Quick answer
WhatsApp Business is the free WhatsApp app for small businesses, adding a business profile, product catalog, quick replies, automated greetings and chat labels. The latest WhatsApp Business APK is version 2.26.42.74, updated October 31, 2026, and needs Android 6.0 or newer. It's free; optional paid features are sold in-app.
| App name | WhatsApp Business |
|---|---|
| Developer | WhatsApp LLC |
| Latest version | 2.26.42.74 |
| Updated | Oct 31, 2026 |
| Requires Android | 6.0 and up |
| Package name | com.whatsapp.w4b |
| Category | Communication |
| Price | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is WhatsApp Business?
WhatsApp Business is the free version of WhatsApp made for small businesses: shops, salons, tutors, restaurants and anyone who sells to customers over chat. It's published by WhatsApp LLC, the same company behind WhatsApp, and it's been on Google Play since January 2018 with more than a billion downloads.
It works exactly like WhatsApp for messaging, with the same end-to-end encrypted chats, calls, groups and Status. What it adds are tools for running a business on chat: a business profile, a product catalog, quick replies, automatic greeting and away messages, and labels to keep track of orders and customers.
Your customers don't need anything special. They message you from regular WhatsApp and see your business profile. It's one of the messaging apps we cover, and the only one here built for selling.
What's new in WhatsApp Business 2.26.42.74
Version 2.26.42.74 reached Google Play on October 31, 2026. The release notes on Play are WhatsApp's standard note: the app is updated regularly to fix bugs, optimize performance and improve the experience.
WhatsApp doesn't publish detailed notes for most WhatsApp Business updates, and new features usually roll out gradually from its servers. Features announced for regular WhatsApp, such as calling and group changes, generally arrive in WhatsApp Business too.
Key features
Business profile
Add your business name, category, description, address, opening hours, email and website. Customers see this when they open your chat, so they don't have to ask when you're open. Set it up under Settings → Business tools → Business profile.
Catalog
Show your products or services with photos, prices and descriptions. Customers can browse the catalog inside the chat and send you an item to ask about it. It's an easy shop window for businesses without a website.
Quick replies
Save answers you send often, like delivery times or payment details, and insert them by typing "/" in a chat. It saves a lot of typing when the same questions come in every day.
Greeting and away messages
Send an automatic greeting to new customers, and an away message outside business hours. Both are under Settings → Business tools.
Labels
Tag chats with labels such as "New customer", "Pending payment" or "Order complete", or create your own. Filtering chats by label turns WhatsApp into a basic order tracker.
WhatsApp Business vs WhatsApp
| WhatsApp Business | ||
|---|---|---|
| Encrypted chats and calls | Yes | Yes |
| Business profile (hours, address, website) | No | Yes |
| Product catalog | No | Yes |
| Quick replies, greeting and away messages | No | Yes |
| Chat labels | No | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free, with optional paid extras |
Both apps can run on one phone with two different numbers, so you can keep personal and business chats apart.
How to install WhatsApp Business APK on Android
The easiest way is WhatsApp Business on Google Play, which keeps it updated automatically.
- Check your phone runs Android 6.0 or newer.
- Get the app only from Google Play or WhatsApp's official site. Modified "business" versions of WhatsApp put your account at risk.
- If you downloaded the file from APKPeer, check that the SHA-256 matches the one on this page. We currently link to Google Play only, so there's no APKPeer file for WhatsApp Business.
- Open the APK and allow your browser or file manager to Install unknown apps when Android asks.
- Tap Install, open WhatsApp Business, and verify the phone number you'll use for the business.
- Turn off the install permission under Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps.
If the number is already on personal WhatsApp, the app offers to move your chats over. Back them up first.
Is WhatsApp Business APK safe?
The official WhatsApp Business app is safe. It's published by WhatsApp LLC, signed with WhatsApp's key, and rated Everyone on Google Play. Chats with customers are end-to-end encrypted, just like regular WhatsApp.
There are a few things to understand. WhatsApp Business shares some data with other Meta companies, as described in WhatsApp's privacy policy. If you link your business to Facebook or Instagram, more data is shared between them. And Google Play lists in-app purchases from $0.29 to $4,789.99, covering optional paid business features, so check the price before buying anything.
Modified WhatsApp apps that promise extra business features are a real risk. They aren't made by WhatsApp, they can read your customers' messages, and WhatsApp bans numbers that use them, which could cut your business off from its customers overnight. APKPeer only links to the official app.
WhatsApp Business vs alternatives
- WhatsApp is the same app without the business tools. If you're not selling anything, it's all you need.
- Telegram offers channels, bots and huge groups, which suit broadcasting to a big audience. Most customers in many countries are on WhatsApp, though.
- Instagram is better for being discovered by new customers through photos and reels. Many businesses use it to attract customers, then handle orders on WhatsApp Business.
For a small business whose customers already use WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business is the obvious free choice. Set up your profile, catalog and away message on day one, and customers will get answers even when you're busy.
Version history
WhatsApp Business 2.26.42.74Latest
What changed (1)
- Regular update with bug fixes, performance optimization and experience improvements.
Source: play.google.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I install WhatsApp Business on Android?
Open Google Play, search for WhatsApp Business and check the developer is WhatsApp LLC before tapping Install. It needs Android 6.0 or newer. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically, so you never need to download an APK by hand. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from WhatsApp LLC and may be altered, so the safest way to use WhatsApp Business is the official listing.
What is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?
Both are free and made by WhatsApp LLC, and they share the same chats and encryption. WhatsApp Business adds tools for selling: a business profile with hours and address, a product catalog, quick replies, automatic greeting and away messages, and chat labels. Customers message you from regular WhatsApp.
Is WhatsApp Business free?
Yes, the WhatsApp Business app is free to download and use. Some optional extras are paid, which is why Google Play lists in-app purchases ranging from $0.29 to $4,789.99. Large companies that need automated messaging at scale use the separate WhatsApp Business Platform instead.
Can I use WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on the same phone?
Yes, as long as each app uses a different phone number. Many people run personal WhatsApp on one SIM and WhatsApp Business on another. You can also verify WhatsApp Business with a landline number, receiving the code by phone call instead of SMS.
Can I move my WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Business?
Yes. When you set up WhatsApp Business with the same number your personal WhatsApp uses, the app offers to move your chat history over. After that, the number works in WhatsApp Business only. Back up your chats in WhatsApp first, just in case.
