🚫 Troubleshoot

Template rejected by Meta — how to fix it

5 min readUpdated June 2026All plans
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 for rejection fall into a few categories: 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: Change the category to Marketing and resubmit. Marketing templates cost more (₹0.95 vs ₹0.14) but 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, fill in the "Sample value" field for every variable. 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.
URL in template doesn't match your business domain
If you include a URL in a button, it must be a domain that belongs to your business. You can't use link shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl) or third-party booking links without domain verification. Fix: Use your own domain, or contact Tanvik support to verify a third-party domain.
How to fix and resubmit
01
Find the rejected template
Go to Templates. Rejected templates show Rejected. Click on it to see the rejection reason from Meta.
02
Click "Edit" and fix the issue
You can edit the body, category, variables, and buttons. You cannot change the template name — if you need a new name, create a new template instead.
Editing and resubmitting restarts the review from scratch. The template will show Pending again while Meta reviews it (usually 15 min–24 hours).
03
Click "Submit to Meta"
Once you've made the changes, click Submit to Meta. Tanvik sends the updated template automatically. You'll receive an email when it's approved or rejected again.
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.