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Why You Can’t Edit Certain WhatsApp Templates in Stack

If you've tried to edit a WhatsApp message template in Stack and found that you can't, you're not alone. There are several reasons why some templates are locked from editing. Let’s explore these reasons and discuss what you can do about it.

Reasons You Can't Edit a Template​

  1. Template Approved by Meta

    • Once Meta approves a template, its content is locked. While you might still be able to change the template's name or category, the body, header, or footer text cannot be altered. If you need to make changes to the content, you'll need to create a new template from scratch.

  2. Template Created via the API

    • Templates made directly through the WhatsApp API or a third-party tool might not be editable from Stack's user interface. These templates are usually locked to maintain security and consistency.

  3. Template In Use or Recently Sent

    • If a template is currently being used in active workflows or has been sent recently, it may be temporarily locked. This ensures message consistency and avoids communication disruptions.

  4. Template in a Strict Category (e.g., "Authentication")

    • Some categories, such as Authentication (used for OTPs and verification codes), have stricter rules. Meta requires these templates to adhere to specific formats and wording, limiting your ability to edit them beyond allowed parameters.

  5. Template Under Review or Flagged

    • If a template is flagged by Meta for low quality or is under review, editing will be restricted until the issue is resolved. This ensures compliance with WhatsApp’s messaging policies and maintains user experience standards.

What You Can Do​

If you're unable to edit a template, consider these alternatives:

  • Clone the Template: Duplicate the existing template and make necessary changes to the new version before submitting it for approval.

  • Delete the Old Template: If the original template is no longer needed or relevant, delete it to keep your template list organized and up-to-date.

By understanding these restrictions and options, you can better manage your WhatsApp templates within Stack.