How to create a business WhatsApp account

What you need before you start

• A phone number that can receive an SMS or a call. A mobile number, a new SIM or a landline all work.
• A smartphone (Android or iPhone) to run the app. The account always lives on one main phone.
• Your business details: name, category, address, opening hours, a short description, email and website.
• A logo or photo for the profile picture.

One phone number can only be on one WhatsApp account at a time. If the number is already on regular WhatsApp, you move it to the Business app; you cannot run both apps on the same number.

Create a business WhatsApp account in 6 steps

1. Install WhatsApp Business from the App Store or Google Play. It is a separate app from regular WhatsApp, with a green icon and a "B".
2. Accept the terms and enter your business phone number with the country code.
3. Verify the number with the 6-digit code sent by SMS. For a landline, choose the phone call option and the code is read out to you.
4. Restore chats if offered. If the number was on regular WhatsApp on the same phone, the app offers to use that number and bring your chat history along.
5. Enter your business name and category, and add a profile picture. Use the name customers know you by; you can change it later.
6. Complete the business profile under Business tools: address, opening hours, description, email and website.

WhatsApp Business verification code not arriving?

• Check the number. Enter it with the right country code and without a leading 0 after the country code.
• Wait for the timer. When it runs out, you can ask for a new SMS or choose a phone call instead. Landlines always need the call option.
• Check reception. The SIM must be able to receive SMS or calls at that moment, so not in a phone without signal or with the SIM switched off.
• Look on the old phone. If the number is still active in WhatsApp on another phone, the code can arrive there.
• Too many attempts? The app then makes you wait before you can try again. Retrying sooner does not help.

Never share the verification code with anyone. Whoever enters it takes over your business account.

WhatsApp Business verification on Facebook: do you need it?

For the free WhatsApp Business app, no. The only verification is the SMS or call code for your phone number. You do not need a Facebook account, a Facebook page or a Meta business account to start.

• Linking Facebook or Instagram is optional. In the app you can connect a Facebook page or Instagram account, for example to add a WhatsApp button there. Your account works the same without it.
• Business verification in Meta Business Suite (company documents, website, domain) is for the WhatsApp Business API, usually through a platform. The free app does not ask for it.
• A verified badge is a separate, paid Meta option that is not available everywhere. It does not change how messages reach you.

If a site or message asks for your WhatsApp code "to verify your business on Facebook", it is a scam. Meta does not ask for that code.

Settings worth doing on day one

• Greeting message for people who message you for the first time.
• Away message outside opening hours. Sample texts are in WhatsApp auto reply.
• Quick replies for answers you type often, such as directions or prices.
• Labels such as "new", "quote sent" and "done" to sort chats.
• A short link (wa.me plus your number) for your website and email signature.
• A catalog if you want to show services or products.

Business app account or Business API account?

"WhatsApp Business account" can mean two different things. Most small businesses mean the free app. The API version is for larger customer service teams.

More on the differences: WhatsApp for business and InBetween vs the WhatsApp Business API.

Then: who answers the messages?

Once the account is live, your number goes on the website, the van and the invoice. Customers start messaging, and the account is on one phone. If you also do the work, that is fine. If a technician, mechanic or crew member has the answer, someone has to pass every question on.

The app gives you two built-in options. You can link up to 4 extra devices, such as WhatsApp Web on a laptop, but everyone on them sees every chat and every customer number. Or you forward messages by hand. See WhatsApp Business with multiple users for the trade-offs.

InBetween is a third option. Connect your new Business account by QR code or pairing code, like WhatsApp Web, and enter your coworker's number. Every customer message, including photos, locations, voice notes and documents, is forwarded to that coworker as "Customer 1", "Customer 2", with the number hidden by default. The coworker replies in their own WhatsApp, and the customer receives it from your business number. It uses linked-device technology, not the official Business API, and the app dashboard is currently in Dutch.

Common mistakes

• Using your private number when you plan to hand the business number to someone later. A separate number keeps private chats out of it.
• An empty profile. Opening hours and an address answer many questions before they are asked.
• No plan for holidays. An away message tells customers you are gone; it does not answer them. See holiday coverage.

Frequently asked questions