WhatsApp Opt-In: Definition, Rules, and How to Collect It

01 · Glossary

What Meta actually requires

Meta's policy requires opt-in before business-initiated messages outside the 24-hour service window.

• The customer agreed to receive messages on WhatsApp specifically
• The opt-in was captured before the first non-service message
• You can show when and how it happened (timestamp + channel)
• No pre-checked boxes that imply consent

02 · Glossary

The four ways to collect it

There is no mandatory script — consent must be explicit and demonstrable.

• In-chat: ask and store the YES reply (strongest evidence)
• Checkout checkbox: unchecked by default, stored with the order
• Forms and landing pages: consent statement with timestamp
• Click to WhatsApp ads: starts a conversation, but marketing still needs clear opt-in

03 · Glossary

What gets businesses in trouble

The fastest route to a banned number is sending marketing without opt-in.

• Broadcasting to purchased lists
• Marketing to contacts who only received service messages
• Ignoring opt-out requests
• Re-adding customers who opted out

04 · Glossary

How Wutt handles opt-in

Wutt stores opt-in status on every contact, logs the timestamp, and blocks campaign sends to contacts without consent. Auditing becomes a few clicks instead of a scramble — and Wutt adds zero markup to Meta's fees.

• Opt-in status stored on every contact
• Sends to non-consent contacts blocked
• Audit-ready evidence in the workspace

Last updated 5 August 2026