Before you start

Setting up WhatsApp Business takes about ten minutes if you have your assets ready. You will need a phone number that is not currently active on regular WhatsApp, a square logo or profile photo at least 640 by 640 pixels, your business address, opening hours, and a short description under 256 characters.

Step 1: Download and install

Find WhatsApp Business in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It is a separate app, not an upgrade, so you can run it alongside your personal WhatsApp on the same phone if you use two different numbers. Accept the terms and grant the required permissions for contacts and storage.

Step 2: Verify your number

Enter the phone number you want to use. WhatsApp will send a six-digit verification code by SMS or voice call. If the number is currently in use on a regular WhatsApp account, you will be asked whether you want to migrate or use a fresh number. Migration carries over your chat history but ends your access to the consumer app on that number.

Step 3: Build your profile

Tap the menu, go to Settings, then Business Tools, and open Business Profile. Add your logo, business name, category, address, hours, website and email. The business name cannot be changed easily later, so spell it correctly the first time. Use the same name your customers know you by, not a registered legal entity name.

Step 4: Configure messaging tools

Set a greeting message that triggers when customers message you for the first time, and an away message for hours when you cannot respond. Create at least five quick replies for common questions like pricing, location and delivery times. Add three or four labels such as New Customer, Pending Payment and Resolved to keep your inbox organised.

Step 5: Add your catalog

Open the Catalog feature and add your top-selling products with photos, prices and descriptions. Even if you only have five items, a catalog signals professionalism and lets you share product links inside chats. You can update items at any time and customers can browse without leaving the conversation.

Final checks

Send a test message from another phone to confirm that your greeting fires correctly and that your profile information appears as you expect. You are now live.