WhatsApp API error codes — what each one means and how to fix it
A plain-English list of the WhatsApp Business API error codes you'll actually see — 131049, 131026, 131047, 131042, 132001 and more — with the reason behind each and the fix.
When a WhatsApp message fails, Meta returns an error code explaining why. In Adwix Connect, open a campaign from the Campaigns page to see the status for each contact. Most failures come from the same handful of codes.
The ones you'll see most
| Code | In plain English | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 131049 | Meta chose not to deliver this marketing message "to maintain healthy ecosystem engagement" | Not your fault. Wait at least 24 hours before trying that person again |
| 131026 | The message can't be delivered to this number | The number isn't on WhatsApp, or the app is very old. Remove it from your list |
| 131047 | More than 24 hours since the customer last replied | Send an approved template instead |
| 131050 | The customer turned off marketing messages from you | Don't retry. Treat them as opted out |
| 131042 | Problem with your Meta payment method | Fix billing in Meta Business settings |
131049 — "healthy ecosystem engagement"
WhatsApp limits how many marketing messages one person receives from all businesses in a period of time. The limit is personal: someone who rarely reads marketing messages gets fewer. When a person has hit their limit, your message fails with 131049.
- It is not a penalty on your account and doesn't affect other customers.
- Retrying straight away makes it worse — repeated retries within 24 hours can block further attempts to that person for up to a day.
- If the customer replies to you, the limit no longer applies while the 24-hour window is open.
To see fewer 131049 failures, send to engaged customers first and send less often. In Adwix Connect the Deliverability button on the Campaigns page has settings that help. More in Send your first broadcast campaign.
131026 — message undeliverable
The usual causes: the number is not on WhatsApp, it was typed without the country code, or the person hasn't accepted WhatsApp's latest terms. Check the format — 919876543210, with no +, spaces or leading zero — and delete numbers that fail twice. See Import your contacts.
131047 — the 24-hour window has closed
You tried to send a free-form message more than 24 hours after the customer's last message. Use Send Template in the chat. Full explanation: The WhatsApp 24-hour window.
131042 — payment issue
Meta couldn't charge you. Open business.facebook.com → Settings → Billing & payments and check that the WhatsApp Business account has a valid card and no unpaid balance. Campaigns start delivering again once it's fixed.
Template errors
| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 132000 | The number of variable values doesn't match the template | Fill in a value for every {{1}}, {{2}}… |
| 132001 | Template doesn't exist in that language, or isn't approved yet | Wait for approval; check name and language |
| 132007 | Template content breaks a WhatsApp policy | Rewrite it — see why templates get rejected |
| 132012 | A variable value is in the wrong format | Match the format the template expects |
| 132015 | Template paused for low quality | Wait for the pause to end, or edit and resubmit |
| 132016 | Template disabled after repeated low quality | Create a new template with different content |
Pausing and disabling are explained in WhatsApp quality rating.
Account and number errors
| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 131048 | Sending from this number is restricted | Check the number's quality and status in WhatsApp Manager |
| 131031 / 368 | The account is restricted or disabled for a policy violation | Review the notice in Business Support Home and appeal if it's a mistake |
| 131056 | Too many messages to the same person in a short time | Slow down; other customers aren't affected |
| 130429 / 80007 | Sending faster than Meta allows | The send resumes — retry a little later |
| 131045 / 133010 | The phone number isn't registered on the API | Reconnect the number — see Connect your WhatsApp number |
| 131057 | The account is in maintenance mode | Wait a few minutes and try again |
| 130472 | The customer is part of a Meta experiment and didn't get the message | Nothing to fix; you aren't charged |
Media errors
- 131053 — Meta couldn't upload your file. Use a supported type (JPG, PNG, MP4, PDF) and a smaller size.
- 131052 — Meta couldn't download a file the customer sent. Ask them to send it again.
- 131051 — unsupported message type.
You're only charged for delivered messages
Meta charges when a message is delivered, not when it's sent. A message that fails with any of the codes above costs nothing.
Frequently asked questions
What is error 131049 in WhatsApp Business API?
Error 131049 means Meta did not deliver a marketing message in order to maintain healthy ecosystem engagement. The recipient has reached WhatsApp's personal limit for marketing messages from businesses. Wait at least 24 hours before sending to that person again.
What does WhatsApp error 131026 mean?
Error 131026 means the message is undeliverable. Most often the phone number is not registered on WhatsApp, is in the wrong format, or the user has an outdated version of the app.
How do I fix WhatsApp error 131047?
Error 131047 means more than 24 hours have passed since the customer last messaged you. Send an approved template message instead of a free-form message; when the customer replies, you can chat freely again.
Am I charged for WhatsApp messages that fail?
No. Meta charges only for messages that are delivered. Messages that fail with an error code are not billed.
Still stuck?
Message us on WhatsApp — a real person from the Adwix team will help you finish it.