How to Change WhatsApp to Business Account In 8 Steps [Jan 2025]

What started as a messaging tool to connect with friends and family has now transformed into a powerful platform for businesses to flourish. WhatsApp has come a long way since its inception and it’s now an integral part of business operations. In this article, we’ll introduce the different WhatsApp products and show you how to change WhatsApp to business account, as well as how to convert WhatsApp Business App to Business API account.

The Difference Between WhatsApp And WhatsApp Business

With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world thanks to the advent of WhatsApp marketing. Currently, it has three products available in the market: WhatsApp Messenger, WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API.

Before we do a deep dive into the technicalities of how to turn WhatsApp into a business account, let’s first understand the different products WhatsApp offers.    

WhatsApp Messenger

Launched in 2009, WhatsApp Messenger is a free messaging app to send and receive messages, images, audio, videos and file documents. Originally targeted at individual users, the popularity of the app also attracted solopreneurs and micro businesses.

Seeing there’s a demand for a business-oriented solution, WhatsApp introduced the WhatsApp Business App in 2018 to support business communications.

WhatsApp Business App

With the introduction of WhatsApp Business App, it has opened up a slew of opportunities for businesses to engage with customers. This free-to-download app comes with a set of business tools targeted at small businesses.

WhatsApp Business App can help small businesses thrive, but it has certain limitations. One of the biggest downsides is you can only use the app on one phone and up to four devices.

For businesses with more than five users, WhatsApp Business App will no longer be a viable option. In that case, we’d recommend switching to WhatsApp Business API.

WhatsApp Business API

Finally, we have WhatsApp Business API. It’s designed for medium to large companies wanting to use WhatsApp Business with multiple users. Unlike WhatsApp Messenger and the business app, the API does not have an app or a front-end interface and needs to be integrated into business software to send and receive messages (e.g., sending WhatsApp bulk messages).

WhatsApp Business API offers advanced tools to scale businesses and help with conversational sales, conversational support and promotional messaging.

Compared to the other two WhatsApp products, WhatsApp Business API brings a whole host of benefits to businesses. These include:

• Allows multiple logins

• Verifies businesses with a WhatsApp green tick

• Integrates with tools like CRM, analytics and other third-party apps

• Allows WhatsApp broadcast messages to be sent to more than 256 contacts at a time

• Offers advanced analytics and reports to track agent performance

We hope this helps you get a better understanding of the different products WhatsApp offers, and in turn, make the right decision for your business. Next, we’ll show you how to change from a personal WhatsApp account to the WhatsApp Business App account.

3 Benefits of Switching to WhatsApp Business

For businesses, a personal WhatsApp account isn’t enough for their needs. From customer perception to messaging at scale, there are many benefits of switching to a WhatsApp business account.

Here are three benefits you stand to gain when you switch account types:

• Professional branding: You can get a WhatsApp Blue Tick (formerly known as WhatsApp Green Tick) for your business, improving your credibility among contacts and customers.

• Advanced messaging tools: WhatsApp business enables you to send quick replies and away messages, as well as gain data and analytics from messages.

• Better organization: WhatsApp Business Profiles provide key info at a glance, while labels organize chats based on priority, stage, or contact type.

If you’re convinced by the benefits of a WhatsApp business account, make sure you take note of a few things before making the switch.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Switching

Moving from a personal to a business WhatsApp account is easy, but you should take note of a few things before you do.

If you don’t check for these things, migrating to a business account might be difficult or even be impossible.

1. Backup Your WhatsApp Data

Before switching to WhatsApp Business, make sure to back up all your chat history and media files. This ensures that you don't lose any important data during the migration process.

2. Compatibility Check

Verify that your device meets the requirements for the WhatsApp Business app, including the right operating system version. It's essential to check compatibility to avoid any disruptions.

3. Get a Fresh WhatsApp Number

To set up a WhatsApp Business account, remember that each phone number can only be linked to one type WhatsApp account.

You can convert your existing WhatsApp Messenger number to a business account. If you do this, you will lose access to that personal WhatsApp account. Alternatively, you can register your business account with a fresh number, allowing you to maintain both accounts on different numbers.

First, let’s see how you can switch from a personal WhatsApp account to a business one.

8 Steps to Change WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business Account

Step 1: Backup Your Chat History

On Android: Tap ⋮ > Settings > Chat > Chat backup > Back Up

On iPhone: Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

Step 2: Download and Install WhatsApp Business

On Android: Go to the Google Play Store > Search for WhatsApp Business > Tap on Install.

On iPhone: Go to the Apple App Store > Search for WhatsApp Business > Tap on Get.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

Open the WhatsApp Business app and agree to to the terms and conditions. Then, enter the phone number you used for your personal WhatsApp account. You'll receive a verification code via SMS or call; enter this code to verify your number.

Step 4: Restore Your Chat Backup

After verification, WhatsApp Business will prompt you to restore your chat history. Select the backup you created earlier and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your chats.

Step 5: Set Up Your Business Profile

Enter your business name and select the appropriate category. Upload your business logo as the profile picture. You can also provide additional details such as your business address, description, email, and website.

Step 6: Set Up Business Features

You can start using all the available features like creating catalogs, organizing chats with labels, and automating replies with WhatsApp auto reply.

Step 7: Start Using WhatsApp Business

Your WhatsApp Business account is now set up and ready to use.

Step 8: Set Up WhatsApp Business API (Optional)

If you need advanced features like automated messaging or integration with third-party software like CRMs or e-commerce platforms, you should apply for the WhatsApp Business API.

If you want to use a fresh number to set up a WhatsApp business account, then follow the steps below.

6 Steps to Create WhatsApp Business Account with A New Number

Step 1: Download and Install WhatsApp Business

On Android: Go to the Google Play Store > Search for WhatsApp Business > Tap on Install.

On iPhone: Go to the Apple App Store > Search for WhatsApp Business > Tap on Get.

Step 2: Verify Your Phone Number

Open the WhatsApp Business app and agree to to the terms and conditions. Then, enter the phone number you used for your personal WhatsApp account. You'll receive a verification code via SMS or call; enter this code to verify your number.

Step 3: Set Up Your Business Profile

Enter your business name and select the appropriate category. Upload your business logo as the profile picture. You can also provide additional details such as your business address, description, email, and website.

Step 4: Set Up Business Features

You can start using all the available features like creating catalogs, organizing chats with labels, and automating replies with WhatsApp auto reply.

Step 5: Start Using WhatsApp Business

Your WhatsApp Business account is now set up and ready to use.

Step 6: Set Up WhatsApp Business API (Optional)

If you need advanced features like automated messaging or integration with third-party software like CRMs or e-commerce platforms, you should apply for the WhatsApp Business API.

That’s what we’ll be taking a look at next.

Maximize Your WhatsApp Business with WhatsApp API

WhatsApp API, also known as WhatsApp Business Platform, is designed for medium to large companies that want to message on WhatsApp at scale. It can support advanced features, such as automating conversations and appointment booking, AI tools, sending broadcasts, and more to create personalized customer journeys.

If WhatsApp API sounds like the perfect fit for your business, read the next section to get WhatsApp API.

Want to Upgrade to WhatsApp Business API?

To use WhatsApp API, businesses will need to have a phone number that’s not tied to any WhatsApp account. You’ll also need to set up a Meta Business Portfolio account.

Next, you’ll need to select a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) to help you get access to a WhatsApp API account. BSPs are approved by WhatsApp and often provide solutions to enable businesses to send messages, manage customer interactions and integrate with other business tools.

Want to get a WhatsApp API account? Respond.io is a BSP and an AI-powered customer conversation management software that allows for reliable messaging at scale. To get started, sign up for a free respond.io account today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I switch from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business without losing my data?

Yes, you can back up your WhatsApp data and restore it in WhatsApp Business to avoid losing any chat history or media.

2.Do I need a business license to use WhatsApp Business?

A business license is not required to use WhatsApp Business, but you will need to provide business details during setup to comply with WhatsApp’s verification process.

3.Is WhatsApp Business free?

WhatsApp Business is free for small businesses. However, larger businesses requiring advanced features may need to use the WhatsApp Business API, which may involve costs based on usage.

4.Can I use the same phone number for WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?

Yes, you can use the same phone number for both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, but only one app can be used at a time for the number.

5.How do I access WhatsApp Business features if I don’t have the API?

You can still access essential WhatsApp Business features like quick replies, automated messages, and catalog creation without the API. The API is necessary for businesses with more advanced needs, such as automation and CRM integration.

Further Reading

Interested to learn more about how WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API benefit your business?  Take a look at some of these articles below:

• The Ultimate Guide to WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API

• How to Choose the Right WhatsApp Partner

• How to Turn Website Visitors into WhatsApp Contacts with WhatsApp WebChat