Why was my WhatsApp message template rejected?
Updated 30 September 2026
Common reasons are badly written variables like {{1}}, a duplicate of an existing template, or wording that breaks WhatsApp policy. Fix it, add a sample for each variable and resubmit; a decision takes up to 24 hours.
- Variable mistakes: missing or mismatched braces, characters like #, $ or % inside a variable, or numbers out of order.
- The template starts or ends with a variable, or has too many variables for a short message.
- The content breaks policy, for example asking customers to share full card or account numbers, or abusive wording.
- It duplicates an existing template, with the same wording in the body and footer.
- If you mark an offer as utility, WhatsApp approves it as marketing and you pay the marketing rate.
Let Menuthere submit the templates for you
Menuthere submits the WhatsApp templates its order updates and other automatic messages need to Meta for you, so you don't write variables and samples yourself.
How to fix it
- 1
Find the cause
Read the rejection reason in Business Support Home or in Meta's email, and check the list above.
- 2
Fix it and add samples
Correct the wording and give a sample value for every variable.
- 3
Resubmit or appeal
An appeal must include a sample. It is decided within 24 hours.
Next questions
Sources (2)
- Template review, Meta for Developers, updated 17 June 2026
- Template categorization, Meta for Developers, updated 15 September 2026