How to change WhatsApp to a business account (Android & iPhone)

When it comes to communicating with customers through WhatsApp, businesses have multiple options. This guide shows how to convert WhatsApp to business account easily on both Android and iPhone devices. Whether you’re upgrading from WhatsApp Messenger or migrating within the WhatsApp apps, you’ll learn how to download the WhatsApp Business app, back up your data, complete profile picture and business info setup, and understand the important terms of service related to the switch. 

We also cover steps on how to get started from the Google Play Store or Apple Store or Apple App, tips for maintaining chat history during migration, and when it’s time to upgrade from the Business app to the full WhatsApp Business Platform (API/WABA) for advanced needs like multi-agent support and automation. 

What changes when you move to WhatsApp Business

Switching to WhatsApp Business helps you manage customer communication more effectively while maintaining your existing connections. The transition is simple. Most of what you already have stays the same, but you gain access to new tools designed for businesses to improve organization and customer engagement. 

What stays the same 

Your phone number, contacts, and groups remain unchanged after you convert WhatsApp to business. Your chat history and media remain intact if you back up correctly through Google Drive or iCloud. Your device’s operating system and hardware requirements will continue to support WhatsApp as before. 

What’s new in the business app 

After you download the WhatsApp Business app and open the app, you can create a professional business profile with a profile picture, business description, accurate location, business category, hours, email, and website. Tools like labels, catalogs, quick replies, greeting messages, and away messages become available to enhance customer engagement. You can also optionally connect WhatsApp Web for multi-device support. 

What you cannot do (limits to know) 

You can’t use the same number simultaneously on personal WhatsApp Messenger and the Business app on the same device. The Business app offers basic customer support features but lacks advanced multi-agent workflows, proactive templated messaging, and analytics found on the WhatsApp Business Platform. 

How to convert WhatsApp to business account: Step-by-step guide 

Converting your WhatsApp Messenger to a WhatsApp Business account is straightforward and designed to keep your chats and contacts intact. Follow a few simple steps and access business tools that help you manage customer communication efficiently while maintaining your existing connections.

Before you switch: Backup and preparation 

• Backup your chats on Android via Google Drive or on iPhone via iCloud. Confirm that you have enough storage space and a stable internet connection. 
• Make sure you can receive SMS or phone calls on your phone number to verify it during the switch. 
• Update your current WhatsApp Messenger to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the Business app. 

How to convert on Android 

1. Download the WhatsApp Business app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and verify the same phone number you used on WhatsApp Messenger. 
3. Restore your backup from Google Drive to transfer your chat history and media. 
4. Set up your business profile including your profile picture, business name, description, business category, address, hours, email, and website. 
5. Enable business features like labels, quick replies, greeting and away messages, and optionally create a product or service catalog. 

How to convert on iPhone 

• Download the WhatsApp Business app from the Play Store or Apple Store or Apple App. 
• Open the app and verify your phone number as before. 
• Restore your chat backup from iCloud (ensure you use the same Apple ID and have sufficient iCloud storage). 
• Fill out your business profile with all relevant details and upload your profile picture. 
• Activate business tools such as labels, quick replies, greeting/away messages, and catalog features. 

After you switch: Configuring your business tools 

Complete your business profile to ensure consistent branding and improve trust when communicating with customers. Set up greeting and away messages to manage expectations and enable quick replies for frequently asked questions to improve your customer support responsiveness. 

Organize conversations with labels such as New Lead, Order, VIP, or Support to streamline follow-ups and enhance operational efficiency. Adding a simple catalog with your products or services allows customers to browse and inquire directly in WhatsApp. 

Important terms of service & compliance tips when changing to WhatsApp Business 

WhatsApp’s terms of service require businesses to obtain explicit opt-in from contacts before sending promotional messages. Respect opt-outs promptly and rely on template messaging when conducting proactive outreach via the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) to stay compliant with policies, including the 24-hour customer service window. 

Troubleshooting common issues 

• If you don’t receive the verification code, check your mobile signal, number format, or try the call option. Avoid VPNs during verification. 
• For backup or restoration failures, verify Google or Apple account linkage, storage permissions, and available space. 
• Delete unnecessary media or free up space if storage limits prevent backups. 
• With dual-SIM phones, ensure you verify the correct number and temporarily disable the other SIM. 

When to upgrade to WhatsApp Business Platform (API) 

While the WhatsApp Business app is excellent for sole proprietors or small teams, businesses needing multi-agent customer support, SLA-driven workflows, advanced automation, analytics, and CRM integration should consider moving to the WhatsApp Business Platform (API/WABA).  

This platform supports conversation-based pricing, template messaging, broader compliance controls, and enterprise-grade orchestration tools like Infobip’s customer engagement solution, cloud contact center, and customer data platform. 

How Infobip helps when changing to WhatsApp Business

Infobip accelerates onboarding and compliance governance and supports: 

• Customer engagement solution for journey automation with triggers, scheduling, frequency caps, and failover. 
• Cloud contact center for shared/team inbox with routing, SLAs, notes, quality assurance, and analytics. 
• Customer data platform for unified customer data, segmentation, scoring, and CRM sync. 

FAQs about WhatsApp Business 

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