> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hookmyapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Template lifecycle

> How templates are categorised, reviewed, and retired.

Templates are created and submitted to Meta for review before they can be sent.<br />
Sending is only allowed once a template is `APPROVED`.

## Categories

| Category       | Use                                                      |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Marketing      | Promotions, offers, announcements                        |
| Utility        | Order updates, receipts, reminders tied to a transaction |
| Authentication | One-time passcodes                                       |

Meta can recategorise a template if its content does not match the chosen category, which changes how it is priced.

## Statuses

| Status   | Meaning                                           |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| PENDING  | Submitted, awaiting Meta review                   |
| APPROVED | Ready to send                                     |
| REJECTED | Declined, see the rejection reason and edit       |
| PAUSED   | Temporarily blocked due to low quality            |
| DISABLED | Permanently blocked after repeated quality issues |

## Quality rating

Meta tracks a quality rating per template from user feedback (blocks, reports).<br />
A falling rating moves a template to `PAUSED`, then `DISABLED`.<br />
Keep content relevant and opt-in to protect the rating.

## When Meta blocks template changes

Meta can stop an account from creating or editing templates.<br />
Either action then fails with `Invalid parameter` and the subcode `2494160`.<br />
The message names no cause, but the block is on your account, not on what you sent.

Meta applies these blocks under its [policy enforcement](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/overview/policy-enforcement/) rules.<br />
Some run for a set number of days, others stay until you ask Meta to review them.

What to do:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Business Support Home">
    Open [Business Support Home](https://business.facebook.com/business-support-home) in Meta Business Manager. It names the reason and how long the block lasts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Address what it names">
    If Meta cites a policy issue, fix that first. Resubmitting the same content can extend the block.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retry, or request a review">
    Submit again once the block lifts. If Meta gives no end date, use the review request on the same page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

This block on template changes does not affect sending templates that are already approved.

Templates are managed on your own WABA.<br />
See [Meta message template docs](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/business-management-api/message-templates) for the create and submit endpoints.