For sure u cant find it, the WhatsApp Business API does not allow you to initiate conversations with users unless they have contacted your business first. This is a core principle of the WhatsApp platform to prevent spam and ensure user privacy. Your current code is the correct way to respond after a user initiates contact.

There's no way to bypass this restriction using the standard WhatsApp Business API. Any method claiming to do so is likely violating WhatsApp's terms of service and could lead to your account being banned.

The only ways to start a conversation with a user on WhatsApp are:

1. User initiates the conversation: The user sends the first message to your business. This is the most common and compliant way.

2. Using pre-approved message templates (within 24 hours of last user interaction): You can send pre-approved message templates for specific use cases (e.g., order updates, shipping notifications) only if the user has interacted with your business within the last 24 hours. Even with templates, you cannot use them for marketing or promotional messages. After 24 hours, you must wait for the user to contact you again.

Template Example (using your code as a base):

const sendMessage = async (phoneNumber, templateName, languageCode, components) => {
    const response = await axios.post(
        "https://graph.facebook.com/v17.0/YOUR_PHONE_NUMBER_ID/messages",
        {
            messaging_product: "whatsapp",
            to: phoneNumber,
            type: "template",
            template: {
                name: templateName, // The name of your approved template
                language: {
                    code: languageCode // e.g., "en_US"
                },
                components: components // Array of components for placeholders in the template
            }
        },
        {
            headers: {
                "Authorization": `Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN`,
                "Content-Type": "application/json"
            }
        }
    );

    console.log(response.data);
};

// Example usage (within 24 hours of user interaction):
sendMessage("CUSTOMER_PHONE_NUMBER", "order_update", "en_US", [
    {
        type: "body",
        text: "Your order (#12345) has shipped!"
    }
]);

3. Click-to-WhatsApp Ads: These are Facebook ads that have a "Send Message" button that opens a WhatsApp conversation with your business. This is a paid advertising option.

4. WhatsApp Links (wa.me links) and QR Codes: These tools make it easy for users to initiate conversations with your business. You can share these links and QR codes on your website, social media, and other marketing channels. This is a best practice to encourage users to contact you.