WhatsApp Template Management: Overview and Approval Status

The WhatsApp Templates tab is a central place to review all WhatsApp message templates connected to your workspace. From this page, you can open a template to see its content (header/body/footer/buttons), the channel it belongs to, its language, and its approval status (Approved, Pending, Rejected, or Unsupported). This helps you confirm which templates are ready to use in broadcasts and stay compliant with WhatsApp policy requirements.

Quick setup checklist

Use the Templates tab to confirm what’s approved and ready for WhatsApp broadcasts.

  1. Open the Templates section
  2. Review the templates list
  3. Open a template to inspect details
  4. Check components and approval status
  5. Fix issues that block broadcast use

Step-by-Step Process

1
Access the WhatsApp Templates tab

  1. Navigate to Messages.
  2. Open the Templates section.

[CAPTURE: Messages tab showing the Templates section.]
[CAPTURE: Messages sidebar with Templates highlighted.]

You’ll see a list of all WhatsApp templates already connected to your workspace.

2
Review the templates list

On the Templates list, you can quickly scan what exists and which templates appear ready to use.

[CAPTURE: Templates list showing multiple WhatsApp templates.]

3
View template details

  1. Click a template from the list.
  2. Review the template details page.

Each template typically displays:

  • Header
  • Body
  • Channel
  • Language
  • Approval Status

[CAPTURE: Template detail view showing header, body, language, and approval status.]

4
Understand supported template components

RapidPro supports the following WhatsApp template components:

Header

  • Can be text or image.
  • Images can be uploaded using the file picker.
  • Variable support for headers may appear in a future release.

Body

  • Main message content.
  • Supports variables.
  • Supports language translations.

Footer (Optional)

  • Appears immediately after the body.
  • Useful for disclaimers or extra context.

Buttons

  • Act as quick reply buttons.
  • Let contacts respond with a single tap instead of typing.

[CAPTURE: WhatsApp template editor showing header, body, footer, and buttons.]

5
Check approval status and readiness

Each template shows an approval status:

  • Approved — ready to use
  • Pending — awaiting review
  • Rejected — requires changes
  • Unsupported — contains components not supported by RapidPro

Note: If a template uses a component not supported by RapidPro, its status will display as Unsupported.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Problem: A template shows “Unsupported”.

Cause: The template includes a component not currently supported by RapidPro.
Fix: Edit the template to remove unsupported components, then resubmit for approval.

Problem: I don’t see my WhatsApp templates.

Possible causes: No templates have been created, or the WhatsApp channel is not connected.
Fix: Confirm templates exist in your WhatsApp provider and verify the WhatsApp channel is correctly connected to your workspace.

Problem: A template can’t be used in broadcasts.

Cause: The template is not approved.
Fix: Wait for approval, or update the template based on feedback and resubmit.