Send a WhatsApp template after 24 hours
On WhatsApp, you can only send free text to a customer if they've written to you within the last 24 hours. When that window closes, Wibigo suggests Send Template instead of the reply box: you select a pre-approved text that Meta has verified, fill in its placeholders, and the message goes through.
Steps
- In the Messages section, open the WhatsApp conversation from Inbox.
- Click the Send Template link below the reply box. (If you try to send a normal reply after 24 hours have passed, this window opens automatically.)
- Select a template from the Choose template list. If the list is empty, tap Refresh — Meta's approved templates for your account will load here.
- In the Fill in Fields section, type a value in each box. These are the placeholders in the template: customer name, date, order number, and so on.
- In the Customer will see section, read the final message, then tap Send.
The template appears in the conversation. When your customer replies, the 24-hour window opens again and you can return to normal messaging.
Template messages are billable and Meta bills the business owner directly; Wibigo is not party to this payment. Normal messages you send while the window is open are free. You can see how many templates you've sent this month in the counter labeled This month at the bottom of the window.
You cannot change the template text from Wibigo — Meta approves the content. If you need a new template, create it from your Meta Business account, and after it's approved, pull it here with Refresh.
If you want to offer quick-reply options while the window is still open, use Button Message. It's free because it's within the window.
Message didn't send
The status below the message in the conversation shows what happened: Sent, Delivered, Read, or Failed with a warning. Common reasons:
- Template not found or not approved — the template may have been deleted or approval revoked in Meta. Tap Refresh.
- Template fields missing or extra — the template may have changed; after Refresh, fill in the fields again.
- Template paused due to low quality — customers have blocked or reported that template frequently. Use a different template from your Meta Business account.
- Number not on WhatsApp — the customer's number is not registered for WhatsApp.