WhatsApp | How to apply for Official Business Account (OBA) status
This article describes how to apply for Official Business Account status. Applications for Meta's Official Business Account must be submitted via Meta Business Manager, meeting strict criteria. Step 1 requires system checks: approved display name, 2FA enabled, and completed business verification. Step 2 demands exactly five unpaid, organic external links proving brand notability, excluding owned sites or paid content. Step 3 involves submitting the request through WhatsApp Manager. Rejections trigger a 30-day cooldown before reapplying.
Application process
Applications for Official Business Account (OBA) status must be submitted directly by you via Whatsapp Manager. Meta is incredibly strict with these approvals, so it is highly recommended to ensure you meet all criteria, before submitting an application, to avoid an automatic rejection.
Step 1: Mandatory system checks
Please ensure the following are fully set up and greenlit in Whatsapp Manager:
Display Name approved
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on your Meta Business account
Business Verification completed
Note: Verification is a prerequisite, but does not guarantee OBA approval.
Step 2: Gather your 5 supporting links
Meta now strictly requires 5 external links proving your brand's organic "notability".
- What IS accepted: Unpaid, organic news articles, press coverage, or Wikipedia pages about your brand from the last 12 months.
- What IS NOT accepted: Your own website, social media profiles, paid/sponsored press releases, or blog posts.
- If your brand is a subsidiary, please ensure the articles establish a clear connection between your public parent company and the specific brand name you are verifying.
Step 3: How to Submit
When you are ready, follow these steps in Whatsapp Manager:
- Go to WhatsApp Accounts > WhatsApp Manager.
- Navigate to Phone Numbers > Profile.
- Click Submit Request under Official Business Account.
Important Warning: If Meta rejects your application, there is a strict 30-day cooldown period before you can apply or appeal again. Because of this, please ensure your 5 links are incredibly solid before submitting your application.