What makes an opt-in valid?
Meta's rules are short. Make it clear the person is agreeing to receive messages, name the business they will come from, and follow local law. Since the November 2024 policy update, the permission can be general rather than WhatsApp-specific, as long as it complies with the laws that apply to you.
What are good ways to collect opt-in?
Meta lists website forms, SMS, phone calls with an IVR flow, and in-person or paper forms as supported methods. For most Indian businesses that means a clear line on lead forms and landing pages, a checkbox on booking or billing forms, and a QR code at the counter that opens WhatsApp.
Meta also suggests asking for permission by message type, such as order updates or offers, so customers get what they expect.
How should you handle opt-outs?
Give people an easy way to stop, such as a Stop button or reply, and honour it straight away. Meta recommends clear opt-out instructions and opt-ins by message category. Unwanted messages lead to blocks and reports, which lower your number's quality rating and can limit who you can message.
How does Rainmaqer AI handle this?
Rainmaqer AI enforces opt-in before marketing messages, honours opt-outs instantly and alerts you to quality-rating drops before they grow.
Rainmaqer AI is ₹1,999/month billed yearly or ₹2,999/month billed quarterly, plus GST. See pricing.
Sources
Checked on 25 Oct 2026. Meta updates these pages often, so check them for the latest detail.
Frequently asked questions
Does the opt-in have to mention WhatsApp?
Not since Meta's November 2024 policy update. It can be general, as long as it says the person will hear from your business, names the business and complies with local law.
Can I message a contact list I bought?
No. Those people haven't agreed to hear from your business, so messaging them breaks WhatsApp's policy and puts your number at risk.
What happens if I message people without opt-in?
They're more likely to block or report you. That lowers your quality rating and can restrict your messaging, and serious or repeated policy breaches can get the number blocked.
How does Rainmaqer AI handle opt-in?
Rainmaqer AI only sends marketing messages to contacts who have opted in, honours opt-outs instantly and watches your number's quality rating.