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Why are some messages marked as "undeliverable" "failed" or "pending" on WAX?

Updated this week

When a message fails, it can fall into two categories: Undeliverable or Failed.

What does Undeliverable mean?

A message is marked as Undeliverable when WhatsApp cannot send it to the recipient because:

  • The phone number is not registered on WhatsApp.

  • The recipient has not accepted WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

  • The recipient is using an outdated version of WhatsApp.

  • The recipient has blocked your number.

What does Failed mean?

The Failed status means that WhatsApp tried to send your message, but a problem prevented its delivery to the recipient.

This can happen for several reasons, for example:

  • Meta decided not to send the message to protect the ecosystem.

  • You attempted to send a message outside the 24-hour conversation window without using a pre-approved template.

  • WhatsApp temporarily blocked delivery due to policy or quality rules.

  • There was a temporary system or connectivity issue.

When a message shows the status Failed, it means WhatsApp has stopped trying to deliver it.
The message will not reach the recipient unless you send a new one later.

What does Pending mean?

A message is Pending when WhatsApp has tried to send it, but it has not yet been delivered to the recipient. The most common reasons are:

  • The recipient does not have an Internet connection (no data or Wi-Fi).

  • The recipient’s phone is turned off.

After 120 days, the message delivery will be canceled and it will no longer be delivered.

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