Who this applies to#
- The WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy applies to businesses using WhatsApp Business Services
What WhatsApp opt-in requires#
- Before contacting someone on WhatsApp, a business must have their supplied mobile number and their permission to receive subsequent messages or calls
- Businesses must honor requests to stop WhatsApp communications, including requests received outside WhatsApp
What this does not require#
- A supplied mobile number by itself does not establish WhatsApp opt-in; the person must also give permission to receive subsequent messages or calls
Common mistakes#
- Treating a stored phone number as evidence of permission
- Checking chat replies for opt-outs but overlooking requests received elsewhere
- Leaving nobody responsible for reviewing how permission was collected
WhatsApp opt-in checklist#
- Review the wording people see when giving permission
- Check that you can explain which communications they agreed to receive
- Keep a record of where and when permission was collected
- Test how an opt-out received by customer support reaches your sending process
OnVoard's take#
Permission must be traceable. Trace it. Start with a recipient from your next planned send and trace their permission back to the collection step. If nobody can explain what they agreed to receive, resolve that gap before sending. Give customer support a clear way to pass on requests to stop messages.