp's help center names these causes.
- Bulk or automated messages
- WhatsApp detects and bans accounts that send unwanted bulk or automated messages.
- Unofficial apps
- Using or linking a modified or unofficial WhatsApp can mean a temporary or permanent ban.
- Messages nobody asked for
- Message only people who contacted you or asked to hear from you. Accounts reported many times are banned.
- Contact lists that are not yours
- Do not message numbers shared without consent or taken from illicit sources.
Why move to the official API
- Your number is not staked on a tool WhatsApp prohibits.
- Approved templates reach customers after the 24-hour window closes.
- Your number can earn Meta's blue checkmark.
- Keep the WhatsApp Business app, or move a number with its name, rating and templates.
- Opt-in is checked and opt-outs are honored before every campaign.
Official API or unofficial tool
From WhatsApp's terms and help center, and Meta's documentation.
| Compared on | Official API with Otobiz | Bulk senders and unofficial tools |
|---|---|---|
| Ban risk | Official API with OtobizMeta's Cloud API; Otobiz sends marketing only to opted-in contacts and drops opt-outs. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsWhatsApp bans accounts sending unwanted bulk or automated messages; unofficial apps can get numbers banned. |
| Meta approval | Official API with OtobizYour own WhatsApp Business account through Meta; business verification can raise limits to 2,000 daily. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsNone. WhatsApp's terms prohibit bulk and automated messaging it has not authorized. |
| Message templates | Official API with OtobizMeta reviews each template; Otobiz shows its status, rejection reason and quality. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsNone. Templates are sent only through Meta's platform. |
| Broadcast limits | Official API with Otobiz250 customers a day at first, rising to unlimited while quality stays high. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsBroadcast lists reach only people who saved your number; often-reported accounts are banned. |
| Blue checkmark | Official API with OtobizEligible after 30 days, with business verification and an approved display name. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsNot available for WhatsApp Business app numbers. |
| Team inbox | Official API with OtobizYour whole team on one number; the WhatsApp Business app can stay on the phone. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsLinking to an unofficial app breaks WhatsApp's terms and can restrict linked devices. |
| AI replies | Official API with OtobizAllowed in the 24-hour window with a person reachable; on every Otobiz plan with WhatsApp. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsAuto-messaging from a WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app account breaks WhatsApp's terms. |
| Cost | Official API with OtobizMeta bills templates by category and country; Otobiz with WhatsApp starts at US$39 a month. | Bulk senders and unofficial toolsThe tool's fee, and only WhatsApp can lift a ban on your number. |
Show all rows
Bans, limits and cost
Can a third-party service unban my WhatsApp number?
No. Only WhatsApp can lift a ban: request a review in the WhatsApp Business app, and if that option is missing, the ban is final.
How many customers can I message with the official WhatsApp Business API?
Meta starts you at 250 unique customers a day outside their 24-hour window. It raises the limit automatically, up to unlimited, while your quality stays high.
Is the official WhatsApp Business API more expensive than a bulk sender?
Otobiz runs WhatsApp on Pro from US$39 a month with unlimited messages, and Meta bills its fees to your own account. A bulk sender charges its own fee, and WhatsApp can ban the number it uses.
Every rule comes from WhatsApp's terms and help center or Meta's documentation, read on .
Move broadcasts to the official API
On your own number, on Meta's official platform.