How to collect WhatsApp opt-ins the right way

An opt-in is a customer's clear permission to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp. Meta's policy requires it before you send a template, and it is also the single biggest thing that protects your quality rating.

What Meta requires

You need two things before you message someone: their mobile number, and their permission. For the permission to count, you must:

1. Say clearly that they are agreeing to receive messages from you.
2. Name your business — the customer must know who will message them.
3. Follow the law that applies to you. In India that includes the consent rules of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

How you collect it is up to you — online, on paper or in person.

Ready-to-use opt-in wording

Website or lead form checkbox (leave it unticked by default):

☐ Yes, send me booking updates and offers from Sharma Travels on WhatsApp. I can reply STOP anytime.

Billing counter or paper form:

I agree to receive order updates and offers from Gupta Electronics on WhatsApp at this number.
Signature: ____________

First reply to a new chat:

Thanks for messaging Bright Smile Dental! May we send appointment reminders and health tips on this WhatsApp number? Reply YES to agree.

Eight easy ways to collect opt-ins

You can build the link, QR code and website button in Growth Tools — see Get customers to message you — or make a free one with the WhatsApp link generator.

Make it stronger

• Say what you'll send. "Order updates" and "weekly offers" are different promises. Separate permission for each lowers blocks.
• Say how often. "One or two messages a month" removes the fear of spam.
• Keep proof. Record the date and source of consent. In Adwix Connect, tag contacts by where they came from (for example website-form or diwali-qr) when you import your contacts.

Opt-outs matter just as much

Meta expects you to honour every request to stop.

• Put "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in the footer of marketing templates.
• In Adwix Connect, anyone who replies STOP moves to Opt-outs automatically and is skipped in every later campaign.
• Customers can also turn off marketing messages from you inside WhatsApp itself. Those sends fail with error 131050 — don't retry them.

Frequently asked questions

Is opt-in mandatory for WhatsApp Business API?

Yes. Meta's WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy requires a business to have the customer's permission before sending them messages. The opt-in must state that the person is agreeing to receive messages and must name the business.

Does a customer messaging me first count as an opt-in?

It lets you reply freely for 24 hours, but it is not permission for future marketing. Ask for a clear YES in that conversation before adding the customer to promotional campaigns.

Can I collect WhatsApp opt-in offline?

Yes. Meta allows any method that meets its requirements, including a signed paper form, a line on the bill or a verbal confirmation that you record.

How do customers opt out of WhatsApp business messages?

They can reply STOP if you offer that option, use the stop or block controls inside WhatsApp, or ask your team directly. You must stop messaging them once they do.