Can I edit any approved WhatsApp Message Templates?
Editing Approved WhatsApp Template Messages
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 | Cannot edit wording (e.g., changing "appointment is confirmed" → "appointment booked"). |
Header / Footer | ❌ No | Locked once approved. |
Buttons (Quick Reply / Call-to-Action) | ❌ No | Any change requires new submission. |
Parameters (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}) | ✅ Yes | You can supply different values at send-time, e.g., {{1}} = Sarah, {{2}} = Monday. |
What To Do If You Need Changes
- Create a new template with the updated wording or layout.
- Submit it via Meta Business Manager (FBM) for review and approval.
- Wait for approval before using the new version (typical review time: minutes to 24 hours).
Example in Action
Approved Template:
Hi {{1}}, your appointment is confirmed for {{2}}.
Allowed Change (parameters only):
Hi Sarah, your appointment is confirmed for Monday.
Not Allowed (body edit):
Hi Sarah, your appointment is booked for Monday.
Requires new template submission.
Best Practices Checklist
- Always proofread before submitting a template.
- Use parameters for details likely to change (e.g., name, dates, order IDs).
- Create a versioned naming convention (e.g., appointment_confirm_v1, appointment_confirm_v2) to track updates.
- Avoid unnecessary edits—plan for flexibility at the start to reduce re-submissions.
Updated on: 23/09/2025