WhatsApp in n8n without Meta approval
n8n's built-in WhatsApp node uses the official Cloud API, which needs a Meta Business account, app setup and pre-approved templates for messages outside a 24-hour window. Flow API links your existing WhatsApp number instead.
The difference in one line
With Flow API your number works like WhatsApp Web: you scan a QR code and can send free-form messages from your workflows, with no templates and no per-message fees from Meta.
Set it up
- 1Create a Flow API number and scan the QR code.
- 2In n8n install the community node n8n-nodes-flowapi, or use the HTTP Request node.
- 3Add a Flow API Trigger to start workflows on incoming messages.
- 4Add a Flow API node to send replies.
When the official API is the better choice
Large marketing broadcasts to people who never messaged you, and companies that need an official verified business badge, should use Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform.
Questions
Is this allowed?
Flow API is not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp can restrict numbers that send spam, so only message people who expect to hear from you.
7 days free, no credit card. Then $10 per number per month.