The green tick next to a business name on WhatsApp marks an Official Business Account — Meta’s public statement that this is a notable, authentic brand. Customers trust it instantly, which is why every business wants it and why Meta hands it out sparingly.
The honest prerequisite list
- WhatsApp Business API access — the green tick is not available on the free WhatsApp Business app
- A verified Business Manager — business verification must already be complete
- Notability — Meta looks for press coverage and an established public presence; this is the hurdle most applicants fail
- Compliance with WhatsApp commerce and business policies
- 2-step verification enabled on the number
How to apply
- Complete Meta business verification on your Business Manager
- Get your number live on the WhatsApp Business API
- In WhatsApp Manager, open your phone number profile and request the Official Business Account status
- Provide supporting links — press articles, your site, social profiles
- Wait for review; rejections arrive without much explanation, and you can reapply after 30 days
Why most applications fail
Verification and API access are procedural — you can complete them. Notability is editorial: Meta wants evidence the brand is publicly known (news coverage, significant search presence). Small and new businesses are routinely refused on this point alone, regardless of how legitimate they are.
What you can do about it
- Secure the prerequisites now — API access and a verified BM — so notability is your only open item
- Build press mentions: product launches, local coverage, industry publications
- Keep brand name consistent across site, socials, and WhatsApp profile
- Reapply with new evidence each cycle — many brands pass on the second or third attempt
Start with the prerequisites done
Our WhatsApp Business API package includes the verified Business Manager the green tick requires — the procedural half of the application, finished on day one.
Get API + Verified BM — $180