What counts as opt-in?

Explicit, affirmative consent to receive WhatsApp messages. Examples: checking a box, clicking a button, sending the first message to your WhatsApp number. Pre-checked boxes do not count.

Can I message someone who messaged me first?

Yes — when a customer initiates a conversation, you can reply within the 24-hour service window without a template. After 24 hours, you need a template and the customer must have opted in for that category.

Resources/WhatsApp Opt-In

WhatsApp Opt-In

What WhatsApp opt-in means, how to collect it, and why it is non-negotiable for business messaging.

Last reviewed: September 2, 2026•Reviewed by: Convoup Platform & Technical Operations

WhatsApp opt-in is the explicit consent a customer gives before a business can send them marketing, utility, or authentication messages — required by Meta's messaging policy and enforced at the API level.

Why This Matters

The Problem

Meta strictly prohibits sending business-initiated messages to people who have not opted in. Violating this policy can result in account restrictions, message blocks, or permanent bans from the WhatsApp Business Platform.

Deep Dive

What WhatsApp Opt-In Actually Is

Opt-in means the customer has explicitly agreed to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp. This can be collected via: a checkbox on your website checkout, a "Send me updates on WhatsApp" button, a WhatsApp-initiated conversation where the customer sends the first message, or an explicit opt-in form. Opt-in must be: explicit (not pre-checked), specific (they know what they are opting into), and documented (you must be able to prove consent). Opt-out must also be easy — customers can block you or text "STOP".

In Practice

Real-World Examples

An ecommerce checkout page includes: "Send me shipping updates on WhatsApp [checkbox]" — unchecked by default.

A landing page has a "Get WhatsApp updates" button that opens a WhatsApp conversation with a pre-filled opt-in message.

Watch Out

Common Mistakes

Pre-checking opt-in boxes — Meta requires explicit, affirmative consent.

Not recording opt-in timestamps and sources — you need an audit trail if Meta asks for proof.

Sending marketing messages to contacts who only opted in for transactional updates.

From Our Experience

Expert Note

Convoup records opt-in timestamps and sources automatically when contacts message you or are imported with consent data. This creates an audit trail you can reference if Meta questions your compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp Opt-In

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WhatsApp Campaigns

What WhatsApp campaigns are, how they work on the WhatsApp Business Platform, and how to run them compliantly.

Convoup is built on the official WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API). Convoup is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or an official partner of Meta. WhatsApp is a trademark of its respective owner. Meta conversation charges apply separately from Convoup's subscription.

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