Are unused WhatsApp message templates deleted?

Yes. Meta archives a template that has been inactive for more than 12 months, then deletes it 28 days later. Once deleted, it cannot be recovered.

• A template is archived automatically after more than 12 months of no use.
• An archived template is deleted 28 days after it was archived.
• You can unarchive it before the 28 days are up, which cancels the deletion.
• Seasonal offer templates, such as a festival offer, are the ones most at risk.