What to Do If WhatsApp Display Name Is Approved but Not Visible

If your WhatsApp display name is approved in Meta, but users still see only the phone number or an old name, this is usually caused by a Meta sync or authorization error. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.


Why This Issue Happens (Meta Error Reasons)

This issue can occur due to one or more of the following Meta-related reasons:

  • Delay in Meta server sync after display name approval

  • Expired or broken Meta authorization between the bot and WhatsApp

  • WhatsApp number not fully connected or active in WhatsApp Manager

  • Recent changes in Meta Business Manager or WhatsApp settings

  • Payment or billing issues in Meta Business Manager

  • Policy or quality rating warnings on the WhatsApp number

  • WhatsApp number recently migrated, reassigned, or reconnected

  • Display name approved but profile not refreshed or published


Most display name visibility issues are resolved by reconnecting the bot, as this refreshes Meta permissions and syncs the latest profile data.

How to Reconnect the Bot

  1. Log in to your BotPenguin Dashboard

  2. Open the affected Bot

  3. Go to Integrations / WhatsApp Settings

  4. Click Disconnect

  5. Reconnect the bot and complete the Meta authorization flow

  6. Send a new test message from the WhatsApp number

👉 In most cases, the approved display name becomes visible within a few minutes to a few hours after reconnection.

♻️Reconnecting Whatsapp Bot

Step 2: Remake the Bot (If Reconnecting Does Not Work)

If the display name is still not visible after reconnecting and waiting up to 24–48 hours, you should create a new bot.

While Remaking the Bot, Ensure the Following:

  • Use the same WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

  • Connect the same WhatsApp phone number (if available)

  • Complete Meta authorization without skipping any steps

  • Confirm the phone number status is Connected and Active in WhatsApp Manager

  • Ensure there are no policy or quality warnings on the number

  • Verify that the payment method is active in Meta Business Manager

  • Send a fresh outbound message after setup

⚠️ Remaking the bot creates a clean Meta–Bot connection, which resolves persistent Meta sync errors.

Whatsapp Bot

Important Notes

  • Display name changes do not update old chats — they appear in new conversations

  • Some users may see the number until WhatsApp refreshes their app cache

  • BotPenguin cannot directly control display name visibility

  • Final display name rendering is handled entirely by Meta/WhatsApp systems

FAQ's

How long does it take for the display name to appear?

Usually 24–48 hours after approval or reconnection. In rare cases, it may take up to 72 hours.

Why do some users see the name while others don’t?

WhatsApp updates display names gradually and may depend on user app cache or region.

Does reconnecting or remaking the bot delete chats?
  • Reconnecting: ❌ No

  • Remaking: ⚠️ Existing chats may not carry over

Can BotPenguin force the display name to update?

No. Display name visibility is controlled by Meta.

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