# Send WhatsApp cloud api reference to your agent
Hand the extracted package to your coding agent with a concrete install brief instead of figuring it out manually.
## Fast path
- Download the package from Yavira.
- Extract it into a folder your agent can access.
- Paste one of the prompts below and point your agent at the extracted folder.
## Suggested prompts
### New install

```text
I downloaded a skill package from Yavira. Read SKILL.md from the extracted folder and install it by following the included instructions. Tell me what you changed and call out any manual steps you could not complete.
```
### Upgrade existing

```text
I downloaded an updated skill package from Yavira. Read SKILL.md from the extracted folder, compare it with my current installation, and upgrade it while preserving any custom configuration unless the package docs explicitly say otherwise. Summarize what changed and any follow-up checks I should run.
```
## Machine-readable fields
```json
{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "item": {
    "slug": "whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "name": "WhatsApp cloud api reference",
    "source": "tencent",
    "type": "skill",
    "category": "开发工具",
    "sourceUrl": "https://clawhub.ai/RomanBaz/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "canonicalUrl": "https://clawhub.ai/RomanBaz/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "targetPlatform": "OpenClaw"
  },
  "install": {
    "downloadUrl": "/downloads/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "sourceDownloadUrl": "https://wry-manatee-359.convex.site/api/v1/download?slug=whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "sourcePlatform": "tencent",
    "targetPlatform": "OpenClaw",
    "packageFormat": "ZIP package",
    "primaryDoc": "SKILL.md",
    "includedAssets": [
      "SKILL.md"
    ],
    "downloadMode": "redirect",
    "sourceHealth": {
      "source": "tencent",
      "slug": "whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
      "status": "healthy",
      "reason": "direct_download_ok",
      "recommendedAction": "download",
      "checkedAt": "2026-05-11T01:19:50.814Z",
      "expiresAt": "2026-05-18T01:19:50.814Z",
      "httpStatus": 200,
      "finalUrl": "https://wry-manatee-359.convex.site/api/v1/download?slug=whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
      "contentType": "application/zip",
      "probeMethod": "head",
      "details": {
        "probeUrl": "https://wry-manatee-359.convex.site/api/v1/download?slug=whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
        "contentDisposition": "attachment; filename=\"whatsapp-cloud-api-reference-1.0.0.zip\"",
        "redirectLocation": null,
        "bodySnippet": null,
        "slug": "whatsapp-cloud-api-reference"
      },
      "scope": "item",
      "summary": "Item download looks usable.",
      "detail": "Yavira can redirect you to the upstream package for this item.",
      "primaryActionLabel": "Download for OpenClaw",
      "primaryActionHref": "/downloads/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference"
    },
    "validation": {
      "installChecklist": [
        "Use the Yavira download entry.",
        "Review SKILL.md after the package is downloaded.",
        "Confirm the extracted package contains the expected setup assets."
      ],
      "postInstallChecks": [
        "Confirm the extracted package includes the expected docs or setup files.",
        "Validate the skill or prompts are available in your target agent workspace.",
        "Capture any manual follow-up steps the agent could not complete."
      ]
    }
  },
  "links": {
    "detailUrl": "https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "downloadUrl": "https://openagent3.xyz/downloads/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference",
    "agentUrl": "https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent",
    "manifestUrl": "https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent.json",
    "briefUrl": "https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent.md"
  }
}
```
## Documentation

### Overview

The Meta WhatsApp Cloud API is the official, fully hosted path for programmatic WhatsApp messaging. No server management needed. First 1,000 service conversations per month are free.

Key rules:

Your app can NEVER send a free-form text message first. The very first message to any user must always be a pre-approved template. Free-form text is only unlocked after the user replies, and only within the 24-hour window that reply opens.
Business-initiated messages outside a 24h reply window must use a pre-approved template
Phone numbers must be registered in your WABA before sending
Always use a System User token — user tokens expire in 24 hours

Conversation flow:

App → user:  MUST be a template (always, for first contact)
User → app:  reply opens a 24-hour free-form window
App → user:  free-form text allowed within that 24h window
  [24h passes with no user reply]
App → user:  MUST use a template again to re-engage

### Setup Checklist

Create Meta Developer App — developers.facebook.com → Create App → Business type
Add WhatsApp product to the app (gives temp test number + 5 test recipient slots)
Create a permanent System User token:

Meta Business Manager → Settings → System Users → Create Admin user
Assign permissions: whatsapp_business_messaging + whatsapp_business_management
Generate token — this never expires


Register real phone number — number cannot already be active on personal/business WhatsApp
Set up webhook — needs public HTTPS URL (trusted CA cert, no self-signed), must respond in < 10s

### Text Message (Node.js)

// npm install axios
const axios = require('axios');

async function sendMessage(phoneNumber, text) {
    // phoneNumber: E.164 without +, e.g. "14155551234"
    const res = await axios.post(
        \`https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/${process.env.WA_PHONE_NUMBER_ID}/messages\`,
        {
            messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
            recipient_type: 'individual',
            to: phoneNumber,
            type: 'text',
            text: { preview_url: false, body: text }
        },
        { headers: { Authorization: \`Bearer ${process.env.WA_ACCESS_TOKEN}\` } }
    );
    return res.data;
}

### Text Message (Python)

# pip install requests
import requests, os

def send_message(phone: str, text: str) -> dict:
    r = requests.post(
        f"https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/{os.environ['WA_PHONE_NUMBER_ID']}/messages",
        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {os.environ['WA_ACCESS_TOKEN']}"},
        json={
            "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
            "recipient_type": "individual",
            "to": phone,        # E.164 without +
            "type": "text",
            "text": {"preview_url": False, "body": text}
        }
    )
    r.raise_for_status()
    return r.json()

### Quick test via curl

curl -X POST "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/YOUR_PHONE_ID/messages" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN" \\
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \\
  -d '{"messaging_product":"whatsapp","to":"14155551234","type":"text","text":{"body":"Hello"}}'

### Template Message (required when > 24h since last user reply)

const payload = {
    messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
    to: phoneNumber,
    type: 'template',
    template: {
        name: 'hello_world',           // your approved template name
        language: { code: 'en_US' },
        components: [{
            type: 'body',
            parameters: [
                { type: 'text', text: 'John' },        // fills {{1}}
                { type: 'text', text: 'Order #4521' }  // fills {{2}}
            ]
        }]
    }
};

### Media Messages (Image, Document, Audio, Video)

Image:

const payload = {
    messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
    to: phoneNumber,
    type: 'image',
    image: {
        link: 'https://your-domain.com/image.jpg'  // must be publicly accessible HTTPS
    }
};

Document:

const payload = {
    messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
    to: phoneNumber,
    type: 'document',
    document: {
        link: 'https://your-domain.com/file.pdf',
        caption: 'Invoice'  // optional
    }
};

Audio:

const payload = {
    messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
    to: phoneNumber,
    type: 'audio',
    audio: {
        link: 'https://your-domain.com/audio.mp3'
    }
};

Video:

const payload = {
    messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
    to: phoneNumber,
    type: 'video',
    video: {
        link: 'https://your-domain.com/video.mp4',
        caption: 'Demo video'  // optional
    }
};

Important constraints:

All media URLs must be publicly accessible HTTPS (http:// fails)
Max file sizes: Image 16MB, Document 100MB, Audio 16MB, Video 16MB
Supported formats: Images (JPEG, PNG), Documents (PDF), Audio (AAC, MP3, OGG, WAV), Video (MP4, 3GPP)
Media must not require authentication
URLs cannot use shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.)

### Webhook Handler (Express) — Correct Async Pattern

// GET — Meta calls this to verify your endpoint
app.get('/webhook', (req, res) => {
    const { 'hub.mode': mode, 'hub.verify_token': token, 'hub.challenge': challenge } = req.query;
    if (mode === 'subscribe' && token === process.env.VERIFY_TOKEN)
        return res.status(200).send(challenge);  // raw string only — NOT JSON
    res.sendStatus(403);
});

// POST — CRITICAL: return 200 IMMEDIATELY, process async
app.post('/webhook', express.json(), (req, res) => {
    // Return 200 immediately so Meta doesn't retry
    res.sendStatus(200);

    // Process webhook payload asynchronously (don't block)
    setImmediate(() => {
        processWebhookAsync(req.body).catch(err => {
            logger.error(\`Webhook processing failed: ${err.message}\`);
        });
    });
});

async function processWebhookAsync(body) {
    body.entry?.forEach(entry =>
        entry.changes?.forEach(change => {
            const value = change.value;

            // Incoming messages
            if (value.messages) {
                value.messages.forEach(msg => {
                    console.log(\`Message from ${msg.from}: ${msg.text?.body}\`);
                    handleMessage(msg);
                });
            }

            // Delivery status
            if (value.statuses) {
                value.statuses.forEach(status => {
                    console.log(\`Message ${status.id} status: ${status.status}\`);
                    handleDeliveryStatus(status);
                });
            }
        })
    );
}

### Webhook Payload: Delivery Status

Meta sends status updates via webhook when a message is delivered, read, or fails:

{
  "object": "whatsapp_business_account",
  "entry": [{
    "changes": [{
      "value": {
        "statuses": [{
          "id": "wamid.xxx",           // Message ID from your send response
          "status": "delivered",       // "sent" | "delivered" | "read" | "failed"
          "timestamp": "1675262308",
          "recipient_id": "14155551234",
          "type": "message"
        }]
      }
    }]
  }]
}

Status values:

sent — Message reached Meta servers
delivered — Message delivered to user's device
read — User opened the message
failed — Delivery failed (permanent)

### Tracking Message Delivery

// When you send, store the message ID
const sendResult = await sendMessage(phone, text);
const messageId = sendResult.messages[0].id;

// Log it for webhook tracking
db.messages.insert({
    message_id: messageId,
    recipient: phone,
    sent_at: Date.now(),
    status: 'sent',
    body: text
});

// When webhook arrives with status update, match by message_id
function handleDeliveryStatus(statusUpdate) {
    const { id, status, recipient_id } = statusUpdate;

    // Update your database
    db.messages.updateOne(
        { message_id: id },
        { status: status, updated_at: Date.now() }
    );

    // Handle delivery failures
    if (status === 'failed') {
        logger.error(\`Message ${id} failed to deliver to ${recipient_id}\`);
        // Retry logic here
    }
}

### What is Quality Rating?

Your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) has a quality rating that affects your sending ability:

RatingImpactRecoveryGREENFull functionality, no restrictionsMaintain this (stay green)YELLOWSlight rate limit reduction, monitor closelyImprove within 7 days or drops to REDREDSevere restrictions, may lose messaging accessContact Meta Support

### How to Check Quality Rating

curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID?fields=quality_rating" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

# Response: { "quality_rating": "GREEN" }

### What Causes Quality Rating to Drop?

High bounce rate — sending to invalid/inactive numbers
Spam reports — users marking your messages as spam
High failure rate — messages consistently failing to deliver
User blocks — users blocking your number after messages
Policy violations — sending prohibited content

### How to Improve Quality Rating

Validate phone numbers before sending — use the WhatsApp contacts check (error 131026)
Only message opted-in users — don't send unsolicited messages
Keep template content transactional — avoid marketing spam
Monitor quality metrics — check rating regularly via API
Respect user preferences — remove users who opt out
Don't retry failed numbers aggressively — wait before retrying same number

### Group Messages

Note: WhatsApp Business API does NOT support group messaging directly. You can only send to individual recipients (1:1 conversations).

If you need group functionality:

Users must add your business number to a group manually
Messages sent to the group are treated as individual 1:1 messages
You cannot initiate group conversations programmatically

### API Versioning Strategy

All examples use v21.0 (current as of February 2026). Meta deprecates API versions annually.

### Checking Your Current Version

# List all available versions
curl "https://graph.facebook.com/versions" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

# Current version recommendations
# - v21.0 (current, recommended)
# - v20.0 (previous, will deprecate in 6 months)

### Version Update Strategy

// Store version in config, not hardcoded
const API_VERSION = process.env.WHATSAPP_API_VERSION || 'v21.0';

const url = \`https://graph.facebook.com/${API_VERSION}/${PHONE_NUMBER_ID}/messages\`;

// When Meta deprecates a version, update .env:
// WHATSAPP_API_VERSION=v22.0

### What Changes Between Versions?

New message types or features added
Deprecated fields removed
Error codes may change slightly
Response payload structure may change

Always test before upgrading — make requests against the new version in your dev environment first.

### Text Message Limits

ConstraintLimitText body max length4,096 charactersLink previewEnabled by default, disable with preview_url: falseCarriage returns / newlinesSupported (use \\n)

### Interactive Message Limits

TypeItemsCharacter LimitButton1-3Title: 20 charsList1-10Title: 24 chars per row

### Media URL Requirements

Must be HTTPS only (http:// rejected)
Must be publicly accessible (no authentication required)
Must NOT use shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl rejected)
Must have correct Content-Type header
Max file sizes:

Image: 16 MB
Audio: 16 MB
Video: 16 MB
Document: 100 MB

### Rate Limits (Per WABA)

LimitValueDefault throughput80 messages/secondBurst capacity1,000 messages/second (request increase)Requests per minute60 API calls/minute

### Template Submission Workflow

Create template in Meta Business Manager
        ↓
Submit for review (human review by Meta)
        ↓
Status: PENDING (24-72 hours typical)
        ↓
Status: APPROVED (can now use in messages)
    OR
Status: REJECTED (reason provided in dashboard)

### How Long Does Approval Take?

Typical: 24-72 hours
Peak times (weekends, holidays): up to 7 days
Fast-track: Available for high-volume WABAs (request in Meta Support)

### Common Approval Issues

IssueWhy RejectedVariable formatMust use {{1}}, {{2}} formatTemplate starts/ends with variableMust have text before first variableURL shortenersUse full domain URLs onlyPlaceholder qualityPlaceholder values must be realistic examplesSensitive data requestNever ask for SSN, card numbers, passwordsUnclear purposePurpose field must clearly state intentWarm language in utilityUse formal wording; warmth triggers "marketing" category (costs more)Duplicate templateName/wording too similar to existing template

Check rejection reason in Meta Business Manager → Business Support → Rejected Template Messages.

### 1. Phone Number Already on Personal WhatsApp

Symptom: Registration fails with error 133010, status stays PENDING

Cause: Phone number is already active on a personal WhatsApp account

Fix:

1. Remove phone from personal WhatsApp (go to Settings → Devices → Remove phone)
2. Wait 24 hours
3. Re-run registration API call

### 2. Mixing Phone Number ID with WABA ID

Symptom: API returns "Invalid parameters" for phone operations

How to tell them apart:

PHONE_NUMBER_ID: 120######## (11-12 digits, starts with 120)
WABA_ID: ######### (9-10 digits, higher number)

# Correct endpoint
POST /v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID/messages  ✅

# Wrong endpoint
POST /v21.0/WABA_ID/messages  ❌

### 3. Token Validation Passes but Scopes Missing

Symptom: Token debug shows valid, but messaging fails with error 3/10

# Token is "valid" but missing scopes
curl "https://graph.facebook.com/debug_token?input_token=TOKEN&access_token=TOKEN"
# Response: { "is_valid": true, "scopes": ["manage_pages"] }  ← NO whatsapp_business_messaging

# Fix: Regenerate System User token with correct permissions

### 4. Webhook Returns JSON Instead of Raw Challenge

Symptom: Webhook verification fails silently in Meta dashboard

Wrong:

return res.json({ challenge });  // ❌ returns JSON

Correct:

return res.status(200).send(challenge);  // ✅ returns raw string

### 5. WABA Not Subscribed to App

Symptom: Webhooks never arrive (silent failure since 2025 Meta UI change)

Fix:

curl -X POST \\
  "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/WABA_ID/subscribed_apps" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_SYSTEM_USER_TOKEN"

### 6. Sending Template Too Early in Approval Process

Symptom: Error 132001 "Template Unavailable"

Cause: Template still in PENDING status, not yet APPROVED

Fix: Check status in Meta Business Manager → Message Templates → wait for APPROVED status

### 7. Phone Number Not in WABA

Symptom: Error 131009 when trying to send

How to verify:

# Check which phone numbers are in your WABA
curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/WABA_ID/phone_numbers?fields=id,display_phone_number" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

### 8. Sending Free-Form Text as First Message

Symptom: API returns 200, message ID issued, but user never receives it

Root cause: Only templates allowed as first message to any number

Fix: Always use a template for first contact

### Phone Number Status Reference

Check the status field via API. Each status blocks different operations:

StatusMeaningActionPENDINGNumber is registered but not verifiedSet up 2FA (either manual or API), then run register callREGISTEREDNumber is verified and readyCheck code_verification_status — should be VERIFIEDFLAGGEDAccount or number under review for policy violationContact Meta SupportBANNEDNumber permanently disabledContact Meta Support

### Error Code Reference

CodeNameCauseFix190Token ExpiredUser token (24h lifetime) used in productionSwitch to System User token; debug at developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/accesstoken3 / 10Permission DeniedToken missing required scopesRegenerate System User token with whatsapp_business_messaging + whatsapp_business_management100Invalid ParameterMisspelled field or wrong valueCheck request body against API docs; verify phone number format (E.164, no +)130429Rate Limit (MPS)Exceeded 80 messages/sec defaultAdd send queue + exponential backoff (see below)13104724h Window Expired> 24h since customer last repliedReplace free-form text with a pre-approved template message131026UndeliverableRecipient blocked you, no WhatsApp, or outdated appVerify recipient number; confirm they have WhatsApp installed and accepted Meta terms131048Spam Rate LimitMessages flagged as spamCheck Quality Rating in WhatsApp Manager; review message content and opt-in practices131056Pair Rate LimitToo many messages to same recipient too fastWait before retrying the same number131009Invalid Parameter ValuePhone number not in WABA, or wrong parameterVerify number is registered in your WABA under Phone Numbers131021Same Sender/Recipientfrom and to are the same numberUse a different recipient131031Account LockedPolicy violation or wrong 2-step PINContact Meta Support132001Template UnavailableWrong template name, wrong language code, or not yet approvedCheck WhatsApp Manager → Message Templates for exact name, language, and status133010Phone Not RegisteredSender number not registered in Cloud APIRun the registration API call (see below)368Policy ViolationAccount restrictedContact Meta Support1 / 2API Service ErrorMeta outage or server errorCheck metastatus.com; retry with exponential backoff

### Fix: Token Problems (Error 190, 3, 10)

Diagnose first:

curl "https://graph.facebook.com/debug_token?input_token=YOUR_TOKEN&access_token=YOUR_APP_ID|YOUR_APP_SECRET"

Check is_valid, expires_at (0 = never expires), and scopes in the response.

Fix — create a non-expiring System User token:

Meta Business Manager → Settings → System Users
Create Admin system user
Add whatsapp_business_messaging + whatsapp_business_management permissions
Generate token — never set an expiry

### Fix: Phone Number Not Registered (Error 133010)

Step 1 — check phone number status:

curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID?fields=verified_name,code_verification_status,quality_rating,status" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

If status is PENDING, the number is waiting for verification. Continue below.

Step 2 — set up Two-Step Verification (choose ONE method):

Option A: Manual setup (easy)

Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp Settings → Phone Numbers → Your Number
Click "Two-Step Verification" → set a PIN

Option B: API setup (easier for automation)

# Set 2FA PIN via API
curl -X POST \\
  "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID/two_step_verification" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \\
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \\
  -d '{"pin": "123456"}'  # any 6-digit PIN you choose

Step 3 — register the number with the PIN:

curl -X POST \\
  "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID/register" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \\
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \\
  -d '{"messaging_product": "whatsapp", "pin": "123456"}'  # same PIN from step 2

Step 4 — wait 5 minutes, then verify registration:

curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID?fields=verified_name,code_verification_status,quality_rating,status" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"

Look for status: REGISTERED and code_verification_status: VERIFIED.

### Fix: Webhook Not Verifying

Diagnose in this order:

Not returning raw challenge — endpoint must return the hub.challenge string value only, not JSON
Token mismatch — hub.verify_token Meta sends must match exactly what you set in the dashboard (case-sensitive)
SSL issue — Meta requires a valid cert from a trusted CA; self-signed certs are rejected
Timeout — your server must respond within 10 seconds
WABA not subscribed to App — common silent failure since 2025 Meta UI change:

# Subscribe your WABA to your App (run once)
curl -X POST \\
  "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/WABA_ID/subscribed_apps" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_SYSTEM_USER_TOKEN"

# Verify the subscription exists
curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/WABA_ID/subscribed_apps" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_SYSTEM_USER_TOKEN"

Local development — expose localhost with a tunnel:

# Using ngrok
ngrok http 3000
# Use the https:// URL ngrok provides as your webhook callback URL in Meta

### Fix: Rate Limiting (Error 130429)

Default limit is 80 messages per second. Fix with a queue and exponential backoff:

// npm install limiter
const { RateLimiter } = require('limiter');
const limiter = new RateLimiter({ tokensPerInterval: 70, interval: 'second' });

async function sendWithRetry(phone, message, attempt = 0) {
    await limiter.removeTokens(1);
    try {
        return await sendMessage(phone, message);
    } catch (err) {
        const code = err.response?.data?.error?.code;
        if (code === 130429 && attempt < 5) {
            const delay = Math.pow(2, attempt) * 1000; // 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s
            await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, delay));
            return sendWithRetry(phone, message, attempt + 1);
        }
        throw err;
    }
}

To increase throughput beyond 80 MPS, apply in Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp → Phone Numbers → Request Increased Messaging Limit.

### Fix: 24-Hour Window (Error 131047)

You cannot send free-form text to a user more than 24 hours after their last message. You must use a template.

// Instead of free-form text, send an approved template
await sendTemplate(phoneNumber, 'order_update', 'en_US', [
    { type: 'text', text: 'John' },
    { type: 'text', text: '#4521' }
]);

Create and submit templates at: Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp → Message Templates.

### Fix: Template Rejected (Error 132001 or rejection in WhatsApp Manager)

Rejection ReasonFixVariable format wrongUse {{1}}, {{2}} — double curly braces, sequential integers onlyTemplate starts/ends with variableAdd plain text before {{1}} and after the last variableVariables not sequentialMust be {{1}}, {{2}} — no gaps allowedURL shorteners usedUse full, unshortened URLs to your own domainLanguage code mismatchMatch language.code to the actual content language, e.g. en_US, pt_BRWarm language in utility templateUse formal transactional wording; warm language causes auto-reclassification to marketing categorySensitive dataNever request SSNs, full card numbers, or passwordsDuplicate of existing templateChange the wording — even minor variation is requiredPurpose unclearEach variable must have a descriptive example value in the template submission

Where to find rejection reason:
Meta Business Manager → Business Support Home → Your WhatsApp Account → Rejected Template Messages → view policy issue.

### Fix: Message Undeliverable (Error 131026)

Run this to check if a number has WhatsApp before sending:

curl "https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID/contacts" \\
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \\
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \\
  -X POST \\
  -d '{"messaging_product": "whatsapp", "contacts": ["+14155551234"]}'
# Response includes "wa_id" if the number has WhatsApp, empty if not

### Diagnose: "My message sends but the user never receives it" (first-contact trap)

This is the most common silent failure. The API returns success (messages[0].id) but the user receives nothing.

Root cause: You sent a free-form text message as the first outreach. Meta silently drops it.

How to tell: Check the message status webhook — the message will show failed with error 131047 or show sent but never delivered.

Rule: The very first message your app sends to any number must be a template. No exceptions.

❌ Wrong — app sends free-form text first:
   POST /messages → type: "text", body: "Hello John, your order is ready"
   → API may return 200 but message is silently dropped or returns 131047

✅ Correct — app sends template first:
   POST /messages → type: "template", name: "order_ready"
   → User receives the message and can reply
   → After user replies, free-form text is allowed for 24h

Fix: Create and approve a template for every type of first-contact message you need to send. Submit templates at Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp → Message Templates.

### Phone Number Validation Before Sending

Always validate phone number format and WhatsApp registration before sending:

def is_valid_phone_format(phone_digits: str) -> bool:
    """
    E.164 format validation:
      - 7-15 digits (not including +)
      - Not all same digit (e.g., 0000000 is invalid)
    """
    if not phone_digits or len(phone_digits) < 7 or len(phone_digits) > 15:
        return False
    if len(set(phone_digits)) == 1:  # all same digit
        return False
    return True

def is_registered_on_whatsapp(phone_digits: str, token: str, phone_id: str) -> bool:
    """
    Check if number is a registered WhatsApp user.
    Returns False only on definitive error 131026 (not on WhatsApp).
    Returns True if successful, uncertain (auth error, etc.), or timeout.
    """
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {token}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }
    data = {
        "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
        "to": phone_digits,
        "type": "text",
        "text": {"body": "_"}  # minimal text to check
    }
    try:
        r = requests.post(
            f"https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/{phone_id}/messages",
            headers=headers,
            json=data,
            timeout=10
        )
        if r.status_code == 200:
            return True  # number is valid

        error_code = r.json().get("error", {}).get("code")
        if error_code == 131026:
            return False  # NOT on WhatsApp

        return True  # other errors — don't block
    except:
        return True  # network error — don't block

### Structured Error Response Handling

def extract_error_code(response_json: dict) -> int:
    """Extract error code from Meta API response."""
    return (
        response_json.get("error", {}).get("code")
        or response_json.get("error", {}).get("error_subcode")
    )

def send_with_error_handling(phone_id: str, recipient: str, message_body: str, token: str):
    """Send message and extract detailed error info."""
    url = f"https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/{phone_id}/messages"
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {token}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }
    data = {
        "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
        "to": recipient,
        "type": "text",
        "text": {"body": message_body}
    }

    try:
        r = requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=data)
        r.raise_for_status()
        return {"success": True, "message_id": r.json().get("messages")[0].get("id")}
    except requests.HTTPError as e:
        error_code = extract_error_code(e.response.json())
        error_msg = e.response.json().get("error", {}).get("message")
        return {
            "success": False,
            "error_code": error_code,
            "error_message": error_msg,
            "response_text": e.response.text
        }

### Interactive Messages (Smart Buttons vs List)

def send_interactive_message(phone_id: str, recipient: str, text: str, options: list, token: str):
    """
    Intelligently sends:
      - Buttons (up to 3 options)
      - List Menu (4-10 options)

    Each option: {"id": "unique_id", "title": "Text (max 20 chars)"}
    """
    url = f"https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/{phone_id}/messages"
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {token}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }

    if len(options) <= 3:
        # Send as buttons
        button_data = {
            "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
            "to": recipient,
            "type": "interactive",
            "interactive": {
                "type": "button",
                "body": {"text": text},
                "action": {
                    "buttons": [
                        {
                            "type": "reply",
                            "reply": {"id": opt["id"], "title": opt["title"][:20]}
                        }
                        for opt in options
                    ]
                }
            }
        }
        return requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=button_data)
    else:
        # Send as list menu
        list_data = {
            "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
            "to": recipient,
            "type": "interactive",
            "interactive": {
                "type": "list",
                "body": {"text": text},
                "action": {
                    "button": "See options",
                    "sections": [{
                        "title": "Available options",
                        "rows": [
                            {
                                "id": opt["id"],
                                "title": opt["title"][:24]
                            }
                            for opt in options
                        ]
                    }]
                }
            }
        }
        return requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=list_data)

### Testing & Debugging Helper Scripts

Token & Phone Verification Script:

# Check if token is valid and phone number is accessible
import requests, os
from dotenv import load_dotenv
load_dotenv()

TOKEN = os.getenv('WHATSAPP_TOKEN')
PHONE_ID = os.getenv('PHONE_NUMBER_ID')

# Debug token
r = requests.get(f"https://graph.facebook.com/debug_token?input_token={TOKEN}&access_token={TOKEN}")
data = r.json()
if 'error' in data:
    print(f"❌ Token Error: {data['error']['message']}")
else:
    print(f"✅ Token Valid")
    print(f"   Expires: {data['data'].get('expires_at')} (0=never)")
    print(f"   Scopes: {data['data'].get('scopes')}")

# Check phone number
r = requests.get(
    f"https://graph.facebook.com/v21.0/{PHONE_ID}",
    headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {TOKEN}"}
)
if r.status_code == 200:
    print(f"✅ Phone Number Accessible")
    print(f"   Display: {r.json().get('display_phone_number')}")
    print(f"   Quality Rating: {r.json().get('quality_rating')}")
else:
    print(f"❌ Phone Error: {r.json().get('error', {}).get('message')}")

### Quick Debug Checklist

When a message fails, check in this order:

Token valid? — curl "https://graph.facebook.com/debug_token?input_token=TOKEN&access_token=APP_ID|APP_SECRET"
Phone number format? — E.164, no +, no spaces: "14155551234"
Number registered in WABA? — check WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers
Number registered with Cloud API? — run registration call if error 133010
24h window? — if > 24h since last user reply, send a template instead
Template approved? — WhatsApp Manager → Message Templates → check status and rejection reason
Webhook subscribed? — verify WABA → App subscription via GET /WABA_ID/subscribed_apps
Rate limited? — check Quality Rating in WhatsApp Manager; implement backoff + queue
## Trust
- Source: tencent
- Verification: Indexed source record
- Publisher: RomanBaz
- Version: 1.0.0
## Source health
- Status: healthy
- Item download looks usable.
- Yavira can redirect you to the upstream package for this item.
- Health scope: item
- Reason: direct_download_ok
- Checked at: 2026-05-11T01:19:50.814Z
- Expires at: 2026-05-18T01:19:50.814Z
- Recommended action: Download for OpenClaw
## Links
- [Detail page](https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference)
- [Send to Agent page](https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent)
- [JSON manifest](https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent.json)
- [Markdown brief](https://openagent3.xyz/skills/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference/agent.md)
- [Download page](https://openagent3.xyz/downloads/whatsapp-cloud-api-reference)