# Quick start guide (WhatsApp)

## Using the WhatsApp channel via Clickatell

1. Create a WhatsApp Business [account ](/whatsapp-channel/getting-started/create-a-whatsapp-business-account.md)and [profile](/whatsapp-channel/getting-started/add-and-manage-whatsapp-business-profiles.md) (with Clickatell's assistance).
2. [Register template messages](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates.md) (required for 1-way messages and business-initiated conversations outside the 24-hour interaction window).
3. Start sending messages:
   * Via Clickatell's [One API](https://docs.clickatell.com/channels/one-api/one-api-reference/) to send and receive messages directly via WhatsApp.
   * Via Clickatell's [Chat Flow](https://guides.clickatell.com/flow/overview/overview) and [Chat Desk](https://guides.clickatell.com/chat-desk/overview/overview) applications.

{% hint style="info" %}
Although you can start using your WhatsApp API immediately, you are limited to the following: 

* Adding **2** numbers to your account
* Sending business-initiated templated messages to a maximum of **250** unique recipients per day
* Unlimited user-initiated messages

To remove these limitations, [verify your Business Account](/whatsapp-channel/getting-started/get-business-verified.md). 
{% endhint %}


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