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WhatsApp-Specific Considerations and Issues

Rubaiyat Farhan avatar
Written by Rubaiyat Farhan
Updated over 2 months ago

Content mode restriction: WhatsApp is only available in Autonomous (AI-generated) mode. If you select self-written mode:

  • The WhatsApp channel card will be disabled

  • A tooltip explains the autonomous-only requirement

  • You must switch to autonomous mode to enable WhatsApp

  • Only your first template from Twilio can be used

Message windows and templates:

  • User-initiated messages open a 24-hour window for free-form replies

  • Business-initiated messages always require approved templates

  • Templates ensure compliance with WhatsApp policies and prevent spam

Costs and limits:

  • All WhatsApp messages incur a per-message fee through Twilio's API

  • Default throughput is limited; text-only throughput can be increased up to 400 messages per second upon request

  • Messages exceeding configured throughput are queued for up to four hours

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Problem: "WhatsApp option is disabled in campaign"
    Solution: Ensure you're using Autonomous content mode. WhatsApp requires AI-generated, template-compliant content.

  • Problem: "No WhatsApp templates found"
    Solution: Create and get approval for at least one template in Twilio's Content Template Builder before creating campaigns.

  • Problem: "WhatsApp sender is offline"
    Solution: Check your WhatsApp sender status in Twilio Console. A sender must have ONLINE status to send messages.

  • Problem: "Template was rejected by WhatsApp"
    Solution: Review rejection codes in Twilio Console, revise your template following best practices, and resubmit with a different name.

  • Problem: "Can't migrate existing WhatsApp Business number"
    Solution: If your number is registered with WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app, you must delete that account first to make it available for WhatsApp Business Platform. Register WhatsApp senders using the Senders API | Twilio

Getting Help

  • Twilio documentation: docs.twilio.com/whatsapp

  • Meta WhatsApp policies: Review Commerce Policy and Business Messaging Policy

  • markopolo support: Contact us if integration issues persist

  • Twilio support: For WhatsApp-specific configuration help

WhatsApp setup requires patience, but once configured, it's one of the most effective channels for customer engagement!

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