Template Errors

Template errors occur during template creation, approval, or when sending a template message. They cover a wide range of issues including formatting violations, parameter mismatches, quality-related pauses, and policy violations in template content. WhatsApp templates must be approved by Meta before they can be used. Template-related errors can occur during the submission/creation phase or at send time when the API validates the parameters against the approved template.

Error 2388040 - Character Limit Hit

Character Limit Exceeded in Template Field

ERROR CODE

2388040

ERROR SUMMARY

Character Limit Exceeded in Template Field

ERROR DESCRIPTION

A field within the template (header, body, footer, or button) has exceeded its maximum allowed character count. WhatsApp enforces strict character limits on each component of a template to ensure messages are displayed correctly across all devices.

This is a template creation error — it occurs when submitting or editing a template, not at send time.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the error 'details' field to identify which specific template component is over the limit.

2. Common character limits: Body — 1,024 characters; Header text — 60 characters; Footer — 60 characters; Button text — 25 characters per button.

3. Rewrite the affected component to fit within the limit. Use variables ({{1}}, {{2}}) to keep templates concise while allowing dynamic content at send time.

4. Resubmit the template after making corrections.

OTHER NOTES

Character counts in WhatsApp include spaces and punctuation. Multi-byte characters (e.g., emoji or certain language scripts) may count as more than one character.

In Chakra Chat's Template Builder, character count indicators are shown in real-time for each component to help prevent this error before submission.

Error 2388047 - Header Format

Message Header Format Is Incorrect

ERROR CODE

2388047

ERROR SUMMARY

Message Header Format Is Incorrect

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The header component of the template contains invalid formatting. This can include using unsupported formatting characters, incorrect variable placement, or mixing text and media in ways that are not permitted.

Template creation error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the error 'details' for specifics on what is malformed.

2. Header text supports only a single variable ({{1}}) if variables are used. Variables cannot appear at the very start or end of a header.

3. Do not use markdown-style formatting (bold, italic) in the header — it is not supported.

4. Media headers (image, video, document) cannot also contain text. Choose one type.

5. Correct the header formatting and resubmit the template.

OTHER NOTES

WhatsApp template headers have stricter formatting rules than bodies. When in doubt, use a plain text header without variables for the simplest approval path.

Error 2388072 - Body Format

Message Body Format Is Incorrect

ERROR CODE

2388072

ERROR SUMMARY

Message Body Format Is Incorrect

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The body component of the template contains invalid formatting. Common causes include unsupported HTML tags, incorrect variable syntax, mismatched curly braces, or use of disallowed special characters.

Template creation error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Variables must be in the format {{1}}, {{2}}, etc., and must be sequentially numbered starting from 1.

2. WhatsApp body text supports limited formatting: *bold*, _italic_, ~strikethrough~, ```monospace```. Other HTML or markdown syntax is not supported.

3. Ensure all opening braces have matching closing braces. A variable like {1} or {{1} (incomplete) will cause this error.

4. Avoid leading or trailing variable placement — variables cannot be the first or last character in the body text (see Error 2388299).

OTHER NOTES

The body can contain up to 1,024 characters and up to 10 variable parameters. Review these limits during template design.

Special characters like &, <, > do not need to be escaped in template bodies — use them as plain text.

Error 2388073 - Footer Format

Message Footer Format Is Incorrect

ERROR CODE

2388073

ERROR SUMMARY

Message Footer Format Is Incorrect

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The footer component of the template is malformed. WhatsApp footers support only plain text — no variables, no formatting markup, and no links.

Template creation error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Remove any variables ({{1}}) from the footer — they are not supported.

2. Remove any formatting markup (bold, italic, etc.) — not supported in footers.

3. Ensure the footer text is 60 characters or fewer.

4. Use the footer only for supplemental static text such as 'Reply STOP to opt out' or your business name.

OTHER NOTES

Footers appear in a muted, smaller font below the main message body. Keep footer content brief and informational.

Error 2388293 - Ratio Limit

Parameters-to-Words Ratio Exceeds Limit

ERROR CODE

2388293

ERROR SUMMARY

Parameters-to-Words Ratio Exceeds Limit

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The template has too many variable parameters relative to the length of the surrounding static text. Meta enforces this ratio to prevent templates that are essentially blank containers filled entirely with dynamic variables, which could be used to send arbitrary content without review.

Template creation error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Increase the amount of static (non-variable) text in the template body to achieve a better ratio.

2. Reduce the number of variables used where possible. Combine information that doesn't need to be dynamic into static text.

3. A general guideline: aim for at least 2–3 words of static text per variable to maintain a healthy ratio.

OTHER NOTES

This policy exists to prevent template abuse — where businesses create templates that can be used to send any arbitrary message. Having meaningful static text ensures the template's purpose is clear during Meta's review.

Error 2388299 - Parameter Order

Leading or Trailing Parameters Not Allowed

ERROR CODE

2388299

ERROR SUMMARY

Leading or Trailing Parameters Not Allowed

ERROR DESCRIPTION

A variable parameter is placed at the very beginning or very end of the template body or header text. WhatsApp requires that variables be surrounded by static text on at least one side.

Template creation error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Add static text before a variable that appears at the start of the body. For example, change '{{1}}, thank you for your order' to 'Hello {{1}}, thank you for your order'.

2. Add static text after a variable that appears at the end of the body. For example, change 'Your order is {{1}}' to 'Your order ID is {{1}}.'

3. Ensure headers that use variables also have surrounding static text.

OTHER NOTES

This is a Meta policy to ensure templates cannot be used as blank slates. All templates must have meaningful, reviewable static content.

Error 2388019 - Template Limit Hit

Message Template Limit Exceeded

ERROR CODE

2388019

ERROR SUMMARY

Message Template Limit Exceeded

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The WhatsApp Business Account has reached the maximum number of message templates allowed. By default, a WABA can hold up to 250 approved or pending templates.

This is a template management error, not a send-time error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review your existing templates in WhatsApp Manager and identify templates that are no longer in use.

2. Delete unused, rejected, or obsolete templates to free up capacity.

3. Note that once a template is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Ensure you have no pending campaigns using the template before deleting.

4. Meta may increase template limits for high-tier accounts — contact Meta Support if you have a legitimate need for more than 250 templates.

OTHER NOTES

The 250-template limit applies across all statuses: Approved, Pending, Rejected, and Paused. Rejected and paused templates count against your limit.

In Chakra Chat, you can manage and delete templates from the Templates section of the dashboard.

Error 132000 - Parameter Mismatch

Template Parameter Count Mismatch

ERROR CODE

132000

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Parameter Count Mismatch

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The number of variable values provided in the API request does not match the number of variable placeholders defined in the approved template. For example, if a template body contains {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, but the API request only provides values for {{1}} and {{2}}, this error will be returned.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the approved template definition and count all variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) across the header, body, and buttons.

2. Ensure the API request's 'components' array provides a 'parameters' value for every variable in every component.

3. Check for off-by-one errors — variables must be numbered starting from 1, not 0.

4. Test the template in the Chakra Chat Template Preview tool before deploying in a campaign.

OTHER NOTES

This is one of the most common send-time template errors. Always validate parameter counts programmatically in your integration layer before sending.

Error 132001 - Not Approved/Exist

Template Does Not Exist or Is Not Approved

ERROR CODE

132001

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Does Not Exist or Is Not Approved

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The template specified in the API request either does not exist in the WABA, or exists but has not been approved in the language locale specified. Template names and language codes are case-sensitive.

Send-time error — HTTP 404 Not Found.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Verify the exact template name and language locale code in WhatsApp Manager. Both must match exactly, including case.

2. Check the template's approval status. The template must be in 'Approved' status to be used in messages.

3. If the template is in 'Pending' status, wait for Meta's review (typically 24–48 hours for standard templates, longer during high-volume periods).

4. For multi-language templates, ensure the specific language variant you are requesting has been submitted and approved.

OTHER NOTES

Language codes follow the BCP-47 standard (e.g., 'en_US' for US English, 'hi' for Hindi). Using the wrong format will result in this error.

Chakra Chat's Template Manager displays the approval status of all templates. Ensure the status shows 'Active/Approved' before using in campaigns.

Error 132005 - Text Long

Template Hydrated Text Too Long

ERROR CODE

132005

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Hydrated Text Too Long

ERROR DESCRIPTION

After substituting all variable parameters with their actual values, the total length of the rendered message exceeds WhatsApp's limits. While the template itself passed validation at creation time, the actual values injected at send time make the final message too long.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the variable values being passed and check their character lengths.

2. Implement server-side validation in your API integration to calculate the final rendered message length before sending.

3. Truncate long variable values to stay within limits (e.g., truncate order descriptions to 50 characters).

4. If this error occurs frequently, consider redesigning the template to use shorter static text, giving more room for variable values.

OTHER NOTES

The WhatsApp body supports up to 1,024 characters in the rendered (hydrated) state. Design templates with realistic worst-case variable lengths in mind.

Error 132007 - Format Policy

Template Format Character Policy Violated

ERROR CODE

132007

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Format Character Policy Violated

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The template content violates a WhatsApp formatting or content policy. This can occur both at template creation time and during a policy re-review. Violations can include prohibited content categories, use of competitor brand names, misleading formatting, or violations of WhatsApp's commerce policy.

Template creation or policy-enforcement error.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the Template Review documentation at https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/templates/template-review for detailed policy guidelines.

2. Remove any content that mentions competing messaging services, misleading claims, or prohibited business categories.

3. Ensure any promotional content complies with the applicable laws and WhatsApp's commerce policies.

4. Revise and resubmit the template.

OTHER NOTES

Templates are reviewed by Meta's automated systems and human reviewers. Even previously approved templates can be flagged during periodic re-reviews if policy guidelines change.

Error 132012 - Format Mismatch

Template Parameter Format Mismatch

ERROR CODE

132012

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Parameter Format Mismatch

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The format of one or more parameter values in the API request does not match the format specified in the approved template. For example, a template may specify a currency parameter with a specific format, but the value provided does not conform to that format.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Review the template definition to confirm the expected type and format for each parameter (text, currency, date_time, etc.).

2. Ensure currency parameters include the required 'currency_code', 'amount_1000', and 'fallback_value' fields.

3. For date_time parameters, ensure the value includes a properly structured 'date_time' object with 'fallback_value'.

4. Review the Templates documentation at https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/templates/overview#parameter-formats for the exact format requirements per parameter type.

OTHER NOTES

This error is distinct from 132000 (count mismatch) — here the count is correct but the format of the value is wrong.

Error 132015 - Paused Low Quality

Template Is Paused Due to Low Quality

ERROR CODE

132015

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Is Paused Due to Low Quality

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The template has been temporarily paused by Meta because it received a low quality rating. This happens when an unusually high number of recipients block the message, mark it as spam, or report it. While paused, the template cannot be used to send messages.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Check the template's quality rating in WhatsApp Manager and review the reasons for the pause.

2. Edit the template to improve its relevance and value to recipients. Consider the tone, content, and targeting strategy.

3. After editing, resubmit the template for review. Once approved again, the template will be available to send.

4. Review your audience segmentation — a template paused due to quality often indicates it is being sent to users who have not actively opted in or do not find the content relevant.

OTHER NOTES

A template can be paused multiple times. After repeated pauses, it may be permanently disabled (see Error 132016).

Error 132016 - Template Disabled

Template Is Disabled - Permanently Disabled Due to Low Quality

ERROR CODE

132016

ERROR SUMMARY

Template Is Disabled — Permanently Disabled Due to Low Quality

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The template has been permanently disabled by Meta because it was paused too many times due to consistently low quality ratings. Unlike a paused template, a disabled template cannot be re-enabled or edited.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Create a new template with substantially revised content. You cannot reuse the same content that led to the disabling.

2. Before launching the new template, conduct a thorough audit of your targeting and opt-in strategy.

3. A/B test the new template with a small, highly engaged audience before broader deployment.

4. Set up quality monitoring in Chakra Chat to get alerted when templates approach low-quality thresholds.

OTHER NOTES

A disabled template name is effectively retired — even if you try to create a new template with the same name, it will be associated with the disabled history. Use a new, distinct template name.

Error 132068 - Flow Blocked

Flow Is Blocked

ERROR CODE

132068

ERROR SUMMARY

Flow Is Blocked

ERROR DESCRIPTION

A WhatsApp Flow referenced in the template message is in a blocked state and cannot be used. Flows may be blocked due to content policy violations, technical issues, or manual intervention by Meta.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Open the Flows section in the Meta Business Suite or via the Flows API to identify why the flow is blocked.

2. Correct the issue with the flow — this may involve updating flow screens, fixing validation errors, or resolving policy violations.

3. Publish the corrected flow and verify its status is 'Published' and not 'Blocked' before attempting to send.

OTHER NOTES

WhatsApp Flows is an interactive message format. Blocked flows need to be fixed at the flow level, not the template level.

Error 132069 - Flow Throttled

Flow is Throttled

ERROR CODE

132069

ERROR SUMMARY

Flow Is Throttled

ERROR DESCRIPTION

The WhatsApp Flow referenced in the message is in a throttled state. A throttled flow has a temporary send limit of 10 messages per hour. This is typically triggered when a flow is newly published or has been recently modified and Meta is evaluating its quality.

Send-time error — HTTP 400 Bad Request.

RESOLUTION & TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Wait for the throttle period to lift. Throttling is typically temporary and resolves on its own.

2. Review the flow for any issues that might be causing Meta to throttle it — unexpected error rates, user drop-offs, etc.

3. If the flow is being throttled persistently, investigate and correct the underlying flow design.

OTHER NOTES

Flow throttling is a protective mechanism. Building high-quality, user-friendly flows that do not generate errors will help avoid persistent throttling.