How to get WhatsApp templates approved (first time)

🎯 Goal

Get templates approved quickly, without guesswork.

🧰 What you need

• A template in draft or rejected

MeAPI checks every rule it can before Meta does. If the builder shows Meta would reject this:, fix those first. The tips below cover what only a reviewer judges.

1. Pick the honest category

• Utility must relate to something the customer did or asked for: an order, a booking, a payment, an account.
• Any discount, upsell or “check out our new…” makes it Marketing, even inside an order update.
• Authentication is only for one-time codes.

2. Write it like a real message

✅ Hi {{1}}, your appointment at City Clinic is confirmed for {{2}} at {{3}}. Reply here to reschedule.

❌ {{1}} {{2}} {{3}}, Dear customer, kindly note… (vague), ALL CAPS, or many emojis.

• Say who you are and why they get the message.
• Keep it short. Most approved templates are 1–3 sentences.
• Use proper spelling and grammar. Mixed scripts (Hinglish) are fine if natural.

3. Variables

• Never start or end the body with a variable. Put text before and after.
• Don’t stack variables ({{1}} {{2}}) or let them dominate the text.
• Use either numbered {{1}} or named variables, not both.
• Give realistic examples: Ravi, #1042, 25 Oct, 5 pm, not test or abc.

4. Links and media

• Use your own domain, not URL shorteners.
• The landing page should work and match the message.
• Upload a real sample file for media headers. Meta reviews it.

5. Language

• Choose the language the text is actually in. Hindi text in an “English” template gets rejected.
• Each language version is reviewed separately. Add them with Add a language on the template.

If it’s rejected

1. Open the template and read the reason Meta gave (see Rejection reasons).
2. Fix the cause. Copy or rename the template if the name is stuck, then submit again.
3. If you’re sure Meta got it wrong, request a review in WhatsApp Manager → Message templates (the status shows In appeal meanwhile).

Use the library

The Template library has 170+ templates written to pass review. Start from one and change the details.

What’s next

Rejection reasons →What each reason means and how to fix it.Template library →Ready templates by industry.