WhatsApp Blue Tick Verification: Green Tick vs Blue Tick and How Businesses Get Verified
Scam messages that copy a brand's name are a growing problem in India. A customer receives a WhatsApp message claiming to be from a bank, courier or e-commerce store, clicks a link and loses money. For genuine businesses, this makes one question important: how can customers tell that your WhatsApp account is the real one? The answer is the verified badge, which most people still call the green tick or WhatsApp blue tick verification.
What the badge actually means
The badge sits next to a business name in chats, the contact view and the business profile. It tells customers that Meta has confirmed the account as authentic. For years, the badge on business accounts was a green checkmark attached to an Official Business Account, often shortened to OBA. Meta has since moved towards a single blue verified checkmark across its apps, which is why you will see guides that talk about both colours. They refer to the same idea: a verified business identity. Meta's own documentation now describes a blue checkmark next to the name of OBA numbers in the contacts view, though rollouts differ by account type and region, so check what your own account shows.
Two routes to the verified badge
Route one: Official Business Account. This is available to businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform, commonly called the API. It is free but selective. Meta reviews whether your brand is notable, usually judged through independent press coverage and a recognisable public presence, and you cannot pay your way into it.
Route two: Meta Verified for business. This is a paid subscription aimed at businesses using the WhatsApp Business app, with plans and pricing that depend on region and features. Availability is limited to supported countries and eligible businesses, so confirm it is open to you in India and review current plan prices before subscribing.
Prepare before you apply
Whichever route you choose, preparation decides the outcome. First, complete Meta Business verification. Your Meta Business Manager account should have your legal business name, address, website and documents such as GST or incorporation certificates, consistent with what you publish elsewhere. Second, make sure your WhatsApp display name matches your brand and follows Meta's naming rules. The name should be recognisable and not generic, and it should relate clearly to your website or other official presence. Third, keep your profile complete with description, address, email and website.
For the free OBA route, collect evidence of notability. Meta looks for coverage in credible, independent media, not paid advertorials or press releases on weak sites. Gather several genuine articles or mentions that clearly name your business.
How the application works
For the OBA route, open WhatsApp Manager within Meta Business Suite, choose the phone number, and submit a request for Official Business Account status with the requested details and supporting links. Review times vary and Meta may ask follow-up questions. If rejected, you can usually improve your evidence and apply again later, so read the stated reason carefully.
For Meta Verified on the Business app, follow the in-app or Meta Business Suite subscription flow, complete identity and business checks and pay the monthly fee if approved. The flow can change, so rely on the steps shown in your account.
Why businesses want it
The badge improves trust, especially for brands in finance, e-commerce, education, travel and healthcare, where impersonation is common. Customers are more willing to share details or complete payments when they see a verified identity. Verified display names can also help your business appear by name rather than a bare phone number, supporting recognition and response rates. Do not expect it to fix a weak offer or poor messaging, and do not assume it guarantees higher delivery or engagement.
Common reasons for rejection
Applications fail when business details do not match across documents and websites, when press coverage is thin or promotional, when the display name is generic or misleading, or when the account has quality problems such as complaints and blocks. Using a name that does not clearly connect to your public brand is another common mistake. Fix inconsistencies first and apply once your evidence is solid.
Protect your reputation after verification
Verification can be removed if standards slip. Send messages only to people who have opted in, use approved templates, respond promptly and keep complaint rates low. Educate customers that you will never ask for passwords or OTPs on chat, and publish your official number on your website and social profiles so people can confirm it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the green tick the same as the blue tick?
Both labels refer to a verified business badge. Meta has been moving towards a blue checkmark, but what you see can vary.
Can small businesses get verified?
Through Meta Verified, eligible small businesses may qualify. The free OBA route is harder without notable press coverage.
Do I need the API?
The OBA route is for API users. The paid subscription is aimed at Business app users.
Build trust on WhatsApp
OM Enterprises helps businesses complete Meta verification, prepare documents and set up WhatsApp Business API accounts correctly. Talk to our WhatsApp team.