---
title: What is WhatsApp opt-in? Meaning & examples
description: Opt-in is a customer's permission to receive WhatsApp messages from
  your business. Learn why Meta requires it, how to collect it and how it
  protects you.
url: https://salemag.net/glossary/opt-in
language: en
published: 2026-10-21
updated: 2026-10-21
author: SaleMag Team
tags:
  - opt-in
  - whatsapp policy
  - whatsapp marketing
---

# What is WhatsApp opt-in? Meaning & examples

> Opt-in is the permission a customer gives a business to send them messages on WhatsApp. Meta requires it before a business starts a conversation with a template. The customer should know your business name and that the messages will come on WhatsApp, and they must be able to opt out.

## What is opt-in?

**Opt-in** means a customer has agreed to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp. Meta's WhatsApp Business policy requires opt-in before you send business-initiated messages, which are the [message templates](https://salemag.net/glossary/message-template) you send when the customer has not just written to you.

A good opt-in:

- names your business,
- says the messages will come on WhatsApp,
- says what kind of messages to expect, such as order updates or offers,
- is easy to undo.

## Why does it matter for sellers in Bangladesh?

Many shops collect thousands of phone numbers from COD orders and Facebook comments, then send everyone a promotion. Without real consent people block and report, your quality rating drops, and Meta can restrict the number you rely on for sales. Collecting opt-in at checkout or in chat keeps your number healthy and your broadcasts welcome.

## Ways to collect opt-in

- A checkbox on your website checkout: "Send me order updates and offers on WhatsApp."
- A question in chat: "Can we send you offers here on WhatsApp? Reply YES."
- A line on your order form or a QR code at your shop counter.

## Example

A customer orders on WhatsApp and replies YES to "Want Eid offers here?". The shop marks the contact as opted in. In SaleMag each contact has a WhatsApp opt-in flag, and [WhatsApp broadcasts](https://salemag.net/features/whatsapp-broadcast) skip contacts who have not opted in.

## Related terms

[Broadcast](https://salemag.net/glossary/broadcast), marketing message, 24-hour window, quality rating.

## FAQ

### Is a phone number from a COD order an opt-in?

Not on its own. Ask clearly, for example with a checkbox or a line on the order form saying you will send updates on WhatsApp.

### Do I need opt-in to reply to a customer who messaged me?

No. Replying inside the 24-hour window after the customer writes to you does not need a separate opt-in. Opt-in covers messages your business starts.

### What happens if I message people who did not opt in?

They are more likely to block or report you, which lowers your quality rating and can lead Meta to restrict your number.

### How do customers opt out?

Give a simple way, such as replying STOP or tapping a button, and stop messaging them once they ask.