Troubleshoot
Template rejected by Meta — how to fix it
Meta reviews every WhatsApp template before it can be used. A rejection doesn't mean you can't use WhatsApp — it means the template needs to be edited. Most rejections are easy to fix once you understand the reason.
Why Meta rejects templates
Meta has strict guidelines for template content to prevent spam and protect users. Common reasons fall into a few groups: wrong category, policy violation, missing variable examples, or unclear content.
Common rejection reasons & fixes
Category mismatch
You submitted a promotional/sales message as a "Utility" template. Utility templates must be transactional only — order updates, delivery notifications, appointment reminders, OTPs. Fix: Edit the template, change the category to Marketing and resubmit — or remove the promotional wording if it really is a transactional message. Marketing messages cost more than Utility ones (see your rates under Settings › Billing & Wallet), but they are allowed to be promotional.
Content policy violation
Template contains prohibited content: gambling, adult content, medical claims, financial guarantees, get-rich-quick language, or anything that implies a definitive cure, return, or legal claim. Fix: Remove the violating language. Vague claims like "results may vary" don't fix it — the core claim must be removed.
Missing variable examples
You used variables like {{1}} but didn't provide example values. Fix: In the template wizard, give every variable an example. E.g. for {{1}} (customer name), enter "Rahul".
Vague or incomplete content
Template doesn't make sense without context, or uses only variables with no surrounding text. Fix: Add enough static text that the template's purpose is clear to Meta's reviewer even without knowing the variable values.
Unclear or shortened links
Links that hide where they go (such as link shorteners), or that point somewhere unrelated to your business, can get a template rejected. Fix: Use the full link on your own website domain in a Visit website button. For links that change per customer, use a Visit website (dynamic) button and give a full example URL.
Formatting problems are another common cause. The body starts or ends with a variable, has two variables side by side, skips a number ({{1}} then {{3}}), has more than two line breaks in a row, or uses more than 10 emoji. A line break in a text header is also rejected. Fix: Tanvik flags these under the body as you type. Clear every warning before submitting.
How to fix and resubmit
01
Find the rejected template
Open Grow → Campaigns and click Templates in the bar at the top. Click the Rejected chip to list only rejected templates. Select one: it shows on a phone, and the Review box beside it gives WhatsApp's answer under Reason from WhatsApp.
02
Click "Edit" and fix the issue
The wizard opens with a Resubmitting a rejected template note. Fix whatever WhatsApp flagged; most fields can change. You can't change the template name. If you want a new name, click Duplicate instead and submit the copy.
Editing and resubmitting restarts the review from scratch. The template shows In review again while WhatsApp reviews it. This usually takes a few minutes. You can't edit it while it's under review (the button then reads Edit as new version).
03
Click "Update & submit"
Click Next: write the message, then Update & submit. Tanvik sends the updated template to WhatsApp for review. Check Templates for the new status, or click Sync to refresh it.
Write templates that get approved first time
Be specific and transactional for Utility templates
Your order #{{1}} has been shipped and will arrive by {{2}}.Not:
Great news! Your package is on the way, check it out!Avoid absolute claims in Marketing templates
Our clients have seen up to 40% more leads using WhatsApp follow-ups.Not:
Guaranteed to double your sales in 30 days!Always fill sample values for every variable
If your template has {{1}} and {{2}}, provide real-looking examples: "Rahul" and "June 15". Generic placeholders like "text1" get rejected.
Common questions
The card says Rejected but shows no reason
Click Sync in Templates to pull the latest status and reason. If there's still no reason, chat with our support team and we'll check it for you.
Should I edit it or start again?
Edit it if you want to keep the same name. If you want a different name, or it has been rejected several times, Duplicate it (or create a new one) with clearer content.
My approved template now shows Paused
Meta pauses templates when recipients block or report them. Make the message more relevant, send it only to people who opted in, and add a Stop promotions button to marketing templates.
Can I still message customers while I fix it?
Yes. You can reply freely in the Inbox within 24 hours of a customer's last message, and you can keep sending your other approved templates.
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