WhatsApp Business is a free, separate app for shops, tutors, doctors and small sellers. It works like normal WhatsApp but adds a business profile, a product catalogue, automatic replies and labels to keep customers organised.
WhatsApp vs WhatsApp Business
- Both are free and use your phone number. One number can be active in only one of the two apps at a time.
- Business adds tools under Settings › Business tools (on Android, ⋮ › Business tools; on some versions in the Tools tab).
- Customers chat with you in their normal WhatsApp; they don't need the Business app.
- Many people use a second SIM for business so personal and work chats stay apart.
Set it up
- Install WhatsApp Business from the Play Store or App Store (check the publisher is WhatsApp LLC).
- Open it, agree to the terms, and enter the number to use. If that number is in normal WhatsApp, the app offers to move it over with your chats.
- Type the 6-digit code you receive.
- Enter your business name, category (for example Grocery Store) and a profile photo or logo.
Fill your business profile
Go to Business tools › Business profile. Add address, opening hours, a short description, email and website. Customers see this when they tap your name. A complete profile looks more trustworthy.
Useful tools
- Catalogue: add products or services with photos, price and description. Customers browse it inside the chat and send you an enquiry.
- Greeting message: sent automatically when a new customer writes, for example "Thanks for messaging, we reply within an hour".
- Away message: sent when you are closed. You can set it to your opening hours.
- Quick replies: save answers you type often and insert them by typing / in the chat.
- Labels: tag chats as New customer, Pending payment, Paid, Order complete (labels show best on Android).
- Short link and QR code: share a link that opens a chat with you; print the QR on your counter.
Reach customers without spamming
Message only people who gave you their number and want to hear from you. Use status updates and a channel (see create a channel) for offers. Sending the same message to many strangers gets you reported and can ban the number (see banned account). Broadcast lists only reach people who saved your number.
If it doesn't work
- Personal chats missing: the number moved to Business; your old chats should come along if you accepted the move. Keep a backup first.
- No catalogue option: update the app; some tools are not available in every country.
- Paid green/blue tick: verification is a separate paid Meta service, not needed to sell.
Safety tip
Scammers pose as customers and send fake payment screenshots. Always check your bank or UPI app before handing over goods. Never share your own OTP to "receive" a payment.
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
Still stuck?
Contact support. Tell us which tool or page you were using, what you tapped, what you saw, and your phone or computer and browser (for example: Android phone, Chrome). We reply by email.
Questions, or an error not listed here?
Tell us in the comments: what you were doing, the exact message you saw, and your device and browser. We read every comment and add new fixes to this article.