If your WhatsApp message templates are getting rejected, don’t worry! This guide explains the common reasons for rejection and how to fix them to improve your approval rate.
Table of Contents #
Common Reasons for Template Rejection & Fixes #
1. Mismatched Variables #
- Issue: Variables (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}) are not used correctly.
- Solution: Ensure each variable follows the correct sequence and is enclosed in double curly braces.
✅ Correct: Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} is confirmed!
❌ Incorrect: Hi {{1, your order {{2}} is confirmed!
2. Incorrect Category Selection #
- Issue: Choosing the wrong category (e.g., marking a marketing template as a utility template).
- Solution: Select the appropriate category that matches your message’s intent.
3. Special Characters in Variables #
- Issue: Using special characters like #, $, or % inside variables.
- Solution: Use only letters, numbers, and underscores in variables.
4. Violating WhatsApp’s Policies #
- Issue: Templates that don’t follow WhatsApp’s Commerce & Business Policies, such as promoting restricted items or requesting sensitive data.
- Solution: Ensure your message complies with WhatsApp’s policies before submitting.
❌ Incorrect: Please share your full credit card number to proceed, {{1}}.
✅ Correct: To verify your payment, please visit your account page, {{1}}.
5. Non-Compliant Content #
- Issue: Templates with unclear messaging or prohibited content.
- Solution: Ensure your template clearly states its purpose and does not contain restricted content.
6. Abusive or Threatening Language #
- Issue: Messages with aggressive, offensive, or threatening language.
- Solution: Keep a professional and respectful tone in all templates.
7. Duplicate Templates #
- Issue: Submitting a template that has identical wording to an existing one.
- Solution: Modify the template content slightly and use a different Template ID to avoid rejection.
❌ Incorrect: template_014
✅ Correct: order_update_001
8. Overuse of Variable Parameters #
- Issue: Using too many variables, making the message unclear.
- Solution: Keep variables minimal and provide enough static text for clarity.
❌ Incorrect: Hi {{1}}, {{2}}, Thanks for purchasing {{3}}, {{4}}.
✅ Correct: Hi {{1}}, thanks for purchasing Nike shoes!
9. Missing Opt-Out Links #
- Issue: Not providing users an option to unsubscribe.
- Solution: Include an opt-out link to avoid messages being marked as spam.
How to Make Changes to a Rejected Template #
If your template gets rejected, you cannot edit it directly. Instead, follow these steps to duplicate and update it:
- Go to the Rejected section under templates.
- Find the rejected template, click on the three dots (…), and select Duplicate Template.
- Make necessary edits and resubmit it for approval.
By following these best practices, you’ll improve your chances of getting your templates approved quickly! 🚀
