The WhatsApp green tick is the verified badge that appears next to a business name on WhatsApp. Meta has since changed its colour to a blue checkmark, the same style used on Facebook and Instagram, but most Indian businesses still search for it as the "green tick". There are two ways to get it today: request an official business account on the WhatsApp Business Platform (free, but only for notable brands), or subscribe to Meta Verified where it is offered.
This guide explains what the badge means now, who realistically qualifies, how to apply, and what you can do if you do not get it.
What the WhatsApp green tick means now
For years, verified businesses on WhatsApp showed a green checkmark. Meta moved to a single blue verification checkmark across its apps, so the old "WhatsApp green tick" is now shown as blue. The meaning is the same: Meta has confirmed the account belongs to that business.
Here is what the badge does and does not do:
| With the badge | Without the badge | |
|---|---|---|
| Business name shown to customers | Yes, with checkmark | Yes, once the display name is approved |
| Can send templates and campaigns | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging limits | Same rules as everyone | Same rules as everyone |
| Pricing | Same Meta rates | Same Meta rates |
| Trust signal | Strong, customers see it is genuine | Depends on your profile and message quality |
The important point is in the middle rows: the badge does not unlock bigger limits, lower prices or better delivery. It is a trust signal. Those other things depend on business verification, your quality rating and how you message.
Note that business verification and the verified badge are different things. Business verification is a document check in Meta Business Suite that helps raise your messaging limits. The badge is a separate, stricter review on top of that.
Route 1: Official business account (WhatsApp Business Platform)
An official business account (often shortened to OBA) is the badge for numbers on the WhatsApp Business Platform, which is what API platforms like AiSender use. There is no fee for requesting it, but the bar is high.
Eligibility
Based on Meta's documentation as of November 2026, your number and business should meet these conditions before you request:
- The business follows the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy and Commerce Policy.
- The phone number has been on the WhatsApp Business Platform for at least 30 days.
- Your business portfolio has completed business verification in Meta Business Suite.
- Two-step verification is turned on for the number.
- The number's display name is approved.
- The business is notable, meaning it is well known and has been covered in multiple independent news sources with real audiences.
The last point is where most small and medium businesses fall short. Meta looks for genuine news coverage, not paid articles, press releases, your own website or your social media posts. Meta does not publish a fixed number of articles or followers that guarantees approval.
How to apply
- Open Meta Business Suite and select your business portfolio.
- Go to All tools and open WhatsApp Manager.
- Select your phone number and open its Profile section.
- Find Official business account and click Submit request. If two-step verification is off, turn it on first.
- Add supporting links, such as independent news articles about your brand (the form lets you add a few links).
- Submit and wait for Meta's decision. Meta does not promise a fixed review time.
If your request is rejected, Meta's documentation says you must wait 30 days before requesting again. Use that time to earn more genuine coverage rather than resubmitting the same links.
Route 2: Meta Verified for business
Meta Verified is a paid monthly subscription. Instead of proving fame, you prove that your business is real using official documents, and Meta adds the verified badge along with extra features like account protection and support. Meta launched Meta Verified for the WhatsApp Business app in India in 2024.
Things to know before you pay:
- Availability, features and price depend on your country and the app or account type, and Meta changes them. Check the current offer inside your WhatsApp Business app or Meta Business Suite.
- Your business name on WhatsApp must match the name on your documents.
- Meta has been testing and expanding Meta Verified and related plans for businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform. If you use the API, check Meta Business Suite to see whether it is offered for your account.
- The badge stays only while the subscription is active.
Realistic expectations
Let us be honest about the WhatsApp green tick:
- Most small businesses will not get an official business account. A local clinic, coaching institute or D2C start-up without national press coverage is unlikely to qualify, and that is normal.
- Anyone selling "guaranteed green tick" is a red flag. No platform can guarantee approval, because Meta alone decides. Never pay for fake news articles to qualify; it can harm your account.
- You can win trust without the badge. Customers judge you by whether messages are relevant, expected and from a business they recognise.
How to look trustworthy without the badge
- Use a clear display name that matches your shop board and website.
- Add a sharp logo, full address, website, email and business hours to your profile.
- Only message customers who opted in, and say who you are in the first line. See our opt-in best practices.
- Use the same number on your website, invoices and ads so customers recognise it.
- Keep your quality rating healthy by avoiding spammy blasts. Here is how to protect your quality rating.
A first message that builds trust looks like this:
Namaste Amit ji, main Smile Care Dental Clinic se baat kar rahi hoon. Aapka check-up kal 11:30 AM par booked hai. Reschedule karna ho to "Change" likh kar reply karein.
Should you chase the badge?
Use this quick check:
- Have major newspapers, TV channels or well-known websites written about your brand independently? If not, focus on Route 2 or on trust signals.
- Is your business verified in Meta Business Suite? If not, do that first. It also helps your messaging limits.
- Has your number been on the platform for 30 days with good quality? If not, wait.
- Is the badge worth a monthly fee to you? If customers already know you, it may not be.
If you are still setting up, read how to get WhatsApp Business API first.
FAQ
Is the WhatsApp green tick still green?
No. Meta changed the WhatsApp verified badge to a blue checkmark to match Facebook and Instagram. People still call it the green tick.
Can I buy the WhatsApp green tick?
Not the free official business account, which depends on notability. Meta Verified is a paid subscription that adds a verified badge after a document check, where it is available.
Does the green tick increase my messaging limit?
No. Messaging limits depend on business verification, message quality and volume. The badge is only a trust signal.
How long should I wait after a rejection?
Meta's documentation says 30 days before you can request official business account status again.
Badge or no badge, good WhatsApp messaging is about trust and relevance. Try AiSender to send opted-in campaigns, reply from a shared inbox and keep your quality high.
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