Answers
Direct answers on the WhatsApp API
The questions we get most, each with a two-sentence answer and the details right below. It includes what ZapZap does not do and the risks of an unofficial API.
Updated on 2026-11-10
What is the best unofficial WhatsApp API?
There is no single best one: it depends on whether you want to self-host or pay for a managed service. ZapZap API is a managed service at R$15 (Brazilian reais) per active number per month, with no per-message fee.
If you want full control and zero software cost, Evolution API, WAHA or Baileys mean running your own infrastructure. If you want to start in minutes without a server, pick a managed service such as ZapZap, Whapi.Cloud, Z-API or WaAPI. Compare price per number, who maintains the infrastructure, support, warm-up and ban policy. With any unofficial API the number can be banned and the protocol can change without notice.
What is an alternative to Evolution API that I do not have to host?
A managed service with an equivalent REST API, such as ZapZap API, which runs the infrastructure for you at R$15 per active number per month. Evolution API is open-source software you install and maintain on your own server.
Switching makes sense when the cost of the server, protocol updates and on-call time outweighs the monthly fee. If you have an infrastructure team and want control of the code, staying on Evolution API is a legitimate choice.
How do I send a WhatsApp message through an API?
Connect a number by QR code, get the API key and secret, then POST to /api/v1/{instanceId}/send/text with number (with country code) and text. The response is synchronous and returns the status and the message id.
Authentication uses the x-api-key and x-api-secret headers. Official SDKs exist for Node.js, Python and PHP. Never keep the secret in the frontend.
How do I use a WhatsApp API with n8n?
Use the community node n8n-nodes-zapzap or an HTTP Request node pointing at the API, and receive messages through a webhook. It also works with Make, Zapier and any tool that speaks HTTP.
The n8n node sends text, media, buttons, lists and polls and triggers workflows from incoming events. There are 12 ready-to-import JSON workflow templates and a step-by-step tutorial.
Should I use the official Meta API or an unofficial one?
Use the official one when you need a verified badge, approved volume or formal compliance; use an unofficial one when you need to start fast, without business verification or templates, at a predictable cost. Both are valid for different situations.
The official API charges per message, requires business verification and approved templates outside the 24-hour window. An unofficial API links your own number by QR code, charges per number, and carries ban risk and protocol-change risk. For large operations that require the badge, the official route is the right one.
Can my number be banned when I use an unofficial API?
Yes, it can. No unofficial API removes the risk; what lowers it is warming up the number, sending at a human pace, messaging only people who agreed to receive, and honoring opt-outs.
ZapZap offers community warm-up, typing proportional to text length, per-instance delays and an anti-burst queue, and does not promise zero bans. Use a number you can afford to lose, never the company's only line without a backup, and avoid cold lists.
How much does ZapZap API cost?
R$15 (Brazilian reais) per active number per month, prepaid, with no per-message fee and no lock-in. In the first month of each number there is a provisioning fee plus the prorated days left in the month.
A welcome credit may apply when you create the account, depending on the current campaign (the amount is shown at sign-up). The price of an official API varies with volume and message category, so the comparison depends on your case.
What is an alternative to Z-API?
ZapZap API is a managed alternative with a flat R$15 per active number per month. Whapi.Cloud, WaAPI and Green API are also managed alternatives; the best one depends on price per number, support and features.
Check each provider's current price on its official page before deciding.
Is there a WhatsApp MCP server for Claude, Cursor and AI agents?
Yes. ZapZap maintains an open-source MCP server (zapzap-mcp, 25 tools) to send messages and manage instances from Claude, Cursor and other agents.
The code is on GitHub and there are tutorials for n8n, LangChain and CrewAI. For actions that message real people, keep a human approval step and respect consent rules.
How do I receive WhatsApp messages through a webhook?
Set the instance's webhook_url with a PUT to /api/v1/instances/{id}. From then on every incoming message, delivery status and event arrives as a POST to your HTTPS URL.
Answer 200 fast, handle duplicates with idempotency and validate the signature.
What are the API limits?
Sending is synchronous and fits serverless functions with a 60-second timeout, and there is a global per-IP request limit. Fields and error codes for each endpoint are in the OpenAPI reference.
We do not publish a daily message quota because the safe limit depends on the age and history of the number; the recommended pace is in the warm-up guide. The 153 endpoints are documented one per page, with OpenAPI and a Postman collection in pt, en and es.
Who is behind ZapZap API?
ZapZap API is operated by GM Solutions Hub LTDA, a Brazilian company based in Imbituba (SC), tax ID (CNPJ) 43.380.582/0001-91, with support in Portuguese.
Contact by WhatsApp (+55 11 95660-4165) and email suporte@zapzapapi.com. Open source on GitHub: github.com/zapzapapi. Service status at status.zapzapapi.com.
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Create your account, connect a number in minutes and test the API with warm-up and anti-ban. R$15 per active number/month, prepaid, no lock-in.