1. Banned or Restricted Account

Error you might see:

• "Account Restricted"

• "Message failed due to policy violation"

• Error Code: 131047 / 131050

Why it happens:
Meta bans or restricts accounts for violating WhatsApp Business or Commerce policies, sending unsolicited messages, or receiving too many spam reports.

How to fix:

• Review Meta’s Business and Commerce Policies.

• Log in to Business Manager → Account Quality to see the restriction reason.

• If it’s a mistake, submit an appeal.

• Only send to opted-in contacts and avoid spammy content.

2. Payment Not Setup

Error you might see:

• "Payment account not found"

• "No active payment method"

• Error Code: 131042

Why it happens:
Your WhatsApp Business Account doesn’t have a payment method linked for paid messaging.

How to fix:

• Go to Business Manager → Billing.

• Add a valid credit or debit card.

• Ensure the currency, timezone, and billing country are correct.

3. Payment Failed

Error you might see:

• "Payment method declined"

• "Billing account suspended"

• Error Code: 131042 / 131043

Why it happens:
The saved card is expired, blocked, or has insufficient balance.

How to fix:

• Update payment details with a valid card.

• Pay outstanding balances.

• Contact your bank if the issue continues.

4. Exceeded the Daily Messaging Limit

Error you might see:

• "Message limit reached"

• "Rate limit exceeded"

• Error Code: 131048

Why it happens:
Your messaging tier allows only a certain number of conversations per day. You’ve exceeded it.

How to fix:

• Wait until the limit resets (usually 24 hours).

• Improve quality score by sending relevant messages.

• Apply for a higher tier in WhatsApp Manager.

5. Template Not Approved or Disabled

Error you might see:

• "Template not approved"

• "Template paused due to quality issues"

• Error Code: 132001 / 132015 / 132016

Why it happens:
The template hasn’t been approved, is in the wrong language, or has been disabled due to low quality.

How to fix:

• Submit templates for approval.

• Match the exact name, language, and structure when sending.

• Edit and resubmit disabled templates to meet policy guidelines.

6. Incorrect Template Parameters

Error you might see:

• "Invalid template parameter format"

• "Parameter count mismatch"

• Error Code: 132000 / 132012

Why it happens:
The number or type of parameters in your message doesn’t match the template definition.

How to fix:

• Match parameters exactly (order, type, format).

• Follow correct formatting for URLs, dates, numbers, etc.

7. Recipient Issues

Error you might see:

• "Recipient not on WhatsApp"

• "Number not reachable"

• Error Code: 131026

Why it happens:
The recipient’s phone number is invalid, unregistered, blocked you, or is on an old app version.

How to fix:

• Verify the phone number with country code.

• Confirm they are active on WhatsApp.

• If blocked, they must unblock your business.

8. Recipient Opt-Out or No Consent

Error you might see:

• "Recipient has opted out"

• "Message blocked due to lack of user consent"

• Error Code: 131041

Why it happens:
Meta prevents sending to users who have opted out or haven’t given permission.

How to fix:

• Collect opt-in before sending messages.

• Keep proof of consent for compliance.

9. Ecosystem & Engagement Protection

Error you might see:

• "Message not delivered to maintain ecosystem engagement"

• Error Code: 131049

Why it happens:
Meta temporarily blocks delivery if your messages are frequently ignored, blocked, or marked as spam.

How to fix:

• Personalize messages and make them relevant.

• Segment your audience.

• Avoid repeated bulk messaging.

10. Unsupported Media or Invalid Links

Error you might see:

• "Unsupported media format"

• "Media upload failed"

• Error Code: 131052 / 131053

Why it happens:
You’re sending an unsupported file type or a link that can’t be opened.

How to fix:

• Use supported formats (JPEG, PNG, PDF, MP4, etc.).

• Keep media under the size limit.

• Make sure links are accessible.

11. Server or API Issues

Error you might see:

• "Service unavailable"

• "Internal error occurred"

• Error Code: 131000 / 133004 / 135000

Why it happens:
Temporary outages, API issues, or connectivity problems.

How to fix:

• Wait and retry later.

• Monitor Meta’s status page.

• Check your API logs for request errors.

12. Phone Number Configuration Errors

Error you might see:

• "Phone number not registered"

• "Re-verification required"

• Error Code: 133005 / 133006 / 133010

Why it happens:
The sending number is not registered or needs re-verification.

How to fix:

• Verify the number in WhatsApp Business Manager.

• Complete registration again if required.

• Link the number to the correct account.

Best Practices to Avoid Failures

• Keep your account policy-compliant.

• Always use approved templates.

• Collect and maintain opt-in records.

• Monitor quality scores and adjust campaigns.

• Test messages before sending in bulk.