Articles on: MyOperator

What should I do if my WhatsApp template is put in the wrong category or gets rejected?

⚡ Quick answer


Meta reviews every template for category fit (Utility, Marketing, Authentication). If the text doesn’t match, Meta will either:

  • Recategorize it automatically
  • Reject it outright


A recategorized approved template usually works as-is; a rejected one must be created again.


Meta generally takes 5 minutes to 48 hours to approve or reject a template.



When should I use this guide?


Use these steps whenever you:

  • Want to avoid delays caused by miscategorized templates
  • Need to understand Meta’s “Recategorized” or “Rejected” status
  • Are fixing a template that failed approval



1. Why template categories matter


Each category has strict, policy-driven use cases:


Category

Primary use

Typical content example

Utility

Post-transaction updates

“Your order #123 has shipped.”

Marketing

Promotions & engagement

“Flash sale! 20% off today.”

Authentication

OTP / login codes

“Your verification code is 673921.”


Using the wrong category can violate opt-in rules and stall approval.



2. What Meta does if the category is wrong


Scenario

Meta’s response

Category doesn’t match text

Auto-recategorize during review

Text violates the chosen category’s rules

Reject the template



3. Business impact


  • Approval delays (hours to days)
  • Possible opt-in requirement changes if moved to Marketing
  • Changes in campaign cost according to the template category



4. How to recover from recategorization or rejection


Step-by-step:


  1. Log in to MyOperator Panel → WhatsApp → Templates.


  1. Check the Status and Category columns.
  2. “Recategorized” → Meta changed the tag.
  3. “Rejected” → Hover to read the reason.


  1. Fix and resubmit:
  2. Recategorized → Usually no action unless your opt-in flow or billing depends on the original tag.
  3. Rejected:
    1. Click Clone (or Create Template).
    2. Pick the correct category, adjust wording/placeholders, and give it a unique name.
    3. Submit for approval and monitor until Approved appears.


Approved and Rejected templates by Meta



5. Common rejection reasons & quick fixes


Rejection reason

How to fix

Wrong category

Resubmit as Marketing/Utility/Authentication as appropriate

Misuse of variables

Use correct placeholders: {{1}}, {{2}} and map the correct value in the uploaded file

Prohibited content

Remove unsupported links or unapproved offers

Mixed button types

Do not combine Quick Replies with URL/Call buttons


Tip

Always use the Preview panel to test variables, formatting, and buttons before you click Submit.



6. When a wrong category will NOT hurt


If Meta silently recategorizes the template and you do not rely on the original category for billing or opt-in logic, no further action is required—the template will work under its new tag.



Keywords: WhatsApp template category, Meta recategorize, template rejected, Utility vs Marketing vs Authentication, how to resubmit

Updated on: 09/01/2026