Troubleshooting Guide
Common WhatsApp Business API problems and how to fix them. Can't find your issue? Contact our support team.
Account & Setup
Phone Number Not Eligible
Problem
Meta blocks the number from connecting due to low activity, recent creation, or unclear trust signals.
Solution
Use the number actively on WhatsApp Business App for a few days, or register a fresh number. In some cases, delete and recreate the WhatsApp account.
Embedded Signup Failure
Problem
The onboarding flow crashes or fails to complete properly.
Solution
Enable popups in your browser, use desktop instead of mobile, clear cache, and ensure all permissions are accepted during the flow.
QR Code Scan Failure
Problem
WhatsApp Business App fails to scan or link during coexistence setup.
Solution
Retry with stable internet, restart the app, or generate a new QR code. If still failing, go to WhatsApp Business App > Account > Business Platform > Connect to a platform and use a manual code instead.
Display Name Not Approved (Error 131037)
Problem
Meta rejects the business display name during setup.
Solution
Use your exact legal business name. Avoid marketing keywords, slogans, or generic terms. Resubmit with a clear, verifiable business name that matches your registration documents.
Business Verification Missing or Stuck
Problem
Business cannot proceed because verification is not available or stuck in review.
Solution
Ensure all business details are complete and consistent across Meta Business Suite. Double-check your business documents match the registered name and address. Wait for Meta to process, or contact support if stuck for more than 5 business days.
Payment & Billing
Business Payment Eligibility Error (Error 131042)
Problem
The account is not allowed to send messages due to billing eligibility issues, even if a payment method is added.
Solution
Make sure the card is set as the default payment method, not backup. Add your Tax ID under the payment method settings. If still blocked, raise a support ticket to Meta through your provider.
Payment Method Not Working
Problem
Card is added but not accepted or selectable for billing.
Solution
Remove and re-add the card. Ensure it is set as default and matches your business country. Try another card if needed. If still blocked, raise a support ticket to Meta through your provider.
"We Couldn't Complete Your Request" (Payment)
Problem
Meta fails to process payment method addition due to internal errors.
Solution
Retry after a few hours, use a different browser or network, or try a different card. This is typically a temporary Meta-side issue.
Connection & Stability
Constant Disconnect and Reconnect
Problem
Coexistence connection keeps dropping and reconnecting repeatedly.
Solution
Avoid linking multiple devices simultaneously. Reconnect once and wait for the connection to stabilize. If persistent, reconnect fully or consider switching to Cloud API for more stable connectivity.
Linked Device Restriction (24 Hours)
Problem
WhatsApp temporarily restricts the business app after linking multiple devices.
Solution
Wait 24 hours and avoid connecting additional devices during this period. API messages will continue to work normally during the restriction.
Unsupported Post Request Error
Problem
WABA (WhatsApp Business Account) or phone number is no longer accessible or has been removed.
Solution
Check if your WABA is still attached to your business portfolio in Meta Business Suite. Reconnect or recreate the WABA if needed.
Token Expired or Permissions Lost
Problem
API stops working due to an invalid or expired access token.
Solution
Refresh your access token and ensure all required permissions are still granted in your Meta app settings.
Message Delivery
Message Sent But Not Delivered
Problem
API shows "sent" status but messages never reach customers and no delivered webhook is received.
Solution
Check your account status and quality rating in Meta Business Suite. Verify your billing is active and not suspended. Contact Meta support if the issue persists after confirming everything is in order.
Message Undeliverable (Error 131026)
Problem
Message cannot be delivered to the recipient.
Solution
Ensure the recipient phone number is valid, the person has an active WhatsApp account, and they have not blocked your business number.
Rate Limiting / Sending Limits
Problem
Too many messages sent in a short time, causing Meta to throttle your account.
Solution
Throttle your sending speed and warm up your number gradually. New numbers start with lower limits that increase as your quality rating improves.
WhatsApp "Waiting for This Message" Issue
Problem
Messages appear delayed or stuck on the recipient's device.
Solution
This is a Meta-side issue related to end-to-end encryption key exchange. Check WhatsApp's official FAQ for current status. Usually resolves on its own.
Templates
Template Recategorized as Marketing
Problem
Utility templates are wrongly classified as marketing by Meta, resulting in higher conversation fees.
Solution
Simplify the wording, remove any promotional language, discount codes, or CTAs. Focus on transactional content only (order updates, confirmations). Request re-review after editing.
Template Stuck in Review
Problem
Template approval by Meta can take from a few minutes to sometimes more than a day.
Solution
Wait at least 24 hours as review times vary. If stuck longer, duplicate the template and resubmit. Avoid making frequent edits to templates under review as this resets the review process.
Translated Text Too Long (Error 132005)
Problem
Template translation exceeds the allowed character length.
Solution
Shorten the translated text or reduce the number of dynamic variables. Each language version must fit within Meta's character limits independently.
Quality & Restrictions
Quality Rating Dropping
Problem
Users are reporting or ignoring your messages, leading to reduced sending limits.
Solution
Send only relevant messages to opted-in customers. Avoid spammy content, improve targeting, and make sure your messages provide clear value. Monitor your quality rating in Meta Business Suite regularly.
Account Temporarily Restricted
Problem
Meta limits your sending capability due to suspicious activity or quality issues.
Solution
Wait for the restriction period to end and reduce your sending volume. Focus on improving your quality rating by sending fewer, more targeted messages.
WABA or Number Banned
Problem
Permanent restriction due to policy violation or false flag by Meta.
Solution
Appeal to Meta through the Business Help Center. If the appeal is rejected, you will need to use a new phone number and follow Meta's compliance guidelines strictly to avoid future bans.
Broadcast Not Available in Coexistence
Problem
The broadcast/campaign feature is disabled when using coexistence mode.
Solution
Use API-based campaigns through Whapi instead of the WhatsApp Business App broadcast feature. Alternatively, switch your setup to full Cloud API mode if you need broadcast capabilities.
Webhooks & Technical
Webhook Not Receiving Events
Problem
Your system stops receiving delivery reports, message events, or status updates.
Solution
Check your webhook subscription in Meta App Dashboard. Verify the callback URL is accessible, the verification token is valid, and your server is returning 200 OK responses. Check server logs for errors.
Webhook Automatically Unsubscribed
Problem
Meta removes your webhook subscription without notice.
Solution
Re-subscribe programmatically and implement monitoring to detect when subscriptions are dropped. This can happen if your endpoint returns errors consistently.
Random Meta Bugs
Problem
Things break without clear reason or error logs from Meta.
Solution
Retry the operation, reconnect your account, or wait a few hours. Meta's infrastructure occasionally has temporary issues. If critical, escalate to Meta support with your WABA ID and error details.
Still need help?
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