Quick Answer
The most common WhatsApp Cloud API errors are 131047 (the 24-hour window is closed, send a template), 131026 (the message could not be delivered to that recipient), 130429 (you are sending too fast), 131048 (spam rate limit hit), 132000 to 132012 (the template or its variables are wrong), 133010 (the phone number is not registered) and 190 (the access token is invalid or expired). The table below gives the meaning and the fix for each.
Last checked October 2026. Meta renames menus and changes review rules often, so treat the steps as the path, and confirm the exact wording on screen against Meta's documentation.
Error Code Lookup
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 131047 | Re-engagement message: more than 24 hours since the customer last replied | Send an approved template instead. See the 24-hour window. |
| 131026 | Message undeliverable: the recipient is not on WhatsApp, has not accepted the latest terms, or is on an unsupported version | Verify the number; try another channel. Do not keep retrying. |
| 131030 | Recipient not in the allowed list (test mode) | Add the number to the allowed recipients, or move to production. |
| 131031 | Account locked | Check account status and any policy action: banned number recovery. |
| 131048 | Spam rate limit: too many messages were blocked or reported | Slow down, improve targeting and opt-in, review quality rating. |
| 131056 | Pair rate limit: too many messages to the same recipient too quickly | Wait and send fewer messages to that person. |
| 130429 | Cloud API throughput limit reached | Queue and pace sends; retry with backoff. |
| 80007 | WhatsApp Business Account rate limit reached | Reduce request volume and retry later. |
| 131008 / 131009 | Required parameter missing or invalid | Check the request body against the API reference. |
| 131051 | Unsupported message type | Use a supported type and format. |
| 131053 | Media could not be downloaded or uploaded | Check the file type, size and that the URL is public. |
| 132000 | Template parameter count does not match the template | Send exactly the number of variables the template defines. |
| 132001 | Template does not exist in that name and language | Check the exact name, language code and approval status. |
| 132005 / 132007 / 132012 | Translated text too long, content policy violation, or parameter format mismatch | Shorten, rework or reformat the variable values. See template approval. |
| 132015 / 132016 | Template is paused or disabled for low quality | Edit or replace the template; keep content relevant to opted-in users. |
| 133010 | Phone number not registered | Complete number registration. |
| 190 | Access token invalid or expired | Create a permanent system user token. |
| 10 / 200 | Permission or access error | Check token permissions and asset access. |
| 368 | Temporarily blocked for policy violations | Read the policy notice; wait out the restriction and fix the cause. |
Codes and wording evolve. If a code is not listed here, search it in Meta's official error code reference and treat that as the source of truth.
Triage in Four Questions
- Is it every message or only some? All messages points at credentials, registration or a lock. Some messages point at recipients, templates or limits.
- Is it template messages only? Then check the template status and variables.
- Does it fail only after 24 hours? That is the window rule, not a bug.
- Did it start suddenly after a campaign? Suspect a spam or quality limit and check the quality rating.
What to Log
Keep the full error object, the message ID, the phone number ID, the template name and the timestamp. Meta support and your platform can only help with those details. In Tenreply the message status shows delivery failures against each conversation, and analytics shows delivery rates across campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error 131047 mean?
The customer last wrote more than 24 hours ago, so free-form messages are not allowed. Send an approved template or wait for the customer to message you.
What does error 131026 mean?
Meta could not deliver to that recipient. Common causes are a number not on WhatsApp, an old app version or unaccepted terms. Retrying will not help.
What does error 132000 mean?
The number of variables in your send request does not match the template. Count the placeholders and send exactly that many.
How do I fix error 190?
Your token is expired or invalid. Generate a permanent system user token.
Can I estimate message costs before I send?
Yes: use the WhatsApp API pricing calculator and the broadcast cost estimator. Both are free and need no signup.
See Delivery Problems in One Place
Tenreply shows message status inside each conversation and rolls delivery up in analytics, so you can spot a failing template or window problem quickly.
- Connect your number in Tenreply: Meta's Embedded Signup walks you through the WhatsApp Business Account, the number and the OTP in one popup, and Tenreply subscribes the webhook for you. If Meta does not return the IDs, enter them by hand on the same screen.
- WhatsApp API pricing calculator: estimate Meta's charges before you scale.
- Template message previewer: check how a template renders before you submit it.
- Security, changelog and roadmap: what is live today and what is coming.
Back to the full map: Meta, WhatsApp and Instagram integration problems: the complete fix guide.