Quick Summary

Understanding WhatsApp Business Billing

WhatsApp Business Billing Types

• WhatsApp Business App: Free for basic business features
• WhatsApp Business API: Pay-per-conversation through Meta
• Business Solution Providers: Third-party services with monthly fees
• WhatsApp Cloud API: Direct Meta integration with usage-based pricing

Step-by-Step Cancellation Methods

Method 1: Business Solution Provider

1. Identify your Business Solution Provider (Twilio, MessageBird, etc.)
2. Log into your provider's dashboard
3. Navigate to WhatsApp Business API section
4. Find Billing or Subscription settings
5. Select Cancel subscription or Downgrade plan
6. Confirm cancellation and download usage reports
7. Contact provider support if self-service isn't available

Method 2: Meta Business Support (Direct API)

1. Visit business.facebook.com
2. Log in with your business account
3. Navigate to WhatsApp Manager
4. Go to Account Settings
5. Find API Access or Billing
6. Request account closure or API access removal
7. Contact Meta Business Support for assistance

Method 3: Contact Provider Support

1. Identify your specific service provider
2. Contact their customer support via:
3. • Live chat on their website
4. • Email support ticket
5. • Phone support (if available)
6. Provide account details and cancellation request
7. Request final invoice and usage summary
8. Confirm data export options before closure

Method 4: Remove WhatsApp Business App Features

1. Open WhatsApp Business App
2. Go to Settings → Business settings
3. Remove business profile information
4. Disable catalog and automated messages
5. Switch back to regular WhatsApp (if desired)
6. Uninstall WhatsApp Business App

Important Information

Common Business Solution Providers

• Twilio: API integration, conversation-based pricing
• MessageBird: Communication platform with WhatsApp integration
• Zendesk: Customer service platform with WhatsApp support
• Intercom: Customer messaging with WhatsApp integration
• SendinBlue: Marketing automation with WhatsApp features

What You'll Lose After Cancellation

• WhatsApp Business API access and automation
• Bulk messaging and broadcast capabilities
• Advanced business analytics and insights
• Integration with CRM and business tools
• Automated responses and chatbot functionality
• Multiple agent support and team collaboration
• Advanced message templates and rich media

Free WhatsApp Business App Features

• Business profile: Display business information and hours
• Catalog: Showcase products and services
• Quick replies: Saved responses for common questions
• Away messages: Automated responses when unavailable
• Labels: Organize conversations and contacts
• Business web presence: Link to website and social media

Data and Message History

• Chat history: Preserved in WhatsApp Business App (24 months max)
• Business data: May be retained by solution providers
• API logs: Provider-dependent retention policies
• Analytics: Export reports before cancellation
• Contact information: Remains in your phone/device

Billing and Refund Policies

• Meta API charges: Billed per conversation, no refunds typically
• Provider subscriptions: Varies by provider terms
• Usage-based billing: Final charges for completed conversations
• Monthly plans: May have prorated refunds or no refunds

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Provider confusion: Multiple services may be involved
• Data loss: Export conversations and analytics before cancelling
• Business verification: May lose verified business status
• Number ownership: Ensure you retain phone number access
• Team access: Other team members may lose access

Timeline

• Immediate: API access disabled upon cancellation
• 24-48 hours: Final billing calculations completed
• 30 days: Data retention varies by provider
• WhatsApp App: Continues working with basic features

Alternative Options

• Business messaging: Telegram Business, Slack, Microsoft Teams
• Customer support: Zendesk, Intercom, Freshchat, LiveChat
• SMS marketing: Twilio SMS, Klaviyo, Mailchimp
• Free options: WhatsApp Business App (basic features), Facebook Messenger