Requesting an Official Business Account: WhatsApp Blue Tick

Requesting an Official Business Account

An Official Business Account (OBA) on WhatsApp grants your business a blue checkmark badge, signaling authenticity and recognition. To request OBA status, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp Manager from your Business Manager. In the Overview section, select the phone number you wish to apply for OBA.
2. Enable two-step verification for that number—this is mandatory. Additionally, both Business Verification and Display Name approval must be completed before submitting an OBA request.
3. Click Submit Request and fill out the form. You can provide up to five supporting links, preferably from reputable publications (e.g., major news outlets or Wikipedia), to demonstrate your brand's recognition. Include details like operating countries, parent brand affiliations, and primary language to assist in the evaluation.

After submission, Meta will review your request and notify you of the outcome. If denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Note: OBA status is not available for employee accounts, test accounts, or WhatsApp Business App accounts—it is reserved for WhatsApp Business Platform users who complete Business Verification.

Understanding Notability

Notability refers to how widely recognized and searched-for your brand is, based on online news coverage from reputable sources with substantial readership. It is not about legitimacy. Paid promotions, sponsored content, or directory listings do not count toward this assessment.

OBA status is tied to a specific phone number and display name combination. If you change your display name after approval, the new name must undergo reassessment for notability and compliance. Approval for one number does not automatically apply to others under the same account with different display names. For sub-brands, consider using a display name format like "Sub-Brand by Notable Parent Brand" to leverage existing recognition.

Denied Requests

If your OBA request is denied, it means Meta's team determined your account does not currently meet the notability criteria. Decisions cannot be appealed, but you can reapply after 30 days. Use this time to build your public presence through news coverage and other organic means. Your business profile—including photo, email, website, and description—remains fully editable and functional regardless of OBA status.

Types of Business Accounts

WhatsApp offers two types of business accounts:

• Business Account: Any account on the WhatsApp Business Platform or WhatsApp Business App. Business Platform accounts undergo authenticity checks, and after Business Verification, the display name appears universally instead of the phone number.
• Official Business Account (OBA): Features a blue checkmark badge on the profile and in chat headers, indicating verified status and high recognition.

Business Account & Verification

For standard business accounts, the display name only appears in saved-contact views unless Business Verification is completed, after which it shows everywhere. Providing business details like website, address, and hours helps customers learn more about you, regardless of verification status.

Business Verification is not required to start messaging customers but becomes necessary for scaling marketing, utility, or authentication conversations, applying for OBA status, or having your display name appear universally in WhatsApp. Refer to Meta's guides for detailed verification steps and messaging setup.