On this page
WhatsApp's Groups API is not generally available. Meta restricts it to numbers that already hold Official Business Account (OBA) status, the green tick, and reviews further eligibility, including monthly conversation volume, as part of that same OBA application, so most businesses will not see this feature unlock without going through Meta's own verification process first.
WhatsApp groups: first 5 of 7 steps
- 1Open Settings, then Channels, then WhatsApp, then
- 2Read the eligibility checklist, if groups are
- 3Apply for OBA status directly with Meta,
- 4Return once Meta grants OBA status
- 5Create a group
Before you start
- This page describes what happens once your WhatsApp Business Account has already been granted OBA status by Meta. If you have not applied for OBA, start there: see getting the green tick.
- VGraple CRM cannot request, expedite or override Meta's OBA decision. The eligibility check on the Groups screen is read-only information, not a gate you can configure your way past.
- If you are eligible, the same org settings permission used elsewhere in Channels settings (Owner or Admin, or a custom role granted the broadcasts module) is what controls who can create and manage groups.
Steps
- Open Settings, then Channels, then WhatsApp, then Groups. VGraple CRM checks your account's eligibility immediately.
Read the eligibility checklist, if groups are not yet available. Three checks are shown: WhatsApp Business API connected, Official Business Account status, and Meta's monthly conversation volume review (verified by Meta during the OBA process itself, not something VGraple CRM measures). A green check or red cross next to each shows where you stand.
Apply for OBA status directly with Meta, if you have not. A Request OBA Status on Meta button links straight to Meta's Business Manager; a second link explains what an Official Business Account actually is. Both leave VGraple CRM, since the decision is Meta's alone.
Return once Meta grants OBA status. Reopen the Groups screen; a qualifying account sees the group list and a New Group button instead of the eligibility checklist.
Create a group. Give it a name and an optional description, then search your contacts and select up to 8 to invite. Creating the group calls Meta's Groups API directly through your connected number.
Send invites. Selected contacts each receive a WhatsApp invite to join; the group only actually forms as members accept, the same way any WhatsApp group works.
Manage the group afterward. From the group's detail page, view its member list, generate a shareable invite link, or promote a member to admin.
What you will see
If your account is not OBA-eligible, the Groups screen shows the checklist above and nothing else; no group list or creation button appears. Once eligible, a list of your groups appears, each showing its member count out of 8 and a status of Active or Full. Opening a group shows its members, an invite-link generator, and promote controls.
Settings and options
| Setting or field | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Group name and description | Internal labels for a group, visible to members once they join | Set when a group is created |
| Member invites | Sends a WhatsApp invite to a selected contact; they must accept to actually join | Up to 8 members per group |
| Invite link | A shareable link that lets someone join without an individual invite | Generated on request from a group's detail page |
| Promote to admin | Gives a member admin rights within that WhatsApp group | Members start as regular members |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Groups screen shows the eligibility checklist instead of a group list | Your WhatsApp Business Account does not yet hold Official Business Account status | Apply for OBA status directly with Meta using the link on the Groups screen; there is no VGraple CRM-side workaround |
| Group creation fails even though the account looks eligible | Meta's Groups API rejected the specific request, often a temporary API-side issue or a member limit already reached | Check the error message returned; try again, and confirm the group is not already at its 8-member cap |
| An invited contact never joined | They have not accepted the WhatsApp invite yet, or declined it | Groups only add members who actively accept; there is no way to force enrolment |
| "WhatsApp Business API connected" check fails | No WhatsApp number is connected to this workspace yet | Connect a number first: see connecting your WhatsApp number |
Related reading
OBA status is the real gate here: see getting the green tick for what Meta's verification process involves. If you run multiple WhatsApp numbers, note that Groups API eligibility and OBA status are assessed per WhatsApp Business Account, not automatically shared across every number in your workspace.