WhatsApp Cloud API
Meta's hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API — runs on Meta's infrastructure, eliminates self-hosted servers, and is the default for new accounts since 2022.
Last updated: 2026-05-03
Definition
The WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's fully-hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. It replaces the older On-Premise API (which required businesses or BSPs to run a Docker container locally) by running entirely on Meta's servers, fetched and sent over standard HTTPS endpoints. Cloud API has lower latency for most regions, no infrastructure cost, automatic version upgrades, and is the only API path open for new merchants since Meta deprecated the On-Premise API in 2024. Functionally identical to On-Premise for messaging, with some advantages on flow features and analytics.
How it applies in India
Indian BSPs including WatEase route 100% of new merchants through the Cloud API. The latency from Mumbai to Meta's closest Cloud API edge (Singapore for India routing) is typically 80–150ms, well within the SLAs Indian merchants need for transactional flows.
Frequently asked questions
Should I prefer Cloud API or On-Premise API?
Cloud API. On-Premise is deprecated for new sign-ups and Meta will sunset it for existing customers in 2025–2026. There is no business reason to launch on On-Premise today.
Is Cloud API data hosted in India?
No — Meta routes Cloud API traffic through its global infrastructure. For data-localisation-sensitive verticals (banking, healthcare), check whether your BSP's contract allows you to claim downstream data localisation, since the BSP's servers may be in India even when Cloud API itself is not.
Related terms
- WhatsApp Business APIA programmatic interface from Meta that lets businesses send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale through a third-party platform.
- WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP)A Meta-authorised third-party platform that resells WhatsApp Business API access to merchants, handling onboarding, billing, and support.
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