WhatsApp Business app or the official platform?
If one person answers a handful of customers, the WhatsApp Business app is enough. If you have a team, daily orders, or want automatic replies and campaigns, the official platform is the way, and you keep the same number.
| WhatsApp Business app alone | The official platform through A3malak | |
|---|---|---|
| Your current number | Yes | Yes, and you can keep using the app alongside it |
| Shared inbox with an owner per chat | Linked devices (up to 4), no chat assignment (Meta) | Yes, with a warning before two people reply |
| Orders and mada payment links in the chat | A catalog cart the customer sends; payment is arranged afterwards (Meta) | Yes |
| AI assistant replying in Arabic from your store data | Quick replies and ready greeting and away messages | Yes, optional |
| Campaigns with Meta-approved templates, marketing ones to opted-in customers only | Broadcast lists of up to 256 contacts who saved your number (Meta) | Yes, with the estimated cost before sending |
| Meta fees | The app is free | On delivered template messages only (Meta pricing) |
When to move
- More than one person answers customers.
- Messages get lost or wait for hours.
- You want orders and payments tracked in one place.
Common questions
Do I lose my number if I move to the platform?
Not in most cases. You connect your current number and can keep using the WhatsApp Business app on your phone if you choose; in that mode your contacts and chat history (up to 6 months) are imported once you approve sharing in the app.
Try the official platform with your current number, free for 7 days
Try it free for 7 days