Error (#131037): WhatsApp provided number needs display name approval before message can be sent
🚨Why does this happen?
WhatsApp requires prior approval of the display name to ensure:
Clear company identity
Prevent scams and spam
Standardization of the user experience
Common situations:
Newly created number
Recent change of display name
Name does not follow Meta's policies
🔎 How to resolve?
1️⃣ Check the display name status
In the WhatsApp Manager (Meta Business Manager):
Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Profile
Check if the name is:
⏳ Under review
❌ Rejected
✅ Approved
2️⃣ If it is under review
⏱️ Just wait. Approval usually takes a few hours up to 48h.
3️⃣ If it is rejected
You will need to edit and resubmit the name.
Best practices for approval:
✔ Name identical or very similar to the registered brand ✔ No emojis ✔ No excessive ALL CAPS ✔ No promotional terms (e.g., “Promo”, “Official”, “24/7 Support”) ✔ No URLs or phone numbers
Valid example:
SprintHub
Invalid example:
🚀 SprintHub OFFICIAL | Promotions
🚫 Important
While the name is not approved:
❌ Does not send session messages
❌ Does not send templates
❌ Webhooks work, but sending does not
How to change the display name in WhatsApp Business
This article is intended for businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform. It does not apply to the WhatsApp Business app.
The display name is the company name that appears to customers when sending messages via WhatsApp. Once approved, this name can be changed, provided it follows Meta's policies and goes through a new review.
Account types
The process varies depending on the account type:
Unofficial business account The change can be made directly in the WhatsApp Manager.
Official (verified) business account The display name change must be requested from Meta support.
Prerequisites
Before changing the display name, check that:
There is a Business Portfolio created in Meta Business Manager.
The company is registered in the WhatsApp Business Platform, through:
A Solution Provider (BSP), or
As a Solution Provider.
The phone number is connected to the WhatsApp Business account.
The company qualifies for use of a display name, allowing submission for review.
How to change the display name
To change the display name in the Meta WhatsApp Manager:
Access the Meta Business Suite.
Click on WhatsApp Manager.
Select the desired account.
In the side menu, click on Phone numbers.
In the Namecolumn, hover over the current name.
Click on the edit icon (pencil).
Enter the new display name.
Click on Next to submit for review.
Approval and certificate
After submission, the display name will undergo WhatsApp review. Only after approval will it be possible to update the number for use.
Update depending on the API used
WhatsApp Business Platform Cloud API Register the number using the Registration endpoint. No certificate is required.
WhatsApp Business Platform Local API Register the new certificate using the Account endpoint.
Certificate status
The certificate is generated according to the company's status:
Unverified company The certificate is available for download immediately.
Verified company The number will appear with the status Pending review. After approval, the View button will be available to access the certificate.
Limits and deadlines
It is possible to change the display name up to 10 times every 30 days.
After 30 days, the limit is renewed.
The certificate for the new name is available for 14 days.
If it expires, it will be necessary to resubmit the name for review.
Note
Display name review is no longer mandatory to start using the WhatsApp Business Platform. However, approval is still required for sending messages, especially after name changes or with new numbers.
How to change the display name in WhatsApp Business
This article is intended for businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform. It does not apply to the WhatsApp Business app.
The display name is the company name that appears to customers when sending messages via WhatsApp. Once approved, this name can be changed, provided it follows Meta's policies and goes through a new review.
Account types
The process varies depending on the account type:
Unofficial business account The change can be made directly in the WhatsApp Manager.
Official (verified) business account The display name change must be requested from Meta support.
Prerequisites
Before changing the display name, check that:
There is a Business Portfolio created in Meta Business Manager.
The company is registered in the WhatsApp Business Platform, through:
A Solution Provider (BSP), or
As a Solution Provider.
The phone number is connected to the WhatsApp Business account.
The company qualifies for use of a display name, allowing submission for review.
How to change the display name
To change the display name in the Meta WhatsApp Manager:
Access the Meta Business Suite.
Click on WhatsApp Manager.
Select the desired account.
In the side menu, click on Phone numbers.
In the Namecolumn, hover over the current name.
Click on the edit icon (pencil).
Enter the new display name.
Click on Next to submit for review.
Approval and certificate
After submission, the display name will undergo WhatsApp review. Only after approval will it be possible to update the number for use.
Update depending on the API used
WhatsApp Business Platform Cloud API Register the number using the Registration endpoint. No certificate is required.
WhatsApp Business Platform Local API Register the new certificate using the Account endpoint.
Certificate status
The certificate is generated according to the company's status:
Unverified company The certificate is available for download immediately.
Verified company The number will appear with the status Pending review. After approval, the View button will be available to access the certificate.
Limits and deadlines
It is possible to change the display name up to 10 times every 30 days.
After 30 days, the limit is renewed.
The certificate for the new name is available for 14 days.
If it expires, it will be necessary to resubmit the name for review.
Note
Display name review is no longer mandatory to start using the WhatsApp Business Platform. However, approval is still required for sending messages, especially after name changes or with new numbers.
Official reference
The information presented in this article is based on the official Meta (WhatsApp Business) documentation:
🔗 How to change the display name in WhatsApp Business
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