How to Get a Verified WhatsApp Business Account
Green Tick Guide
The WhatsApp green tick is one of the most sought-after trust signals for businesses in India. This guide explains exactly what it is, who qualifies, and how to apply — step by step.
What Is the WhatsApp Green Tick?
The WhatsApp green tick is a small verified checkmark that appears next to a business's display name in the WhatsApp chat window. It signals that the account has been reviewed and officially recognised by Meta as an Official Business Account (OBA).
This is different from a regular WhatsApp Business account. Any business can set up a WhatsApp Business App profile — but not every business gets the green tick. The verification is granted by Meta based on the business's identity, authenticity, and online presence.
The key difference: with the green tick, your business name is displayed to everyone — even people who have not saved your number. Without it, your number shows up as an unknown contact for recipients who haven't added you. The green tick dramatically increases trust and recognition.
WhatsApp's verification for businesses is a green checkmark — not a blue one. The blue tick on WhatsApp is for read receipts (seen status). Some sources incorrectly refer to business verification as a "blue tick" — but the actual verified business badge is green. The correct terms are green tick, green checkmark, or Official Business Account (OBA).
Who Can Get the WhatsApp Green Tick?
The most important thing to understand upfront: the green tick is not available on the WhatsApp Business App. It is only accessible to businesses using the WhatsApp Business API through an authorised Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Unique Digital Outreach.
Beyond that technical requirement, Meta evaluates the following eligibility criteria before granting Official Business Account status:
You must already be using the WhatsApp Business API — not the Business App. This means you have gone through onboarding with a BSP and have an active API-connected number.
Your Meta Business Manager account must be verified. This involves verifying your business's legal identity — typically through business registration documents, phone number, or domain verification.
Your business must have a functioning website that clearly represents your brand — with an about page, contact information, and services described. A social media page alone is not sufficient.
Meta places significant weight on whether your business is mentioned in credible online publications, news articles, or industry directories. Well-known brands with frequent press mentions are much more likely to be approved.
Your WhatsApp Business API account must maintain a good messaging quality rating. This means low block rates, high message delivery rates, and no policy violations. A poor quality rating will disqualify your application.
Your business category must not fall under WhatsApp's restricted industries (e.g. certain financial products, gambling, alcohol in some regions). Your messaging practices must fully comply with WhatsApp's Business Policy.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval. Meta evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis and gives priority to widely recognised brands. There is no SLA or guaranteed timeline, and Meta does not share detailed reasons for individual rejections.
Personal, Business App, and Official Business Account — Compared
Here is how the three account types differ when it comes to identity, trust signals, and the green tick.
| Feature | 👤 Personal | 🏪 Business App | ✅ Official Business Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tick badge | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Business name shown to all | ✗ No | ◐ Saved contacts only | ✓ All recipients |
| "Official Business Account" label | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Requires WhatsApp Business API | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Mandatory |
| Meta Business Manager verification needed | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Required |
| Messaging quality rating tracked | ✗ No | ◐ Partial | ✓ Yes |
| Bulk messaging / broadcasts | ◐ Up to 256 | ◐ Up to 256 | ✓ No hard limit |
| Trust level with recipients | Low | Medium | Highest |
How to Apply for WhatsApp Green Tick Verification — Step by Step
Before starting, ensure you already have an active WhatsApp Business API account through a BSP. The green tick application is made through Meta Business Manager, not through WhatsApp itself.
If you are not already on the Business API, this is the first step. The green tick is exclusively available to API users. Work with an authorised BSP like Unique Digital Outreach to onboard your business number onto the API. Once your number is active and your account is in good standing, you can proceed.
Log into Meta Business Manager (business.facebook.com). Go to Business Settings → Business Info. Complete the Business Verification process under the Security Centre. You will need to verify your business through one of these methods:
- Domain verification (adding a meta-tag to your website)
- Phone number verification
- Document verification (business registration, utility bill, etc.)
Your Business Manager must show "Verified" status before you can request OBA status for your WhatsApp number.
Meta's review team actively looks at your business's public digital footprint. Before submitting the verification request, make sure the following are in strong shape:
- Facebook Business Page — verified, active, consistent with your business name
- Business website — professional, clearly describing your business, with a matching domain email
- Press mentions — news articles, industry blogs, or directories that reference your business by name
- Google Business Profile — active and verified with consistent NAP (name, address, phone)
- LinkedIn company page — active and matching your business details
Once your Meta Business Manager is verified and your online presence is strong, submit the verification request:
- Go to Meta Business Manager → Business Settings
- Select WhatsApp Accounts from the left sidebar
- Click on your WhatsApp Business number
- Look for the "Request Official Business Account" option (this may also appear as "Apply for a Green Tick" depending on the interface version)
- Fill in the requested information — business description, category, website URL, and any supporting links (press articles, social media, etc.)
- Submit the request
Many WhatsApp Business Solution Providers, including Unique Digital Outreach, can submit the verification request on your behalf through their own Business Manager. This is often faster and ensures the submission is correctly structured. Ask your BSP about this option.
After submitting, Meta's team reviews your application. There is no fixed timeline — it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time:
- Continue sending messages in full compliance with WhatsApp's policies
- Maintain a high messaging quality rating — do not send bulk unsolicited messages that result in blocks
- Do not make major changes to your business profile or number while under review
You will receive a notification in Meta Business Manager when a decision is made. If approved, the green tick appears next to your business name automatically across all WhatsApp chats.
The green tick is not permanent by default — it can be removed by Meta if your account violates WhatsApp's policies or if your messaging quality drops significantly. To maintain your Official Business Account status:
- Always send messages only to opted-in contacts
- Keep your block rate low by sending relevant, non-spammy content
- Respond to customer queries promptly
- Keep your business profile information accurate and up to date
- Never use the API to send bulk unsolicited promotional messages
Why Applications Get Rejected — And What to Do
Most first-time applicants are rejected. This is not permanent — you can reapply. Understanding the most common rejection reasons helps you address them before your next attempt.
The most common reason. If Meta cannot find credible, third-party references to your business, your application will be rejected. Build press coverage and directory listings before reapplying.
If your Business Manager account is not verified, the OBA application cannot be processed. Complete business verification in Meta Business Manager first.
A yellow or red quality rating on your WhatsApp Business API account will result in rejection. Improve your quality by cleaning your contact list and reducing block rates before reapplying.
Businesses in categories restricted by WhatsApp's Business Policy (certain financial services, adult content, etc.) are ineligible for the green tick regardless of their online presence.
If your WhatsApp display name, website, Facebook page, and Business Manager don't consistently use the same business name, Meta may reject the application due to identity inconsistency.
Very new businesses or businesses that are not well known outside their immediate circle rarely pass the review. Wait until you have established a clear, verifiable public identity before applying.
A rejection is not permanent. After addressing the reasons for rejection, you can submit a new application. There is no mandatory waiting period specified by Meta, but it is advisable to wait at least 30 days and make meaningful improvements to your online presence before reapplying.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved
Even a single article in a credible regional news outlet or industry publication can make a significant difference. Issue press releases, participate in industry events, or contribute expert columns to build this presence.
Ensure your Meta Business Manager is fully verified before applying. This is a hard prerequisite — no amount of online presence compensates for an unverified Business Manager.
Your business name, logo, and description should be identical across your WhatsApp number, Facebook page, website, LinkedIn, Google Business, and any directories. Inconsistencies raise red flags during review.
Actively monitor your messaging quality rating in Meta Business Manager. Send only to opted-in contacts, space out campaign messages, and promptly address any customer complaints to maintain a green rating.
Ensure your WhatsApp API display name matches your legal or widely recognised business name. Avoid nicknames, abbreviations, or generic descriptions — use the exact name your customers would search for.
Experienced BSPs have submitted hundreds of verification requests and know what supporting information Meta looks for. Collaborating with your BSP on the application — including the business description and supporting URLs — meaningfully improves submission quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WhatsApp green tick?
Is the WhatsApp green tick available on the Business App?
How long does WhatsApp green tick verification take?
Can a small business get the WhatsApp green tick?
What is the difference between a verified WhatsApp Business Account and a regular Business Account?
Can the green tick be removed after approval?
Is there a fee to apply for the WhatsApp green tick?
Ready to Get Your WhatsApp Green Tick?
Unique Digital Outreach helps businesses get set up on the WhatsApp Business API and guides them through the green tick verification process from start to finish.
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