Quick answer

When your account balance drops below the minimum required threshold, WhatsApp blocks new outbound messages. You will see a red "Low Balance" banner, outgoing requests fail with an "INSUFFICIENT_BALANCE" error, and all scheduled campaigns pause until you recharge.

When should I use this guide?

Use it the moment you notice delivery failures or the red banner, so you can restore messaging and avoid campaign downtime.

1. How the low-balance block works

• WhatsApp performs real-time balance checks before every send.
• If balance < platform threshold, it rejects the request with INSUFFICIENT_BALANCE.
• Customer inbound messages still arrive, but you can’t reply until funds are added.

2. What you’ll see in the platform

3. How to confirm the issue

1. Navigate to Billing → Balance.
2. Verify the amount is below the threshold (red number).
3. Open Message Logs and filter for INSUFFICIENT_BALANCE.

4. Step-by-step: restore messaging

1. Go to Billing → Recharge.
2. Select or add a valid payment method.
3. Enter the recharge amount and click Pay Now.
4. Wait for the banner to turn green ("Balance Updated").
5. Resume any paused campaigns manually if required.

To avoid future interruptions, enable Low-balance email alerts: go to Billing → Payments → Edit Alert Values.

5. When the block does NOT apply

If your balance remains above the threshold, messages are sent normally and campaigns run as scheduled—no banner, no errors.

Keywords: WhatsApp low balance, insufficient_balance error, recharge account, paused campaigns

Updated on: 09/01/2026