Getting the official WhatsApp Business API in India is genuinely fast in 2026 — most businesses are approved within minutes, not weeks. But the process still confuses first-timers because three separate things get mixed up: API access, display-name approval, and the Blue Tick. This guide untangles all three.
Who is eligible?
A real, operating business (registered company, LLP, proprietorship or professional practice)
An online presence: website, or an active Instagram/Facebook business page
A phone number NOT currently registered on WhatsApp (or one you're willing to migrate)
A Facebook Business Manager account (free to create)
You must not sell prohibited categories (weapons, tobacco, gambling, adult content, crypto trading, etc. per Meta's commerce policy)
Documents you'll need
Legal business name (as on GST/registration — must match what you enter in Business Manager)
Business website or social page URL
A phone number for WhatsApp (landline with OTP-on-call also works)
GST certificate — helpful for verification in India, but not always mandatory for basic API access
For Blue Tick later: proof of brand presence like press coverage or official listings
The 7-step process
Step 1 — Choose a Business Solution Provider (BSP)
Meta doesn't onboard most businesses directly; you apply through a BSP like Sendvise. The BSP handles the technical integration, template approvals and billing. See our guide to choosing a provider.
Step 2 — Create/connect Facebook Business Manager
At business.facebook.com, create a Business Manager with your legal business name. If you already run Facebook/Instagram ads, use the existing one.
Step 3 — Start embedded signup
From your BSP's dashboard, the embedded signup flow connects your Business Manager, creates a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), and registers your number.
Step 4 — Verify your number
An OTP arrives on the number via SMS or voice call. Once verified, the number is bound to the API — the regular WhatsApp app on that number stops working (unless you use Coexistence — see our Coexistence guide).
Step 5 — Set your display name
Your display name must relate to your business name. Generic names, ALL-CAPS, or names with promotional taglines get rejected. Meta's review typically takes minutes to a few hours.
Step 6 — Submit message templates
Outbound messages to customers who haven't written to you in 24 hours require pre-approved templates. Most templates approve within 2–4 hours. See our template approval guide.
Step 7 — Go live
Connect your store/CRM, import opted-in contacts, and send your first campaign. With Sendvise, steps 3–7 are guided and typical time-to-approval is about 10 minutes.
What does it cost?
API access itself: free via Sendvise — zero setup fee
Platform subscription: Sendvise plans start at ₹699/month — see pricing
Per-message messaging charges at Sendvise's published rates: Marketing ₹0.98, Utility/Authentication ₹0.17, service replies free — details in our message charges guide
Common rejection reasons (and fixes)
Business name mismatch between Business Manager and documents — make them identical
No verifiable online presence — publish a basic website or complete your Instagram business profile first
Number already on WhatsApp — deregister it in the app (Settings → Account → Delete) or use a fresh number
Prohibited category — check Meta's commerce policy before applying
Display name too generic or promotional — use your actual brand name
FAQ
How long does approval take?
API access: usually ~10 minutes via Sendvise. Display name: minutes to a few hours. Blue Tick (optional): 7–15 days at Meta's discretion.
Can I keep using my number's WhatsApp app?
Normally no — API registration replaces the app. WhatsApp Coexistence now allows both in supported cases; ask during onboarding.
Do I need a developer?
No. Modern BSP platforms are fully no-code. A developer is only needed if you want custom API integrations.
Ready to start? Book a free demo and the Sendvise team will take you from zero to approved in one session.
Put this guide to work