---
title: "Message templates"
description: "Sync approved WhatsApp message templates from Meta so your team can message customers after the 24-hour window ends."
---

:::note[Plan]
Available on the **Starter** plan and above.
:::

WhatsApp only lets businesses send free-form messages within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After that, you need an approved **message template**. Chatvox uses your templates when your team replies from the Helpdesk after the window has closed.

Templates are created and approved in Meta's **WhatsApp Manager**, not in Chatvox. Chatvox syncs the approved ones.

## Create a template

1. **Open WhatsApp Manager**

    In your agent, go to **Deploy → WhatsApp → Message templates** and select **Open WhatsApp Manager**.

2. **Create and submit**

    Create your template in WhatsApp Manager and submit it to Meta for review.

3. **Sync to Chatvox**

    Once Meta approves it, return to **Message templates** and select **Sync from Meta**.

:::note
You need a connected and verified number before you can view templates. If you see **WhatsApp connection required**, [connect your number](/docs/deployments/whatsapp/connecting-whatsapp) first.
:::

## Template status

| Status | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| **Approved** | Ready to use. |
| **In review** | Waiting for Meta's review. |
| **Rejected** | Meta didn't approve it. Edit it in WhatsApp Manager and resubmit. |
| **Paused** | Meta paused it, usually because of low-quality feedback from customers. |
| **Deleted on Meta** | Removed in WhatsApp Manager. It can no longer be used. |

Select **Sync from Meta** again whenever you change templates in WhatsApp Manager.

:::note
Only approved templates in the **Utility** and **Authentication** categories can be sent from the Helpdesk.
:::