If you are wondering about how to send messages on WhatsApp using code, in this blog we break down four different methods to help you achieve just that. Each approach comes with its own advantages and limitations, all clearly outlined to help you choose the one that best fits your needs. Let’s get started!
1. Using Python Libraries
This is the most straightforward method to send WhatsApp messages by writing a code snippet. The pywhatkit module allows you to send WhatsApp messages at a specific time. To proceed with this method firstly ensure that you have Google Chrome installed on your laptop and are logged in to WhatsApp Web. Follow these steps:
Run the following command in your terminal:
pip install pywhatkitDownload the ChromeDriver for your Chrome version from chromedriver.chromium.org.
Extract the file and copy the path of the chromedriver.exe file. (e.g., C:/Users/…/chromedriver.exe).
Use pywhatkit.add_driver_path(path) to set the driver path.
Call pywhatkit.load_QRcode() to generate a QR code.
Scan the QR code using your WhatsApp app.
Here’s the implementation for sending a message to +91987xxxxxxx at 5:20 PM:
import pywhatkit
pywhatkit.sendwhatmsg("+91987xxxxxxx", "Hi! This is XYZ Solution. How can we help you?", 17, 20)Note: Parameters are the recipient's phone number, message, hour (24-hour time notation), and minute.
To send multiple messages to a specific number, you can simply use a loop. If your goal is to send the same message to multiple numbers, start by creating an array (of string type) containing all the numbers. Then, loop through the array to send your message to each contact.
While this approach is free, it comes with risks. WhatsApp may ban or suspend your account for automating messages this way. Additionally, your device needs to stay powered on and logged into WhatsApp Web for the method to work.
There are other libraries too that you can explore for this purpose: youwsoup, WhatsAPIDriver, WhatsAPI.
2. Using Unofficial WhatsApp Business API
Several unofficial WhatsApp Business APIs allow you to enable features like sending and receiving messages via HTTP requests, bulk broadcasting, media-rich messages (images, audio, video, files), notifications through webhooks, and chat usage data export. They are often cheaper and require less verification than official APIs. However, using unofficial APIs violates WhatsApp's terms of service and carries risks like high chances of your account getting banned, security vulnerabilities, and unreliable performance. Examples include Maytapi, SMSGatewayHub, whatsapp-web.js and ChatWA.
3. Using WhatsApp Cloud API
The WhatsApp Cloud API is a cloud-hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API, designed to help businesses and developers create customized customer experiences. The Cloud API eliminates the need and cost for managing your own servers and also provides instant access to functionalities like scheduling messages, bulk broadcast and other advanced features. The major downside however is that it lacks a built-in user interface (front-end environment), requiring you to build it from scratch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up WhatsApp Cloud API
Register at Meta for Developers and create a new app.
Set your app type to “Business” and complete account verification.
Navigate to the Developer Dashboard and open the WhatsApp settings.
Obtain your API key and a sandbox phone number for initial testing.
Set up webhooks to receive real-time updates, such as message delivery statuses and incoming conversations.
Enter your server's callback URL to enable event notifications.
Use the sandbox to send and receive test messages.
Analyze logs to troubleshoot issues and refine configurations.
After successful testing, switch from sandbox mode to production.
Begin using the Cloud API for real-time interactions with your customers.
4. Official BSP APIs [Best Suited for Businesses]
Meta-affiliated Business Solution Providers (BSPs) offer advanced WhatsApp Business APIs with the option to schedule messages which could even be personalized. A few BSPs like Heltar give you access to building and deploying no-code WhatsApp chatbots for automated response. These chatbots can be used for handling FAQs, sending cart abandonment reminders, and streamlining order tracking.
WhatsApp APIs give you the complete automation solution with features like bulk broadcasts, personalized rich media messages (like carousels), team inboxes. They also provide dedicated customer support to assist you with any problem you face.
You can access the official WhatsApp Business API through any Meta-affiliated BSP, such as Heltar. Sign Up for a Free Trial or Book a Demo to explore its capabilities.
For other methods of scheduling messages on WhatsApp check out this blog on Step-by-step Guide to Scheduling Messages on Whatsapp and for more insights on WhatsApp Business API check out our other blogs at heltar.com/blogs.
