How to Switch From WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business

Talking to customers over personal WhatsApp works fine until the business picks up. Once the message count rumps up, you need better tools to stay organized and professional. The good news? You don’t have to start over. You can convert your WhatsApp to a WhatsApp Business account and keep all your chats.

Why move from Personal WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business #

The WhatsApp Business app is made for people like you who run a business, manage customers, and need a little more than what regular WhatsApp can offer.

With the Business App, you can:

• Set up a business profile with your name, category, and contact info
• Use quick replies and labels to stay organized
• Send automated greeting or away messages
• Create a catalog to list your products
• Track simple message stats

It’s still free and runs on the same phone. If you want to switch to a WhatsApp Business account and keep your existing chats, just follow these simple steps:

How to switch to WhatsApp Business #

Converting WhatsApp to Business account is easier than you think. Just follow these steps.

1. Back up your chats #

Before you switch, make sure your conversations are safe. Open your current WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup. Hit “Back Up” and wait for it to finish. You’ll need this to move your messages over.

2. Download WhatsApp Business #

Next, head to the Google Play Store or App Store and download the WhatsApp Business App. The app icon is similar, just a different shade of green and with a little plus sign in the logo.

3. Open Business app and migrate your account #

When you open WhatsApp Business, it will recognize your number and ask if you want to transfer your chats from the personal app. Tap Continue. It might take a few minutes, but everything, your chats, media, and settings, will move over.

If you don’t want to move your private account and start fresh, you can create a WhatsApp Business account from scratch.

4. Set up your business profile #

Once you’re in, the app will prompt you to fill out your business profile. Add your business name, choose your category, write a short description, and enter your contact details. This helps customers know who they’re talking to.

5. Start using business tools #

After the switch, you’ll have access to a few helpful features.

You can tag chats to keep things organized, like separating new leads from ongoing conversations.

Quick replies let you save answers to common questions, so you don’t have to retype the same thing every time. If you’re away, you can set an automatic message to let people know when you’ll get back to them.

You’ll also see basic stats, like conversations started, catalog views, and status views. It’s a simple way to track how you’re communicating. The app still works like regular WhatsApp, just with tools that make it easier to manage customer conversations.

As your business grows, you might need even more options, like a team inbox for multi-agent support, CRM integrations, and chatbots. In that case, you can upgrade to the WhatsApp Business API. But for now, starting with the app is the best first step.

In a nutshell #

Switching from WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business is simple. You back up your chats, download the Business app, and follow the steps to move your account. You’ll keep your conversations and gain tools that help you run your business more efficiently.

If you want, you can start with a fresh new WhatsApp Business profile, or simply upgrade your existing account.

Frequently Asked Questions #

About the author

Miodrag Magyar

Miodrag is a seasoned WhatsApp marketing expert with over 15 years of experience in B2B sales and communication. Specializing in the use of WhatsApp Business API, he helps businesses use WhatsApp’s marketing features to grow their sales and improve customer engagement. As one of the early adopters of WhatsApp Business, Miodrag has a deep understanding of its tools and strategies, making him a trusted authority in the field. His insights have helped many businesses with their communication strategies to achieve measurable results.

@Miodrag Magyar on LinkedIn