Can I edit an approved WhatsApp Message Template after it’s live?
Quick answer: No. Once a template is approved, every part of its content—name, body text, header, footer, and buttons—are non-editable.
You can get any number of templates approved; there is no limit and no cost. Any wording or layout change requires creating a brand-new template and sending it for approval.
When should I use this guide?
Review these rules before submitting a template or whenever you realize you need to tweak an already-approved message, so you don’t waste time looking for an “edit” button that doesn’t exist.
1. What you can and cannot change
Area | Editable AFTER approval? | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|
Template name | ❌ No | Must create a new template if the name needs to change. |
Body text | ❌ No | You can duplicate the template, make changes, and send for approval. |
Header / Footer | ❌ No | Locked once approved. |
Buttons (Quick Reply / CTA) | ❌ No | Any change requires a new submission. |
2. What to do if you need changes
- Create a new template with the updated wording or layout.
- Submit it for approval.
- Wait for Meta approval (usually a few minutes to 24 hours, sometimes up to 48 hours).
- Begin using the newly approved template—you can delete the old one if no longer needed.
3. Best-practices checklist
- Proofread before submitting—spelling mistakes can’t be fixed later in the same template.
- Use parameters for anything that might change (names, dates, order IDs).
- Adopt versioned names (e.g.,
appointment_confirm_v1,appointment_confirm_v2) to track updates. - Plan flexible wording to minimize future re-submissions.
Keywords: edit WhatsApp template, approved template locked, create new template, parameter values only
Updated on: 12/01/2026