# Why WhatsApp Display Name is Declined > WhatsApp Display Name: Declined Status & How to Fix It Understand why Meta declined your Display Name, and how to get it approved on resubmission. When… - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/reselling-products/whatsapp/why-whatsapp-display-name-is-declined - Section: Reselling Products / WhatsApp - Reading time: 4 min --- # WhatsApp Display Name: Declined Status & How to Fix It Understand why Meta declined your Display Name, and how to get it approved on resubmission. When your Display Name shows **"Declined"** in the CRM, it means that the **WhatsApp Business Profile (Display Name)** was rejected during Meta's review process. TABLE OF CONTENTS - [Why It Was Declined](#why-it-was-declined) - [How to Fix](#how-to-fix) - [Full Display Name Guidelines](#full-display-name-guidelines) - [How to Change Your Display Name](#how-to-change-your-display-name) - [Important Notes](#important-notes) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) ## Why It Was Declined When you connect a number to the WhatsApp Business API, Meta reviews the Display Name to ensure it follows the **WhatsApp Commerce Policy** and **Business Policy**. If the name does not meet the requirements, it gets declined. Common reasons for decline: - Display Name is **too generic** or **misleading** - Name **does not match** your legal business name or documentation - Use of restricted terms like **"Official"**, **"Global"**, or **unsupported symbols** - **No strong association** between the Display Name and your verified business assets (Facebook Page, Business Manager) ## How to Fix 1 **Resubmit** the Display Name in Business Manager. 2 If it's a one-word brand name, avoid spaces. 3 Avoid using emojis, slogans, or unnecessary capitalization. 4 Ensure a strong link to your verified business assets. **Example:** If your legal business name is _Owner Connector Solutions Ltd_, use: **Accepted:** Owner Connector **Accepted:** OwnerConnector Solutions **Not Accepted:** OwnerConnector Official **Reference:** [Meta's Display Name Guidelines](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/757569725593362) ## Full Display Name Guidelines Beyond the common decline reasons above, here's the complete picture of what Meta expects from a Display Name: Your Display Name must: - Comply with WhatsApp's Commerce and Business policies - Clearly represent your business, product, service, or department - Be linked to your business, even if it's a test or demo account Your Display Name should not: - Be a generic term (e.g., "Fashion") - Be a geographic location (e.g., "New York") - Include words like "Official" or "Verified" that imply WhatsApp verification - Contain Meta product names such as "WhatsApp," "Facebook," or "Messenger" Restricted or prohibited products and services also can't appear in the name, even alongside an otherwise valid business name: **Accepted:** Sarah's Sporting Goods Shop **Not Accepted:** Sarah's Sporting Goods Shop – Guns Department ## How to Change Your Display Name Regular business accounts can self-serve this in Meta WhatsApp Manager: 1 Go to **Meta Business Manager** and select your business. 2 Click **WhatsApp Manager**. 3 Select the WhatsApp account where you want to update the display name. 4 In the left-hand menu, click **Phone Numbers**. 5 Under the **Name** column, hover over the current display name and click the pencil icon. 6 In **Edit Display Name**, enter your new display name. 7 Click **Next** to submit the change for approval. NOTE: Official Business Accounts (OBA) follow a different process — contact Direct Support instead of using the self-serve steps above. If your business is verified, the new name will show "Pending Review" under Certificate in Phone Numbers until approved; unverified businesses get immediate confirmation with the certificate available right away. ## Important Notes - Businesses can change their display name up to **10 times within 30 days**. After 30 days, a new cycle begins with the same limit. - The new display name certificate is only valid for **14 days**. If it expires, you'll need to resubmit the display name for approval. - A display name review is **no longer required to get started** on the WhatsApp Business Platform — approval is only necessary if you want your display name shown instead of your phone number. ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why is the WhatsApp Business display name important? Your display name is the first thing customers see when interacting with your business on WhatsApp. It should be clear, professional, and accurately represent your business while following WhatsApp's policies. Q: Can I use a display name that includes a restricted product or service? No. Your display name should not include any restricted or prohibited items under WhatsApp's Commerce Policy. Q: What if my business is a test or demo account? Test/demo accounts must still be linked to a business and should use a relevant name (example: "Fresh Produce Test"). Q: Who can change their WhatsApp Business display name? Any business using the WhatsApp Business Platform can change their display name, but the process differs: regular business accounts can change it through WhatsApp Manager, while Official Business Accounts (OBA) must contact Direct Support. Q: What are the requirements for changing my display name? You need a business portfolio, a WhatsApp Business Platform signup via a BSP (or as a BSP), a connected phone number linked to your WhatsApp Business account, and eligibility for display name review. Q: How long does it take for my display name to be approved? Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, but in some cases it may take longer. Q: Can I change my display name multiple times? Yes. You can change your display name up to 10 times within a 30-day period. After that, you must wait for a new cycle. Q: What if my display name certificate expires? If the certificate expires after 14 days, you'll need to resubmit your display name for approval. --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com