How to get the WhatsApp green tick
Updated: 30 October 2026
Short answer
To request the WhatsApp green tick, you need the WhatsApp Business API, a verified business in Meta Business Manager, a complete profile and evidence that your brand is notable, such as independent press coverage. Only Meta decides, and many small businesses are declined. You can sell well on WhatsApp without it.
What the green tick means
The green tick is the badge traditionally shown for an official business account on WhatsApp. It tells people that Meta has confirmed the account belongs to a real and notable brand. It is a signal of trust, but it does not raise your sending limits or make your messages cheaper.
Meta has been changing its badges and verification programmes, and some accounts now see a blue badge instead. Names and rules vary by region and account type, so check WhatsApp’s help pages or WhatsApp Manager for what applies to you today.
Green tick vs business verification
| Business verification | Official badge (green tick) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it confirms | Your business legally exists | Your brand is authentic and notable |
| Who decides | Meta | Meta |
| Difficulty | Usually straightforward with correct documents | Selective; many are declined |
| What it gives you | Access to fuller API capabilities | A badge next to your business name |
| Do most businesses need it? | Yes | No |
What Meta looks for
- A verified business: Meta business verification must be complete.
- The WhatsApp Business API: the free WhatsApp Business app does not qualify for this route.
- Authenticity: your display name, website and documents should all match.
- Notability: independent recognition of your brand, such as articles in established publications. Paid or promotional content generally carries less weight.
- Good standing: a clean policy record for your number and your connected Meta accounts.
How to apply
- Complete business verification in Meta Business Manager, using documents that exactly match your legal business name and address.
- Set up your number on the API through a provider, with an approved display name that matches your brand.
- Enable two-step verification on the number, and complete your profile: logo, description, address, website.
- Gather your evidence. Collect links to independent coverage about your business, not press releases or your own pages.
- Submit the request through WhatsApp Manager or your provider, and add the supporting links.
- Wait for the decision. If you are declined, build more public recognition before applying again.
If your request is rejected
Rejection usually means that Meta did not see enough public recognition yet. It is rarely a judgement on your business. Before you reapply:
- Earn genuine coverage from local press, trade publications and industry awards.
- Make sure your website, display name and legal documents are consistent.
- Fix any policy or quality issues on your number. See quality rating and bans.
- Allow time between applications, so that you have something new to show.
Do you really need it?
For most small businesses in India, probably not yet. Customers who message you after clicking your ad or scanning your QR code already know who they are talking to. These things usually do more for your sales:
- Fast replies. A clear answer within seconds beats a badge and a slow reply.
- A complete profile. Your display name, logo, description and address help people recognise you.
- Saved contacts. Asking customers to save your number means they see your name.
- Relevant messages. Sending less, to people who want it, protects your number.
Watch out for false promises
Be careful with anyone selling a “guaranteed green tick”. No provider or agency can guarantee a decision that only Meta can make. Ask what they will really do for the fee, and never share your Meta login details with them.
How Nexora fits in
Nexora runs on the official WhatsApp Business API, so you can start on a shared number and connect your own business number later. The badge decision itself remains with Meta, and Nexora cannot promise it. In the meantime, the AI agent helps with the part that does affect your sales: replying to every lead in seconds. See WhatsApp API pricing in India for costs.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the green tick on WhatsApp?
- Use the WhatsApp Business API, complete Meta business verification, set up your display name and profile, then request an official business account through WhatsApp Manager or your provider. Meta decides, largely based on whether your brand is well known.
- Is the WhatsApp green tick free?
- Meta has not historically charged for the official business account review itself, though you need an API account, and some providers charge for help. Meta also runs a separate paid Meta Verified programme, so check what is on offer in your region.
- Can a small business get the green tick?
- It can apply, but approval is hard without public recognition such as independent press coverage. Most small businesses should focus on verification and a complete profile, which matter more for day-to-day sales.
- Is business verification the same as the green tick?
- No. Business verification confirms your business to Meta and is needed for many API features. The official badge is a separate, more selective decision.
- Is the green tick still green?
- Meta has been changing how verification badges look and work, and some accounts now see a blue badge. Check WhatsApp's current help pages or WhatsApp Manager to see what applies to your account.
- Can anyone guarantee me a green tick?
- No. Only Meta decides. Be careful with any agency that promises guaranteed approval for a fee.
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