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Templates

WhatsApp Message Templates are pre-approved message formats required by Meta for sending outbound messages via the Cloud API. They are essential for starting conversations with contacts who have not messaged you in the last 24 hours.

Templates are only available for Cloud API accounts. If you are using a linked device (QR code) account, you do not need templates.

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Getting Started​

Go to the Templates page and select a connected Cloud API account from the dropdown. Your account must have a WABA ID (WhatsApp Business Account ID) configured to manage templates. You can find your WABA ID in Meta Business Suite under WhatsApp Manager.

Template Statuses​

Every template has a status assigned by Meta:

StatusMeaning
APPROVEDReady to use. You can send this template.
PENDINGSubmitted and waiting for Meta's review.
REJECTEDMeta did not approve the template. You may need to revise and resubmit.
PAUSEDTemporarily paused by Meta, usually due to quality issues.
DISABLEDPermanently disabled.

Only templates with an APPROVED status can be sent.

Creating a Template​

Click Create Template to open the creation dialog.

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Name​

Template names must be lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only, and must start with a letter. For example: order_update, welcome_message, appointment_reminder.

Category​

Choose a category that matches the purpose of your template:

  • Marketing -- Promotions, offers, product announcements
  • Utility -- Order updates, appointment reminders, account notifications
  • Authentication -- One-time passwords, verification codes

Language​

Select the language for your template. Options include English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, and more.

Components​

Templates are built from these components:

Header (optional)​

A text header shown at the top of the message. Can include one variable ({{1}}). If you add a variable, you must also provide an example value for Meta's review.

Body (required)​

The main message text. This is where most of your content goes. You can include up to 10 variables using {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, etc. Maximum 1024 characters.

When you add variables, you must provide example values so Meta can understand the context during review.

A short line of text at the bottom of the message. Maximum 60 characters. Does not support variables.

Buttons (optional)​

Add up to 3 buttons. Each button can be one of:

  • Quick Reply -- A tappable response button. Just provide the button text.
  • URL -- Opens a link when tapped. Provide the button text and the URL.
  • Phone Number -- Starts a phone call when tapped. Provide the button text and the phone number.

Submitting for Review​

Click Submit for Review to send the template to Meta. It will appear with a PENDING status until Meta reviews it. Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Sending Templates​

There are three ways to send an approved template:

From Chat​

In the Messages page, click the template icon in the chat input area (only visible for Cloud API accounts). Select a template, fill in the variable values, and send.

From Bulk Campaigns​

On the Bulk Send page, switch to Template Mode, select your template, and map each variable to a column in your contact table. The campaign sends the template to every contact in the table.

From Flows​

Use the Send Template node in the flow editor to send a template as part of an automation workflow.

Variable Mapping​

When sending a template, you need to fill in the {{1}}, {{2}}, etc. placeholders with actual values.

  • In chat, you type the values manually.
  • In bulk campaigns, you map each variable to a table column. For example, {{1}} maps to the "name" column and {{2}} maps to the "order_id" column.
  • In flows, variables are mapped to flow data or contact fields.

Deleting a Template​

Click the Delete button on any template card. This removes it from your WhatsApp Business Account. You will be asked to confirm before deletion.