Channels & Integrations · Channels

WhatsApp templates

Create, submit and track Meta-approved message templates, the only way to message a customer outside the 24-hour window.

A template is a pre-written message that Meta reviews before you can use it. Templates are required to start a conversation or to message a customer more than 24 hours after their last message. Inboxi uses them in campaigns, automated messages, follow-ups, abandoned-cart reminders and the inbox template picker. Manage them in Settings › Templates.

inboxi.app/settings/templates
WhatsApp Templates: all templates of the workspace and their approval status.
  1. 1Pick your business type so default templates fit your industry.
  2. 2Filter by status: All, Accepted, Rejected, Pending.
  3. 3Create Defaults submits a ready-made set for your business type.
  4. 4New Template opens the builder.
  5. 5Sync fetches the latest statuses from Meta.

Default templates and the library

When you connect WhatsApp, Inboxi can create a set of default templates for you. Choose your business type first (Store, Restaurant, Clinic, Education, Salon, Gym, Real Estate, Hotel, Auto, Services or General) so only relevant templates are added, then click Create Defaults. The Library lets you browse every category and add a whole category later with Add all. The full catalog covers 11 business categories; without a business type, only the general templates are added. Each template is submitted to Meta for review.

Create a template

Click New Template. The builder shows a live WhatsApp preview on the right as you type.

inboxi.app/settings/templates
Create New Template with its live preview.
  1. 1Generate with AI: describe the message and let AI draft it.
  2. 2Category and language.
  3. 3Optional header: none, text or image.
  4. 4Tags insert variables such as the customer name or order number.
  5. 5Submit to Meta sends the template for review.
  1. 1
    Basic info
    Give it a Template Name in lowercase with underscores (for example order_confirmation), pick the Category and the Language (Arabic, English (US) or English).
  2. 2
    Header (optional)
    None, Text (up to 60 characters) or Image. An image header is filled in when the message is sent, for example with the product or order image.
  3. 3
    Content
    The body, up to 1,024 characters. Insert variables with the tag buttons.
  4. 4
    Footer (optional)
    A short line under the message, up to 60 characters, for example “Reply STOP to opt out”.
  5. 5
    Buttons (optional)
    Up to 3 buttons: Quick Reply, or URL Button with an optional dynamic part.
  6. 6
    Submit to Meta
    With several numbers, choose whether it deploys to all numbers (and future ones) or is pinned to one number.

Categories

CategoryUse it forExamples
UTILITYMessages about something the customer did or asked for.Order confirmation, shipping update, appointment reminder, payment receipt.
MARKETINGPromotions, offers, announcements, re-engagement.New collection, discount code, abandoned-cart nudge with a coupon, birthday wishes.
AUTHENTICATIONOne-time passwords and login codes.Your verification code is 123456.
Meta may re-categorize a template it thinks is promotional as MARKETING. Marketing and utility messages are priced differently by Meta, so pick the honest category.

Variables

In the builder you write variables by name in double braces, and the tag menus insert them for you:

GroupVariables
Customer{{customer_first_name}} {{customer_name}} {{customer_phone}} {{customer_email}}
Order{{order_number}} {{total_amount}} {{order_status}} {{delivery_fee}} {{discount_amount}}
Store{{store_name}}
Product{{product_name}} {{product_price}}

When you submit, Inboxi converts named variables into Meta's numbered placeholders ({{1}}, {{2}}, …) in the order they first appear and adds sample values for Meta's reviewers.

Body example
Hi {{customer_first_name}}! 👋
Your order #{{order_number}} is ready.
Total: {{total_amount}}

Generate with AI

Open Generate with AI at the top of the builder, describe what you need (for example “Appointment reminder for clinic patients with a confirm button”) and click Generate. Inboxi fills in the name, category, body, footer and buttons. Review and edit before submitting. Each generation uses 1 AI credit.

Approval status

StatusMeaning
PENDINGSubmitted and waiting for Meta’s review. Most reviews finish within minutes, some take longer.
APPROVEDReady to use in the inbox, campaigns and automations.
REJECTEDMeta refused it. Fix the content and create it again.
PAUSEDMeta paused it because customers reacted badly (blocks or reports).
MISSINGAn org-wide template that is not yet on every connected number. Use “Push to missing numbers”.
  • Click Sync to fetch the latest statuses from Meta.
  • Common rejection reasons: variables at the very start or end of the body, variables next to each other with no text between them, misleading or vague wording, or a category that does not match the content.
  • Deleting a template removes it from Meta on every connected number.

Sending templates

From the inbox
When a chat is outside the 24-hour window, the template picker lists approved templates.
Campaigns
Send a template to a segment of contacts.
Automated messages
Order updates and reminders triggered by events.
API
List, create and manage templates programmatically.