Quick answer
What the ticks on WhatsApp mean
- One grey tick: your message left your phone and reached WhatsApp's servers.
- Two grey ticks: your message was delivered to the recipient's phone.
- Two blue ticks: the recipient has read your message.
Blue ticks only appear when read receipts are on. In groups, the ticks turn blue once every member has read the message.
Why your message shows only one tick
A single tick that does not become two usually means the message has not been delivered yet. Common reasons:
- The recipient has no internet or their phone is switched off.
- The recipient's phone is on but WhatsApp has not synced yet.
- The recipient has blocked you, in which case messages stay on one tick.
The green verified badge (the business "blue tick")
When people say a business has the "blue tick" on WhatsApp, they usually mean the verified badge, a green checkmark shown next to the business name. It tells customers the account is the genuine, official business, which builds trust and reduces impersonation.
You cannot purchase the badge. Meta grants it to businesses it considers notable and authentic, and it is tied to a verified WhatsApp Business Platform account.
How to get the verified badge for your business
- 1
Move your number onto the official WhatsApp Business Platform through a provider such as ZeniaOne.
- 2
Complete Meta Business Verification for your company.
- 3
Build a genuine presence: a real website, consistent name, and public visibility help.
- 4
Request the green verified badge through your provider. Meta reviews the request and decides.
The badge is never guaranteed, and Meta can take time to review. A verified, well-run WhatsApp Business Platform account is the foundation either way.
Can you turn off blue ticks?
On the personal WhatsApp app you can turn off read receipts in Settings, Privacy, but then you also stop seeing when others read your messages. Read receipts cannot be turned off for group chats. Business messaging on the official platform reports delivery and read status through its own tools.
Frequently asked questions
Does the blue tick mean my message was read?
Yes. Two blue ticks mean the recipient has opened and read your message, as long as they have read receipts turned on.
Can I get the WhatsApp verified badge without being a big brand?
It is harder for small businesses because Meta looks at notability and authenticity. You can still run a fully verified WhatsApp Business Platform account, which shows your business name and details, even without the green badge.
Do WhatsApp Business accounts automatically get a blue tick?
No. The free WhatsApp Business app does not come with the green verified badge. The badge is granted by Meta to eligible businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform.