WhatsApp API Eligibility Checker

Is your business ready for the WhatsApp Business API? Answer 9 quick questions and get a to-do list for anything missing.

✨ Ask AI about this page:

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

1. Is your business outside WhatsApp's list of goods and services that are not allowed?
Not allowed: Firearms · alcohol and tobacco · drugs (prescription, recreational or otherwise) · medical and healthcare products · endangered species · live animals (livestock excepted) · hazardous goods · real, virtual or fake currency · body parts or fluids · fraudulent or misleading businesses · real-money gambling · adult products and services · dating services · multi-level marketing · payday loans, peer-to-peer lending, debt collection and bail bonds. Political parties and campaigns can't use it either. A few have limited country exceptions — in India, over-the-counter medicines.
2. Do you have a Meta business portfolio (Meta Business Suite) — or a Facebook account that can create one?
Meta says you must have a business portfolio to use the WhatsApp Business Platform. You can pick or create one in Meta's sign-up pop-up.
3. Do you have a phone number you own that can receive an SMS or a phone call?
Mobile or landline, with the country and area code. Short codes don't work. Meta sends a code to it by SMS or voice call.
4. Is that number either not on WhatsApp at all, or on the WhatsApp Business app?
A number on the WhatsApp Business app can be connected as it is. A number on the regular WhatsApp app must be deleted from the app first.
5. Will you message only people who agreed to hear from you on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp's policy says you may start conversations only with people who gave you their number and permission (opt-in).
6. Can you show a customer-support contact (phone, email or address) on your WhatsApp profile?
WhatsApp's policy asks for a business profile with customer-support contact details, kept accurate and up to date.
7. Do you have official documents showing your business's legal name and address?
For example a certificate of incorporation or a business licence. Needed for Meta business verification — not to start.
Not needed to start · needed for verification
8. Do you have a working website (with https) that shows your business name or logo?
Meta checks this during business verification. It must load, use HTTPS and belong to your business.
Not needed to start · needed for verification
9. Do you have an email address on your website's own domain (like name@yourbusiness.com)?
Meta says the email domain should match your website for business verification.
Not needed to start · needed for verification

Your result

0 of 9 answered — answer every question to see your result.

Lead Pattern is an official Meta Tech Provider — we set up your WhatsApp Business API for free, with a 14-day free trial. Beginner's guide →

Based on Meta's published rules and WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy. Meta reviews every business and makes the final decision. Your answers stay in your browser.

How it works

Check if you're ready in 3 steps

Answer 9 quick questions

Yes, no or not sure — about your business type, Meta account, phone number, opt-in and documents.

See your result

Ready, ready to start, or almost ready — with a short to-do list for anything missing.

Fix the to-dos

Each item links to a plain-English guide. Then connect your number, or ask us to set it up for free.

What Meta really asks for

To start, Meta asks for a Meta business portfolio, a phone number that can receive a code by SMS or call, and a business that follows WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy — including messaging only people who opted in. Meta business verification is not needed to start: you can message within Meta's starting limit, and verification later unlocks higher limits. That is when Meta checks your documents, website and business email.

Some goods and services, like firearms, alcohol, adult products, dating services and real-money gambling, are not allowed. Who can get the WhatsApp Business API →

Getting set up

New to all this? Start with the WhatsApp Business API for beginners guide. Lead Pattern is an official Meta Tech Provider: we set up your WhatsApp Business API for free, and you can try it with a 14-day free trial.

Eligibility checker FAQ

Do I need Meta business verification to use the WhatsApp Business API?+

Not to start. You can message within Meta's starting limit of 250 different customers in 24 hours for chats you start. Verification is one way to raise that limit. Meta business verification →

Can I use the number that is on my WhatsApp Business app?+

Yes — it can be connected as it is. A number on the regular WhatsApp app must be deleted from the app first. Move a number to the API →

Which businesses can't use WhatsApp for Business?+

WhatsApp's policy doesn't allow some goods and services, such as firearms, drugs, adult products, dating services and real-money gambling, and it doesn't allow political parties or campaigns. A few have limited country exceptions — in India, over-the-counter medicines.

Does this checker decide if I'm approved?+

No. It's a quick check against Meta's published rules. Meta reviews every business and makes the final decision.

Is my information saved?+

No. Your answers stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere.

More free tools

Ready to turn WhatsApp into your best channel?

Start your 14-day free trial. We set up your official WhatsApp Business API for free and help you connect your store, ERP or website.

Start your Free Trial now Book a Demo Chat on WhatsApp

14-day free trial · No credit card · Free WhatsApp API setup

WhatsApp API Eligibility Checker

Check if you're ready in 3 steps

Answer 9 quick questions

See your result

Fix the to-dos

What Meta really asks for

Getting set up

Eligibility checker FAQ

Other tools you might need

Blue Tick Checker

Display Name Checker

Messaging Limit Planner

All free tools

Ready to turn WhatsApp into your best channel?