Send a template from Chats
Updated 1 September 2026
The Short Answer
If a client last wrote to you more than 24 hours ago, WhatsApp will only deliver an approved template. Pick one from the conversation and it goes; a plain reply is held with needs a template or a reply first.
This is the one time replying in Chats needs something other than typing.
Why can I not just type a reply?
WhatsApp lets you reply freely for 24 hours after a client messages you. After that it will only deliver wording that has been approved in advance.
A plain reply in that state is held with needs a template or a reply first.
How do I send a template instead?
Pick an approved template from the conversation in Chats and send that instead. It goes immediately.
Only approved templates appear — one still waiting on Meta cannot be sent yet.
What if I do not have a template?
Create one in Extensions → Templates. Approval usually takes a few minutes.
It is worth having two or three ready before you need them, because the moment you need one is the moment you do not want to wait.
Does a template cost more?
No. 1 credit per message, the same as any other reply from Chats.