Can I edit an approved WhatsApp Message Template after it’s live?

Can I edit an approved WhatsApp Message Template after it’s live?

⚡Quick answer -

No. Once a template is approved, every part of its content—name, body text, header, footer, and buttons are non-editable.

You can get "n" number of templates approved, it has no limit and no cost.

Any wording or layout change requires creating a brand-new template and sending it for approval.

When should I use this guide?

Review these rules before submitting a template or whenever you realise you need to tweak an already-approved message, so you don’t waste time looking for an “edit” button that doesn’t exist.

1. What you can and cannot change

Area

Editable AFTER approval?

Notes / Examples

Template name

❌ No

Must create a new template if the name needs to change.

Body text

❌ No

You can duplicate the template and make changes and can send for approval.

Header / Footer

❌ No

Locked once approved.

Buttons (Quick Reply / CTA)

❌ No

Any change requires a new submission.

2. What to do if you need changes

  1. Create a new template with the updated wording or layout.
  2. Submit it for approval.
  3. Wait for Meta approval (usually from few minutes to 24hrs, and even exceeding to 48hrs in some cases).
  4. Begin using the newly approved template—you can delete the old one if no longer needed.

3. Best-practices checklist

✔️ Proofread before submitting—spelling mistakes can’t be fixed later in the same template.

✔️ Use parameters for anything that might change (names, dates, order IDs).

✔️ Adopt versioned names (e.g., appointment_confirm_v1, appointment_confirm_v2) to track updates.

✔️ Plan flexible wording to minimise future re-submissions.

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