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Short answer: The WhatsApp “green tick” is now a blue checkmark. There are two ways to get it in India. On the WhatsApp Business API, apply for Official Business Account (OBA) status in WhatsApp Manager once your number has been on the platform for 30 days, your business is verified, two-step verification is on and your display name is approved. It is free. On the WhatsApp Business app, you can subscribe to Meta Verified, a paid monthly plan bought inside the app.
In this guide you’ll learn
- Why the green tick became a blue badge
- The 5 requirements Meta lists for the API badge
- How to apply in WhatsApp Manager, step by step
- The Meta Verified route for the WhatsApp Business app
- Why applications get rejected, and what to do next
Is the WhatsApp green tick still green?
No. WhatsApp used to show a green tick next to verified businesses. Meta has since switched to a blue checkmark, so the badge looks the same on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Most people in India still search for “WhatsApp green tick”, but what you are applying for today is the blue verified badge.
The badge tells customers that WhatsApp has confirmed your business is real. That matters in India, where fake “customer care” numbers and payment scams are common. A verified badge makes people more comfortable replying, clicking and paying.
Two ways to get verified on WhatsApp
| Official Business Account (OBA) | Meta Verified for Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | WhatsApp Business API (Platform) | WhatsApp Business app |
| Cost | Free to apply | Paid monthly subscription |
| How to apply | WhatsApp Manager or your API provider | Inside the WhatsApp Business app on Android or iOS |
| Badge | Blue checkmark | Blue checkmark |
| Main checks | 30 days on the platform, business verification, two-step verification, approved display name, policy compliance | Identity and business details, set by Meta in the app |
| Best for | Businesses using an inbox, broadcasts and chatbots | Small businesses replying from one phone |
Requirements for the API badge (Official Business Account)
According to Meta’s developer documentation, your business phone number must meet all five of these:
- Follow the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy. No recent policy violations.
- Be on the WhatsApp Business Platform for at least 30 days.
- Pass Business Verification. The Meta business portfolio that owns the number must be verified.
- Turn on two-step verification for the business phone number.
- Have an approved display name.
Meta also says some numbers cannot get OBA status at all: WhatsApp Business app numbers, test numbers and employee numbers.
How to pass Business Verification first
Business Verification happens in Meta Business Suite (Security Centre). For an Indian business, Meta usually asks for documents that show your legal business name and address, such as a GST certificate, Udyam (MSME) registration, certificate of incorporation, or a utility bill or bank statement in the business name.
- The legal name on your documents should match the name you enter.
- Your website should show the same business name, ideally with your address and phone number.
- Use a business email on your own domain, like [email protected], if you can.
How to apply for the blue badge in WhatsApp Manager
Once your number meets all five requirements:
- Open WhatsApp Manager in Meta Business Suite and go to Overview.
- Click your business phone number.
- Turn on two-step verification if it is not on yet.
- Go to Profile and find Official business account.
- Click Submit request and fill in the details Meta asks for.
Meta sends a notification when it decides. It does not publish a fixed review time. If you meet the criteria but cannot see the option, Meta says to contact your Solution Provider’s support or Meta Support. With Adwix Connect, our team can check your number and help you submit the request.
Get your number ready
Want the blue badge on your WhatsApp?
Adwix Connect puts your number on Meta’s official WhatsApp Cloud API. We help with Business Verification, display name approval and the badge request.
The other route: Meta Verified on the WhatsApp Business app
If you use the free WhatsApp Business app and not the API, you cannot apply for OBA status. Instead, Meta offers Meta Verified for Business, a paid subscription. When it launched for WhatsApp businesses in India in September 2024, TechCrunch reported a starting price of about ₹639 a month. Prices and plans can change, so check the current price inside the app.
Meta Verified is bought from the WhatsApp Business app on Android or iOS. Along with the badge, Meta says it includes protection against impersonation and access to better support.
Why do badge requests get rejected?
- Business Verification not complete, or documents that do not match the business name
- Display name not approved, or a name that does not match your brand
- Number too new: less than 30 days on the platform
- Policy issues: blocks, reports or low quality from unwanted messages
- Not enough public proof that the brand is real, such as no website
If Meta rejects your request, you must wait 30 days before applying again. Use that time to fix the issue. Keep your quality rating high by only messaging people who opted in.
What else does the badge do?
Meta’s documentation notes one more benefit: numbers without OBA status do not appear in WhatsApp search results, unless the person has saved your number. So the badge also helps people find you. Even without it, you can fill in your business profile with a logo, description, address, email and website at any time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the green tick on WhatsApp Business?
The green tick is now a blue checkmark. On the WhatsApp Business API, request Official Business Account status in WhatsApp Manager after meeting Meta’s five requirements. On the WhatsApp Business app, subscribe to Meta Verified in the app.
Is the WhatsApp blue tick free?
Applying for Official Business Account status on the API is free, though you pay for the API service and messages. Meta Verified on the WhatsApp Business app is a paid monthly subscription.
How long does WhatsApp verification take?
Meta does not publish a fixed time. You must have been on the WhatsApp Business Platform for at least 30 days before you can apply, and Meta notifies you when it decides.
Can I get the badge on the normal WhatsApp Business app?
Not through Official Business Account status, which is only for API numbers. App users can get a verified badge by subscribing to Meta Verified.
What happens if my request is rejected?
You have to wait 30 days before applying again. Fix the reason first, such as incomplete Business Verification or an unapproved display name.
Sources
Shashi Pundir
Co-Founder of Adwix Media. Builds the systems, media and technology that turn ad clicks into booked customers, including Adwix Connect, our WhatsApp Business API platform.
We run the ads, the WhatsApp follow-up and the pipeline.
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