The blue tick on WhatsApp, officially known as the Verified Badge, indicates that the account is authentic and belongs to the business or public figure it claims to represent. This verification can help establish trust with users, especially for businesses or individuals with a large following. While the blue tick is commonly associated with celebrities and well-known brands, WhatsApp also verifies business accounts.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your WhatsApp account verified:
1. Understand Who Can Get Verified
The blue tick verification is available for two types of accounts on WhatsApp:
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Business Accounts: WhatsApp offers verification for businesses that use WhatsApp Business accounts. This is mainly for companies, brands, and customer service lines.
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Public Figures or Notable Personalities: Influencers, celebrities, and public figures with a large presence are also eligible for verification.
Personal accounts (like those of regular users) are not eligible for the blue tick at this time.
2. Meet WhatsApp’s Criteria for Verification
WhatsApp has strict criteria for verification. You’ll need to meet the following conditions:
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Business Profile: For businesses, you need to create and complete your business profile using the WhatsApp Business App. This includes providing business details, such as:
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A business name
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A verified phone number
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A profile picture (business logo)
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A description of your business
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Public Figure Status: If you are a public figure, you must have a large online presence. WhatsApp does not publicly disclose the exact number of followers required for verification, but the account should have notable media coverage and significant social media or press mentions.
3. Apply for WhatsApp Business Verification (If Applicable)
If you’re applying for a business account verification, follow these steps:
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Download and Set Up WhatsApp Business: Install the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Complete Your Business Profile: Fill out all relevant information for your business, including:
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Business name
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Business address (if relevant)
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Category of your business
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Business website or email
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Request Verification:
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Go to Settings > Business Settings > Profile.
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Tap on Request Account Verification.
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You’ll be asked to provide a copy of your business’s official documents (e.g., business registration, tax documentation) to verify your business.
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Wait for Approval: Once you’ve submitted your request, WhatsApp will review the information and decide whether or not to approve your request. The verification process can take several days or weeks.
4. Apply for Public Figure Verification (If Applicable)
If you’re a public figure or celebrity looking for a verified badge, the process is slightly different:
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Use Your Official Website or Social Media: Having an official website, or substantial social media presence (with accounts on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook) is critical. WhatsApp typically verifies accounts that have a high level of media coverage or a large following across platforms.
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Contact WhatsApp: Unlike businesses, individuals can’t directly apply for verification on WhatsApp. However, WhatsApp uses public figures’ presence across other verified social media platforms and their relevance in the public sphere to decide who gets verified. If you’re widely recognized and have a verified social media account, WhatsApp may initiate the verification process for you.
5. Wait for the Verification Process
Once you’ve applied for verification, you’ll have to wait for WhatsApp to review your account and decide if you meet their criteria for verification. They typically evaluate:
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The completeness and authenticity of your profile.
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The notability of your business or personal profile.
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The accuracy of any official documents provided for business accounts.
Note: WhatsApp’s team does not disclose the specific algorithm or factors used to grant or deny verification, so there is no guaranteed process.
6. What Happens After You’re Verified?
Once your account is verified, you will receive the blue tick next to your name, which indicates that your account is authentic. This is an indication to users that they are communicating with a legitimate entity.
If your verification request is denied, you can reapply after a period (usually 30 days), but you will need to make sure your profile meets the criteria and has more notable presence or engagement.
Common Challenges to Be Aware Of
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Scams: Beware of third-party services or individuals claiming to offer verification in exchange for money. WhatsApp verification is completely free, and the process cannot be expedited by paying anyone.
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No Direct Public Application for Individuals: WhatsApp does not have a direct application for individual users. They rely on external media or social media coverage to decide if you qualify.
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Long Wait Times: Verification can take weeks, so patience is important. Keep your profile updated, and ensure your business or public presence continues to grow.
Getting the blue tick on WhatsApp, whether for a business or as a public figure, adds legitimacy and trustworthiness to your account. While the process can take time and may not be accessible to everyone, following the right steps, maintaining a strong public presence, and using the WhatsApp Business app (if applicable) will increase your chances of getting verified. Be patient and remember that authenticity and credibility are key in the verification process!
