Why a template won't send here

A template that's approved and working can still be refused in a particular conversation. It's usually one of two things: the template doesn't belong on this channel, or it isn't finished for this send.

The picker refused it

"Only email templates can be used in an email thread." Templates belong to a channel. An SMS template can't go down an email thread even though both are text.

"This template has no email design." An email template that was never given a body. Open it in the studio and build it.

"This template has no message text." The same problem on a text channel.

"WhatsApp templates can only be used in a WhatsApp Business conversation." A WhatsApp approval means nothing on any other channel.

"WhatsApp Flows can only be used in a WhatsApp Business conversation." Same reason.

"This template can't start a conversation." You're opening a new conversation rather than replying to one. Only email, SMS and WhatsApp templates can do that — they're the channels where you're allowed to message first.

Send template is greyed out

Once a WhatsApp template is staged above the composer, it won't send until it's complete. The button stays disabled and tells you what's missing:

"Fill in every template field first." At least one variable is empty. WhatsApp won't accept a template with a gap in it, so it's stopped here rather than rejected there.

"Choose a header IMAGE first." (Or VIDEO, or DOCUMENT.) The template was approved with a media header, so every send needs a file. The one used at approval was only a sample.

"Choose media for carousel card 2 first." Same rule, per card. The number tells you which one.

"Choose an IMAGE for the header." You picked the wrong type of file — a video where the template expects an image. The approved shape can't change.

The Flow won't open

"Publish this Flow for its WhatsApp number before using it." A Flow has to be published against the number this conversation is on. One published for another number isn't available here.

"The 24-hour window is closed. Choose an approved template that launches this Flow." Nothing is broken. Outside the window nothing sends freely, a Flow included, so Qcom takes you to the templates that can launch it.

Everything looks right and it still won't go

Then it isn't the template. See Why a reply didn't send for connection, allowance, opt-out and permission problems.

If Send was already pressed, inspect that attempt's delivery state before trying again. Approval and a complete preview do not prove delivery, and a missing report does not prove the message was unsent. Keep the original attempt and ask the Qcom team to investigate an unclear result. Continue with Why a reply didn't send.

Related

• Why a reply didn't send
• The WhatsApp 24-hour window
• WhatsApp template guide
• Why a template won't save or submit
• Work a conversation