What should I do if my WhatsApp template is put in the wrong category or gets rejected?
⚡Quick answer -
Meta reviews every template for category fit (Utility, Marketing, Authentication). If the text doesn’t match, Meta will either (a) recategorize it automatically or (b) reject it outright.
A recategorized approved template usually works as-is; a rejected one must be created again.
Meta generally takes 5 min to 48 hours to approve or reject a template.
When should I use this guide?
Use these steps whenever you
• want to avoid delays caused by mis-categorised templates,
• need to understand Meta’s “Recategorized” or “Rejected” status, or
• are fixing a template that failed approval.
1. Why template categories matter
Each category has strict, policy-driven use cases:
Category | Primary use | Typical content example |
Utility | Post-transaction updates | “Your order #123 has shipped.” |
Marketing | Promotions & engagement | “Flash sale! 20 % off today.” |
Authentication | OTP / login codes | “Your verification code is 673921.” |
Using the wrong category can violate opt-in rules and stall approval.
2. What Meta does if the category is wrong
Scenario | Meta’s response |
Category doesn’t match text | Auto-recategorize during review |
Text violates the chosen category’s rules | Reject the template |
3. Business impact
• Approval delays (hours to days)
• Possible opt-in requirement changes if moved to Marketing.
• There will be changes in campaign cost according to the template category.
4. How to recover from recategorization or rejection
Step-by-step:
- Login to MyOperator Panel → WhatsApp → Templates.
- Check the Status and Category columns.
- “Recategorized” → Meta changed the tag.
- “Rejected” → Hover to read the reason.
- Fix and resubmit:
- Recategorized → Usually no action unless your opt-in flow or billing depends on the original tag.
- Rejected → a. Click Clone (or Create Template).
b. Pick the correct category, adjust wording/placeholders, and give it a unique name.
c. Submit for approval and monitor until Approved appears.
5. Common rejection reasons & quick fixes
Rejection reason | How to fix |
Wrong category | Resubmit as Marketing/Utility/Authentication as appropriate |
Misuse of variables | Use correct placeholders: |
Prohibited content | Remove unsupported links or unapproved offers |
Mixed button types | Do not combine Quick Replies with URL/Call buttons |
Tip: Always use the Preview panel to test variables, formatting, and buttons before you click Submit.
6. When a wrong category will NOT hurt
If Meta silently recategorizes the template and you do not rely on the original category for billing or opt-in logic, no further action is required—the template will work under its new tag.
Keywords: WhatsApp template category, Meta recategorize, template rejected, Utility vs Marketing vs Authentication, how to resubmit
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