When a WhatsApp message fails on the WhatsApp Business Platform (the API), Meta sends back an error code. The number tells you why it failed and what to do next. This guide explains the codes UAE businesses see most often, in plain language.
Quick tip: Most failed messages come from three things: the 24-hour window has closed, the number can't receive WhatsApp messages, or Meta is limiting how many marketing messages a person gets. None of these mean your account is in trouble.
Where to find the error code
- Your software. A good WhatsApp inbox shows failed messages with the reason next to them. In Halachat.ae, a failed message is marked in the chat and the error is saved with it.
- Webhooks. If you use the API directly, the code arrives in the message status update with the status "failed".
- WhatsApp Manager. Template quality and account status are shown there.
The most common codes
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 131047 | More than 24 hours have passed since the customer last wrote to you | Send an approved template instead of a normal message |
| 131026 | The message couldn't be delivered to this number | Check the number, and ask the customer if they use WhatsApp on it |
| 131049 | Meta held back a marketing message to keep engagement healthy | Wait before sending more marketing to this person |
| 130497 | Your account can't message users in that country | See account restricted errors |
| 131048 | Too many recent messages were blocked or reported as spam | Pause campaigns and review who you're messaging |
| 131056 | Too many messages to the same person in a short time | Slow down, and wait before messaging them again |
| 130429 | You've hit the API's sending speed limit | Send more slowly, or spread a campaign over time |
| 131031 | Your business account is locked | Check Business Support Home and appeal |
| 131042 | There's a payment problem on your WhatsApp account | Check the payment method in Meta Business Settings |
| 132000 | The template's number of variables doesn't match | Send exactly as many values as the template has {{1}}, {{2}}… |
| 132001 | The template doesn't exist in that language, or isn't approved yet | Check the template name, language and approval status |
| 132015 | The template is paused because of low quality | Improve the template, or use another one for now |
| 132016 | The template has been disabled | Create a new, clearer template and submit it for review |
| 368 | The account is temporarily blocked for a policy violation | See account restricted errors |
Meta adds and updates codes from time to time, so check Meta's error code reference if you see one that isn't listed here.
131047: the 24-hour window has closed
WhatsApp lets a business reply freely for 24 hours after the customer's last message. After that, you can only start the conversation again with a template that Meta has approved.
How to fix it:
- Send an approved utility template, such as a booking reminder or a "your quote is ready" message
- Once the customer replies, the 24-hour window opens again and you can chat normally
- Reply to new enquiries quickly, so you don't need templates for simple follow-ups
You can draft templates in English and Arabic with our free WhatsApp message templates tool, which also shows the {{1}} format Meta expects.
131026: message undeliverable
This usually means one of these:
- The number isn't on WhatsApp, or it was typed wrongly
- The customer hasn't accepted WhatsApp's latest terms
- The customer is using a very old version of WhatsApp
How to fix it: check the country code (UAE numbers start with 971, without the first 0), then call or email the customer to confirm the number. Don't keep resending to the same number.
131049: Meta held back a marketing message
Meta limits how many marketing messages each person receives from all businesses, so people aren't flooded. When the limit is reached, your marketing template isn't delivered, even if the number is correct.
How to fix it:
- Don't resend straight away. Wait a day or more before trying again
- Send fewer, more relevant offers to customers who opted in
- Use utility templates only for real service updates, not for promotions
This code isn't a penalty. It doesn't affect your account's standing.
131048 and 131056: sending too much
131048 means too many of your recent messages were blocked or reported. Pause campaigns, check that everyone on your list agreed to hear from you, and make opting out easy. If it continues, it can lead to a restriction.
131056 means you sent too many messages to the same person in a short time. Space out automated messages and avoid sending the same message twice.
Template errors: 132000, 132001, 132015, 132016
- 132000: the number of values you send must match the variables in the template
- 132001: the template name or language code is wrong, or it isn't approved yet. An Arabic template needs its own approved Arabic version
- 132015 and 132016: customers reacted badly to the template, for example by blocking you. Rewrite it so it's clearer and more useful, and only send it to people who expect it
Account problems: 131031, 131042, 368, 130497
These are about your account, not a single message. Open Business Support Home in Meta Business Suite to see what was flagged. Our guide to WhatsApp Business account restrictions explains each level and how to appeal.
How to see fewer errors
- Reply within 24 hours, and use approved templates after that
- Save numbers with the country code
- Only send marketing to customers who opted in, and keep a record of it
- Keep templates short and clear, and choose the right category
- Watch failed messages every week, not only when something breaks
How Halachat.ae helps
Halachat.ae replies to customers in seconds, so more conversations stay inside the 24-hour window. When the window has closed, it tells your team to send an approved template instead. Failed messages and campaign recipients are marked with the reason, so you can see what went wrong without digging through logs. See how the shared inbox works.