WhatsApp Verification: Steps, Benefits & Best Practices

If you are serious about WhatsApp lead generation and promote products digitally, you need to make consumer trust you. And nothing wins trust more than obtaining WhatsApp verification for business profile.

Only when you add a “WhatsApp verification” step in your WhatsApp marketing, you’d be able to establish credibiliy and set the stage for quality sales conversations.

Customers do not waste their time in engaging with “spammy looking” WhatsApp Business account. Getting verified officially by WhatsApp puts you in a better position to earn consumer trust, engage quickly and run your digital business.

WhatsApp verification can look different for multiple accounts. By switching to a trusted BSP provider like Wati, businesses can link accounts and get faster Meta verification for WhatsApp.

Let’s learn about WhatsApp verification in detail.

What is WhatsApp Verification?

WhatsApp verification is a way to feel an assurance that an online business is genuine, authentic and trustworthy. With official Meta verification (green tick), customers stop hesitating and get more confidence to trust and engage with the brand.

With WhatsApp verification, customers can differentiate between trusted brands and fraudulent ones.

If you are an SMB or mid-sized business trying to crack the right sales formula, go beyond setting up a WhatsApp Business account. Only when you prove your brand’s authenticity, customers take you seriously and engage with your WhatsApp campaigns.

Once verified, your business gets official recognition on WhatsApp, which helps build credibility, strengthens customer trust, and makes your communication look more professional.

What are the Benefits of WhatsApp Verification? 

Getting a green tick on WhatsApp is not just a formality, but a hallmark of trust and expertise in the market. It makes you more reliable, real and trustworthy. Here is how it helps.

• Stronger brand reputation: Pushing unncessary bulk marketing messages as an unverified brands will result in spam listing. Official WhatsApp verification strengthens WhatsApp marketing initiatives, resulting in positive traction and consumer engagement.
• Consistent presence across platforms: It also builds credibility across other Meta apps like Instagram, Facebook and Threads as it gives a “unified” feel to your profile. Customers coming from these channels experience that brand uniformity which makes them think twice.
• Easier access for businesses of all sizes: Along with enteprise corporations, now small and mid-level brands can get WhatsApp verification. Even if you are an early adopter and don’t have a pipeline, you can still get WhatsApp verification to build sales engine.

Who Can Apply for WhatsApp Verification?

If you’re using the WhatsApp for business app, you can apply for verification. The process is designed to be straightforward, but there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you get started.

How To Get WhatsApp Verification in 2026?

Based on the type of WhatsApp account you operate, your WhatsApp verification cycle may look different. I’ve listed how it works for both WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp business app (WABA) for you:

WhatsApp Business App (Meta Verified for WhatsApp)

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app and navigate to “Tools”.

2. Tap Meta Verified. If it’s absent, it hasn’t been enabled yet. As a next step, you can join a verification checklist.

3. Click on continue and select the subscription plan that fits your business.

4. Choose which account or how many linked accounts need to be verified. You can bundle your WhatsApp account with your Facebook Page or Instagram if prompted. 

5. Set up your payment method, complete the first payment in-app, and proceed. 

6. Select your business from the options, choose a verification method, upload the requested business information, and submit. You’ll get updates inside the app.

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re eligible before you start. Your business profile should have a name and picture, you should have recently sent a message from the Business app, and you shouldn’t have WhatsApp Business Premium or a Meta Verified subscription via Business Suite active. Availability is limited to certain countries.

WhatsApp Verification Through the WhatsApp Business API 

Below are the steps to apply for WhatsApp verification through WhatsApp Business API:

1. Complete Business Verification in Meta Business Manager

• Go to Security Center: Log in to Meta Business Manager, then navigate to the Security Center.

• Start Verification: Click on “Start Verification” to begin the process.

• Enter Business Details: Provide your legal business name, registered address, and official phone number. 

• Upload Required Documents: Submit supporting documents such as your certificate of incorporation, utility bill, or other accepted proofs.

• Submit for Review: Double-check all the details and submit your application.

• Wait for Approval: Meta will review your documents and notify you once your business verification is approved.

2. Enable Two-Step Verification (2FA)

If you have created WhatsApp with a registered number, you need to enable 2FA authentication to ensure that it belongs to you.

3. Create or Select Your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

Within Meta Business Manager, go to Business settings -> WhatsApp accounts-> active business account. Add phone number and set a broader category (i.e finance, promotion, marketing) to describe your use case.

4. Submit Official Business Account (OBA) Request

Once you receive approval on your display name, navigate to WhatsApp Manager, tick account, and select “submit request” for official business account. Support your case with adding language details, geographical address and country of operations. You can add 5 links (like press releases, news coverage) to assert reliabilty

5. Wait for Meta’s Decision

Meta will review your request and notify you whether your account has been granted official status. If rejected, you’ll have to wait 30 days before trying again.

Note: Without a trusted API provider, this process might seem tedious. A reliable BSP provider like Wati helps get faster approvals, and handles Meta’s endpoints for seamless transition. It guides you through business verification, OBA status and registration and eligibility to get verified faster.

Get WhatsApp Verified with Wati

Ready to simplify your WhatsApp verification journey? Book a free demo with Wati and let our team walk you through the process.

Related Read: Difference between WhatsApp Business App & Business API

Businesses Not Eligible for WhatsApp Verification

It isn’t guaranteed that your brand will surpass the eligibility for WhatsApp verification. Meta has exempted the following type of brands to apply for WhatsApp verification.

• Illegal products or services: Evil goods or anything that violates Meta’s laws.

• Tobacco and related products: Including e-cigarettes, vapes, hookahs or other smoking instruments.

• Alcohol brands: Selling or marketing of alcohol for public consumption, but this depends on geographical area you operate in.

• Gambling, gaming, or betting services: Real money games, lotteries, and casinos are excluded.

• Adult products or services: Including explicit content or sexual services.

• Weapons and explosives: Any business dealing in firearms, ammunition, or similar.

• Pharmaceuticals and drugs: Including prescription medication and recreational drugs.

Pro tip : If you’re unsure about your category, it’s best to check Meta’s Commerce and Business Policies before applying.

What If Your WhatsApp Verification Gets Rejected?

Getting a WhatsApp verification in first go is highly unlikely. If Meta doesn’t accept you the first time, you can try again and resubmit application. Below are the steps to do it.

• Revisit Meta’s guidelines: Read up on Meta’s rules and policies and ensure your business isn’t listed as any of the above.
• Double-check your documents: Any proofi you submit (like tax proof or audit docs) should be under the same business name and details as WhatsApp. Even slight discrepancies are considered frivolous.
• Strengthen your brand presence: Meta looks for signs of authenticity and notability. Add supportive website links, active social media profiles or guest mentions to certify your credibility.
• Wait before reapplying: If your request is rejected, you need to serve a gap of 30 days. Use this time to fix any minor errors.

To reduce the chances of rejection, make sure your business information is consistent everywhere, your documents are up to date, and your online presence reflects a trustworthy brand.

Subscription Options for WhatsApp Verification

Here’s a breakdown of the subscription plans currently available for WhatsApp Business users. 

Get Verified, Get Noticed

Sure, earning WhatsApp green badge improves customer trust, but brands need to prioritize customer value first.

Even with a verified profile, businesses struggle because they fail to provide good consumer experience. Along with trying for WhatsApp verification, sending right brand pitch to target audience is also equally important. API platforms like Wati enable you to automate conversational intelligence, build Meta verified presence and be a brand differentiator!

Start your free demo with Wati today and take the first step towards getting your verification badge. 

Frequently Asked Questions on WhatsApp Verification