WhatsApp Business API Error Codes: Full List and Fixes (2026)
When a message fails on the WhatsApp Business API, the response includes an error code. This reference lists the most common codes, what each one means, and how to fix it, grouped by where the problem occurs.
Where you see error codes
Error codes appear in the API response when a message or request fails, and in your platform's logs or message status. Each has a numeric code and a short message. Find the code below to understand the cause and the fix.
Common WhatsApp Business API error codes
Messaging & delivery
| Code | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| 131026 | Message undeliverable. The recipient may not use WhatsApp, may not have accepted the latest terms, or your number's quality is too low. | Confirm the number is on WhatsApp and opted in, and improve your quality rating. |
| 131047 | Re-engagement error. More than 24 hours have passed since the customer last messaged you, so a free-form message cannot be sent. | Send an approved template message to reopen the conversation. |
| 131048 | Spam rate limit hit. Your number is being throttled for low quality or sending too fast. | Slow down, message only opted-in users, and improve your content. |
| 131049 | Per-user marketing limit. Meta caps how many marketing messages a person receives to reduce fatigue. | Send fewer marketing messages to that user, or switch to a utility or service message. |
| 131051 | Unsupported message type. | Use a supported message type and check the payload format. |
| 131052 | Media download error. The media URL could not be fetched. | Use a public, valid, correctly formatted media URL. |
| 131053 | Media upload error. | Check the media file type and size against WhatsApp limits. |
Templates
| Code | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| 132000 | Parameter count mismatch. The variables you sent do not match the template. | Send exactly the number of parameters the template defines. |
| 132001 | Template does not exist. The name or language is wrong, or it is not approved. | Check the template name and language code, and that it is approved. |
| 132005 | Hydrated template too long. The filled-in template exceeds the length limit. | Shorten your variable values or the template body. |
| 132007 | Template content policy violation. | Edit the content to follow WhatsApp policy, then resubmit. |
| 132012 | Parameter format mismatch. | Match each parameter to its expected format (text, currency, date, and so on). |
| 132015 | Template paused for low quality. | Improve the template and wait for it to resume, or edit it. |
| 132016 | Template disabled for very low quality. | Create a new template; a disabled one cannot be reused. |
Registration & verification
| Code | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| 133005 | Two-step verification PIN mismatch. | Enter the correct six-digit two-step verification PIN. |
| 133006 | Phone number needs re-verification. | Re-verify the phone number to continue. |
| 133008 | Too many two-step PIN attempts. | Wait for the cooldown period before trying again. |
| 133010 | Phone number not registered. | Register the number on the WhatsApp Business API first. |
| 133015 | Phone number is being deregistered or recycled. | Wait for the process to finish, or contact your provider. |
Access, policy & limits
| Code | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| 131005 | Access denied. Your access token lacks the required permission. | Check the token's permissions and your account access. |
| 131031 | Account locked for a policy violation. | Review WhatsApp's policies and submit an appeal in Meta Business Manager. |
| 131042 | Business eligibility or payment issue. | Add or fix a valid payment method in Meta Business Manager. |
| 368 | Temporarily blocked for policy violations. | Review the violated policy; access is restored after the block period. |
| 80007 | Rate limit reached. Too many API calls in a short time. | Slow your request rate and retry with backoff. |
| 100 | Invalid parameter in the request. | Check the request parameters against the documentation. |
The ones you will hit most
131047 (re-engagement) and 131026 (undeliverable) are the most common messaging errors, usually because the 24-hour window has closed or the recipient's number or your quality has an issue. 132001 and 132000 are the most common template errors, almost always a name, language or parameter mismatch.
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Start free trial Book a demoFrequently asked questions
What does WhatsApp error 131047 mean?
It is the re-engagement error: more than 24 hours have passed since the customer last messaged you, so you cannot send a free-form message. Send an approved template instead.
What does error 131049 mean?
Meta limits how many marketing messages a single user receives. This message was not delivered to protect the user experience. Reduce marketing frequency to that user.
How do I fix a rejected or paused template?
See our guide on why WhatsApp templates get rejected and how to fix them, linked below.
Related reading:
1 - Why your WhatsApp template got rejected