Free trial and getting started

Updated June 2026 5 min read

You don't need a big budget or a developer to try this. Here's exactly what you need, what it costs to start (nothing), and how the first 30 minutes go.

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Quick facts

Starter plan
Free
Trial
15 days of Pro features
Setup fee
₹0
Time to go live
~30 minutes
Coding needed
None

You can start the WhatsApp Business API free with ChatMitra's Starter plan — no monthly fee, just ₹0.20 per conversation — plus a 15-day trial of Pro features. To go live you need a phone number not on regular WhatsApp, a business with a website, and about 30 minutes. No setup fee, no code.

In simple language: Getting started is mostly connecting your number to Meta through ChatMitra — the platform walks you through it step by step.

Who should read this?

  • First-timers who want to try before committing
  • Small businesses on a tight budget
  • Anyone unsure what they need to sign up

The best way to understand WhatsApp for business is to try it. And trying it costs nothing to begin. Here’s how starting actually works.

What the free plan gives you

ChatMitra’s Starter plan is free — no monthly subscription. You only pay ₹0.20 per conversation (plus Meta’s charge). It includes the core tools most small businesses need: a team inbox, auto-replies, welcome messages, saved replies, tags, and API access.

On top of that, you get a 15-day trial of Pro features — so you can test automation like the AI chatbot and broadcasting before deciding to upgrade.

Example: a coaching institute in Indore signs up free, uses the trial to test an AI chatbot that answers course questions, and decides whether Pro is worth it — all before paying a rupee.

What you need before you start

Three simple things:

  1. A phone number that is not currently active on the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app (or one you’re willing to migrate). It must be able to receive an SMS or call to verify.
  2. Basic business details — your business name and address.
  3. A live website — Meta usually wants to see one to confirm you’re a real business.

The first 30 minutes

Sign up on ChatMitra  →  Connect your number to Meta
        →  Verify by SMS/call  →  Set your display name
        →  You're live: send your first message
  1. Create your ChatMitra account (free).
  2. Connect your number through the guided embedded signup — ChatMitra walks you through Meta’s steps.
  3. Verify your number by SMS or call.
  4. Set your business profile — name, logo, description.
  5. Send a test message to yourself and you’re live.

No code, no waiting weeks. When you’re ready for the deeper how-to, see the onboarding guide.

Keep reading

Related questions people ask

Is there a free WhatsApp Business API plan?

Yes. ChatMitra's Starter plan has no monthly fee — you only pay ₹0.20 per conversation plus Meta's charge. There's also a 15-day trial of Pro features.

How long does it take to get started?

About 30 minutes for most businesses, assuming your number and business details are ready. No coding is required.

Do I need a developer to set it up?

No. ChatMitra gives you a guided, no-code signup and dashboard. A developer is only needed if you want custom API integrations later.

Key takeaways

  • Starter is free; you pay only per conversation.
  • A 15-day trial lets you test Pro automation features.
  • You need a clean phone number, business details and a website.
  • Most businesses go live in about 30 minutes, no code.
Published: June 2026 Last reviewed: June 2026 Reviewed by: ChatMitra WhatsApp API Team

Sources: ChatMitra signup, ChatMitra pricing

Put WhatsApp to work for your business

Start free on the Starter plan — pay just ₹0.20 per conversation, no subscription. Upgrade to Pro (₹999/month) when you need automation, or Enterprise for zero platform fees at scale.