> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chatsyncs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What Is the WhatsApp Cloud API with ChatSyncs?

> What the WhatsApp Cloud API is and why ChatSyncs connects through it — Meta-hosted, no servers to maintain, conversation-based pricing.

The **WhatsApp Cloud API** is Meta's own hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API:

* Meta runs the servers.
* Meta handles updates and encryption.
* The business just makes API calls — nothing to install, nothing to maintain.

It's what ChatSyncs connects to when linking a WhatsApp number. It replaced the older
**On-Premise API**, which required businesses to host their own servers or go through a BSP —
On-Premise no longer receives updates, so Cloud API is the standard today for any new
connection.

## Frequently asked

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need my own server to connect WhatsApp to ChatSyncs?">
    No. The Cloud API is fully hosted by Meta — ChatSyncs and your WhatsApp number both connect
    to it without either side running dedicated infrastructure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Cloud API the same as the WhatsApp Business API?">
    Cloud API is Meta's current way of hosting the WhatsApp Business API. On-Premise is the
    older, legacy way of hosting the same API.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

For the full comparison against On-Premise, see [What Is the WhatsApp Cloud
API?](/meta-api/concepts/cloud-vs-on-premise) in the Meta WhatsApp API reference.