Do I need Meta business verification for the WhatsApp API?
Updated 30 September 2026
Not to start. A new, unverified account can message 250 customers a day outside the 24-hour window. Verifying your business is one route to 2,000, and it is needed to send Flows and to qualify for an Official Business Account.
- Meta says verification brings improved functionality, such as higher throughput and Official Business Account status.
- You can also reach 2,000 a day without verifying, by sending 2,000 high-quality template messages to different customers within 30 days.
- A decision can take up to 14 working days. Your business details and website must match exactly, and the website needs HTTPS.
- If you edit your business details afterwards, you must complete verification again.
- Verification alone doesn't give you a verified badge. The API's blue check needs a separate Official Business Account request.
Take orders without waiting on WhatsApp
Your Menuthere ordering website and QR code take orders without the API. Customers can chat with you on WhatsApp and you get a copy of each order on your number. When you want the API, Menuthere runs it on your own number.
Next questions
Sources (4)
- Messaging limits, Meta for Developers, updated 21 May 2026
- About the WhatsApp Business Platform, Meta for Developers, updated 4 August 2026
- Getting started with Flows, Meta for Developers, updated 2 July 2026
- About business verification, Meta Business Help Center, read 30 September 2026
