When setting up a WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), one of the most important steps is selecting your display name. This is the name customers see at the top of chats and on your business profile, so it needs to feel genuine and trustworthy.
WhatsApp (by Meta) follows strict rules around display names. If the name you submit doesnât clearly match your business identity, approval can be delayedâor rejected altogether.
Letâs break down what causes issues and how to avoid them.
What Is a Display Name Mismatch?
A display name mismatch happens when the name you apply for doesnât clearly connect with any of the following:
Your legal business name
Your registered brand or trademark
Your website domain
Your Facebook Business Manager details
If Meta canât verify a clear relationship between these, the display name is likely to be rejected.
Why Display Name Mismatches Get Rejected
1. Risk of Impersonation
Names that closely resemble well-known global brands often raise red flags, even if the spelling is slightly different.
Allowed example:
Legal entity: Astra Sportswear India Pvt. Ltd.
Display name: Astra Sports
Not allowed example:
Astrra Sports Software
This looks too similar to Astra Sports, a globally recognised brand, and may be flagged for impersonation.
2. Use of Restricted or Sensitive Terms
Certain words are restricted unless you can prove youâre authorised to use them. These include terms like Bank, Government, Medical, COVID, or other sensitive keywords.
Not allowed example:
Bomb Fashionwear
The word âBombâ is considered sensitive and can trigger automatic rejection.
Allowed only with proof:
XYZ Bank Ltd.
Requires valid banking licences and regulatory documents for approval.
3. No Clear Link to Your Business Identity
If your display name doesnât match your legal name, website, or public branding, Meta wonât be able to verify it.
Rejected example:
Legal name: ABC Enterprises
Website: www.abc.com
Display name applied: XYZ Fashion
â No visible connection, so the request is rejected.
Approved examples:
ABC
ABC Enterprises
ABC Fashion (only if âFashionâ is clearly mentioned on the website)
Best Practices for Faster Display Name Approval
To improve your chances of quick approval:
Use your legal or trade name whenever possible.
If using a brand name, ensure itâs clearly visible on your website.
Avoid names similar to well-known brands or restricted terms.
Keep your Facebook Business Manager details accurate and up to date.
Be ready to submit supporting documents such as:
Trademark certificates
Business licences
Website screenshots showing brand usage
Final Tip
A clean, compliant display name builds trustânot just with Meta, but with your customers too. Choosing the right name upfront saves time and prevents unnecessary back-and-forth during approval.
If youâre unsure whether a display name will be approved, itâs always better to validate it with your solution provider or Meta support before submitting it.