Scale WhatsApp Cloud API: Master Throughput Limits & Upgrades (2026)
WhatsApp Cloud API throughput controls your message speed. It starts at 80 mps. You can get an automatic throughput upgrade to 1,000 mps. To do this, you need an unlimited messaging tier. You must also send 100k messages in 24 hours. Keep your quality score high. This fixes speed issues.
Speed matters. By default, the Cloud API handles 80 messages per second (mps). For some, this is fine. For others, it is too slow.
Systems break under pressure. If you push too hard, you fail. We advise you to test your servers now. Ensure they handle the load. If not, you lose data. This guide helps you scale safely.
What are WhatsApp Cloud API Throughput Limits?
WhatsApp Cloud API throughput is just speed. It is how many messages go out or come in per second. It counts everything. You should know three levels.
Standard Level: The default speed is 80 mps.
Coexistence Level: Numbers on the Business App get 20 mps. This is fixed.
High Level: You can upgrade to 1,000 mps.
Throughput is not a daily limit. It is distinct. You must still watch your WhatsApp API rate limits. Don't mix them up.
How to Upgrade to 1,000 MPS (Step-by-Step)
You get an automatic throughput upgrade to 1,000 mps easily. You just meet three rules. No forms needed. It happens alone.
The Eligibility Checklist:
Unlimited Tier: Your portfolio needs an unlimited messaging tier.
High Volume: Message 100,000+ unique people in 24 hours.
Quality Score: Keep your score Yellow or Green.
The Upgrade Moment
This takes one minute. Watch out. Your number stops working then. If you send data, you get an error. Once done, you are safe. Future updates have no downtime. You will see a THROUGHPUT_UPGRADE event.
Preventing Common Throughput Errors (130429 & 131057)
You might see error 130429 or 131057. These mean speed issues or updates. Handle them well.
Fix Error 130429 WhatsApp (Too Fast)
You hit the limit. You are sending too fast. The API stops you.
The Fix: Slow down. Throttle your campaigns.
Prevent Error 131057 (Upgrading)
This happens during that one-minute update. The number is busy.
The Fix: Wait a bit. Retry the message later.
Pair Rate Limits
Do not spam one user. Throughput is for different users. If you send too many messages to a single number, you will hit a "pair rate limit."
Optimizing Webhooks & Media for High Speed
Your server needs power. It must handle webhook capacity planning. High speed means high pressure.
Server Capacity Formula
Sending 1,000 mps? Expect a flood back.
Outbound Load: You need 3x capacity (3,000 status webhooks).
Inbound Load: You need 1x capacity for replies.
Latency Standards
Speed matters here too. We attempt to deliver webhooks concurrently.
Goal: Median latency under 250ms.
Limit: Less than 1% should exceed 1 second.
Retries: We retry failed webhooks for 7 days.
Media Strategy
Large files slow you down.Optimize media messages and do not host media on your own servers with URLs. It adds lag.
Better Way: Upload assets to Meta servers first. Use the Media ID.
Alternative: If you must use your server, use media caching.
Conclusion
Scaling your WhatsApp Cloud API throughput requires planning. You must balance speed with server capacity. Watch your quality score closely to keep your high speed. If you follow these rules, your messages will flow smoothly. Check your current level using the API endpoint today.
Before scaling, you must choose the right infrastructure. Read The Real Difference Between WhatsApp Cloud API and On-Prem API (2025 Guide) to ensure your technical foundation is solid.
Need help with WhatsApp API integration? Contact WUSeller for expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I increase my WhatsApp API speed to 1000 mps?
To increase your speed, you need to meet volume rules for an automatic throughput upgrade. You must have an unlimited messaging tier. You also need a Yellow or Green quality score. Finally, you must send messages to 100,000 unique users within a 24-hour period outside of support windows.
Why is my WhatsApp API returning error 130429?
Your WhatsApp API returns error 130429 because you are exceeding your throughput limit. You are attempting to send more messages than allowed. The API returns this code until you are within your allowed level again. You must slow down to fix error 130429 WhatsApp.
What is the throughput for coexistence numbers?
The throughput for coexistence numbers is fixed at 20 mps. These are business phone numbers used with both the Cloud API and the WhatsApp Business App. This lower speed ensures the number remains compatible with the app. It cannot be upgraded.
Does WhatsApp charge for higher throughput?
No, WhatsApp does not charge for higher throughput. If you meet eligibility requirements, the upgrade to 1,000 mps is free. High volume WhatsApp sending does not affect pricing. You only pay for the conversations you start, not the speed.
How to handle webhook failures in WhatsApp API?
To handle webhook failures, ensure your server responds quickly. Keep median latency under 250ms. WhatsApp will attempt to re-deliver failed webhooks for 7 days. Ensure your server can handle 3x your outbound traffic for proper webhook capacity planning.