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# What are the types of WhatsApp templates available?

# WhatsApp Business Template Categories

WhatsApp Business templates are divided into three Meta-defined categories: Utility, Authentication, and Marketing. These categories guide Meta’s review process and determine when and how messages can be sent to customers.

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## 🔧 1. Utility Templates (Transactional)

* Purpose: Share important, time-sensitive updates after a customer action.
* Nature: Non-promotional.
* Common use cases:
  * Order confirmations or shipping updates
  * Appointment reminders
  * Payment receipts or account alerts
* Example: Hi, your appointment on is confirmed. We'll see you at.

---

## 🔐 2. Authentication Templates

* Purpose: Deliver secure one-time passwords (OTP) or login codes to verify identity.
* Nature: System-triggered, non-promotional.
* Common use cases:
  * Login via phone number
  * Account recovery
  * Transaction verification
* Example: Your verification code is. It will expire in 10 minutes.

|| Info : Authentication templates may only be available after Meta approval for this feature.

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## 📢 3. Marketing Templates (Promotional)

* Purpose: Promote products, re-engage users, or run offers.
* Nature: Requires customer opt-in and stricter policy checks.
* Common use cases:
  * Product recommendations or launches
  * Flash sales or discount campaigns
  * Win-back messages for inactive users
* Example: Hi, enjoy 20% off all accessories today only! Shop now:.

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## 📊 Comparison of Template Categories

| Category | Purpose | Allowed Use Cases | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔧 Utility | Transactional, service updates | Orders, appointments, receipts | No promotional language |
| 🔐 Authentication | Security, identity verification | OTPs, login codes, recovery | Available only after approval |
| 📢 Marketing | Promotional, re-engagement | Discounts, campaigns, product launches | Requires opt-in; stricter review |

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## ℹ️ Important Notes

* ✅ Categories affect Meta approval: promotional wording in Utility templates = rejection.
* ⏱️ Any message sent outside the 24-hour customer window must use an approved template.
* 📊 Templates are created, categorized, and tracked in Meta WhatsApp Manager or via MyOperator.

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## 📎 Related FAQs

* [How do I create a WhatsApp template?](https://app.getguru.com/card/#)
* [Why was my template rejected?](https://app.getguru.com/card/#)
* [How do template categories affect message delivery rules?](https://app.getguru.com/card/#)

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| Tip : Choose the correct category upfront. Misclassification (e.g., adding a discount in a Utility template) will slow down approval and may impact your compliance score.