WhatsApp Delivery Issues
This guide covers errors you may encounter when sending bulk messages or publishing WhatsApp Flows — what each means, why it happens, and how to fix it.
Quick Reference
Delivery
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 131026 | Recipient is not on WhatsApp or number is invalid |
| 131021 | Recipient cannot be sender (same number) |
| 131047 | Outside 24-hour messaging window — use a template |
| 131049 | Meta chose not to deliver — healthy ecosystem protection |
| 131051 | Unsupported message type |
| 131052 | Media download error on recipient's device |
| 131053 | Media upload error — unsupported file type or size |
| 131000 | Unknown error — something went wrong |
| 131016 | WhatsApp service temporarily unavailable |
Rate Limits
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 130429 | Rate limit hit — message throughput exceeded |
| 131048 | Spam rate limit — account sending too many messages |
| 131056 | Too many messages sent to the same recipient in a short period |
| 80007 | Account-level API rate limit reached |
Template Errors
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 132000 | Variable parameter count mismatch |
| 132001 | Template not found or not approved in this language |
| 132005 | Translated template exceeds character limit |
| 132007 | Template format policy violation — invalid characters or formatting |
| 132012 | Template parameter format mismatch (e.g. image sent instead of video) |
| 132015 | Template paused due to poor quality rating |
| 132016 | Template disabled after repeated low-quality pauses |
| 132068 | Flow template blocked due to policy violation |
| 132069 | Flow template throttled — sending too fast |
Account & Access
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 131005 | Access denied — permission not granted or revoked |
| 131008 | Required parameter missing in request |
| 131009 | Invalid parameter value |
| 131031 | Account locked — restricted for policy violations |
| 131037 | Display name not approved in WhatsApp API |
| 131042 | Business eligibility or payment issue |
| 131057 | Account temporarily in maintenance mode |
| 130497 | Messaging restricted in certain countries |
| 368 | Account temporarily blocked for policy violations |
| 190 | Access token expired |
| 10 / 200–299 | Permission denied or missing API permissions |
WhatsApp Flows Publishing
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 139000 | Account not yet eligible to publish Flows |
| 139001 | Cannot update a Flow after it has been published |
| 139002 | Publishing failed — missing validation details or account requirements |
| 139003 | Cannot deprecate — Flow not published or already deprecated |
| 139004 | Cannot delete a published Flow |
Delivery Issues
Errors that affect whether individual messages reach recipients. Check delivery status at Campaigns → Broadcasts.
Message Undeliverable
The message did not reach the recipient.
Causes
- Invalid or inactive phone number
- Recipient not on WhatsApp
- User has blocked your business
- Temporary connectivity issue
Fix
- Verify the number is valid and active
- Ensure the recipient has WhatsApp installed
- If the user has blocked your business, delivery is not possible
Healthy Ecosystem Restriction
WhatsApp blocked the message to prevent spammy or low-quality communication.
Causes
- Too many bulk messages in a short period
- Template received negative user feedback
- Template content is too promotional or low quality
Fix
- Use conversational, helpful templates
- Personalize messages for better engagement
- Monitor template quality in Meta Business Manager
Rate Limits
Sending too many messages in a short window triggers Meta's rate limits.
Causes
- Large broadcast sent too quickly
- Repeatedly messaging the same recipient
- Account-level throughput cap hit
Fix
- Space out large broadcasts over time
- Retry failed messages after a delay
- Reduce frequency to the same contacts
Media Upload / Download Error
The media file in your template could not be uploaded or downloaded by the recipient.
Causes
- File exceeds WhatsApp size limits
- Unsupported file format
- Media URL is expired or unreachable
Fix
- Images < 5 MB · Videos < 16 MB · Docs < 100 MB
- Use JPG, PNG, MP4, or PDF
- Re-upload the file and retry
User Number in Experiment
Meta is running delivery tests on this recipient's number. No action needed — try resending later or with a different template.
Template Issues
Errors triggered by how a template is configured or its current quality status. Review templates at Settings → Templates.
Template Paused or Disabled
Meta has paused or disabled the template due to poor quality or repeated policy violations.
Causes
- High user opt-out or block rate
- Recipients marking messages as spam
- Template repeatedly paused and reactivated
Fix
- Improve template content and relevance
- Only send to opted-in contacts
- Create a new template with better messaging if disabled
Template Parameter or Format Error
The message was rejected because the template variables or media type didn't match what Meta expects.
Causes
- Wrong number of variable parameters
- Wrong media type (image sent where video expected)
- Template not approved in the requested language
Fix
- Check variable count matches the template definition
- Confirm the correct media type is attached
- Ensure the template is approved in the selected language
Account Issues
Errors tied to your WhatsApp Business account setup, billing, or permissions. Review these in Meta Business Manager.
Business Eligibility / Payment Issue
A billing or eligibility problem is preventing messages from sending.
Causes
- Payment failed or not set up
- Messaging quota exceeded
- Display name not approved
Fix
- Check billing in Meta Business Manager
- Add or update a valid payment method
- Ensure your display name is approved
Account Locked or Restricted
Your account has been restricted due to policy violations or suspicious activity.
Causes
- High spam report rate from recipients
- Policy violation flagged by Meta
- Unusual or bulk sending patterns
Fix
- Review and appeal in Meta Business Manager
- Complete any pending identity or content verification
- Contact Meta support if the restriction seems in error
WhatsApp Flow Publishing
Errors specific to publishing WhatsApp Flows (forms) to Meta.
Account Not Yet Eligible to Publish Flows
Meta requires WhatsApp Business accounts to meet minimum messaging quality and activity thresholds before they can publish Flows. New or low-volume accounts are commonly affected until they build a consistent messaging history.
Common reasons
- Display name not yet approved
- Low message quality or spam reports
- Account is new with limited messaging history
What to do
- Ensure display name is approved in Meta Business Manager
- Keep sending quality template messages to build account history
- Check account quality in WhatsApp Manager → Insights
- If the issue persists, raise a ticket with Meta support
Your Flow is saved — once your account becomes eligible, you can publish it without rebuilding.
Best Practices
- Always use Meta-approved templates with helpful, relevant content.
- Send only to opted-in, verified numbers.
- Avoid messaging the same contacts too frequently.
- Monitor template quality scores in Meta's WhatsApp Manager.
- Keep billing and payment details up to date in Meta Business Manager.
Next Steps
- Template Setup — create and manage templates
- WhatsApp Flow Forms — build and publish in-chat forms
- Broadcasts Overview — send to large contact lists
Still stuck? Contact support and we'll help you out.
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