In short#
I show you how to send an approved WhatsApp template as your first outbound message, then continue with free form messages inside the customer service window. For context, see WhatsApp message templates and WhatsApp customer service window.
Before you send#
Check these prerequisites first:
The template is approved by Meta.
WhatsApp is already linked in your workspace.
Your primary outbound number is ready on Cloud API. I explain it here: WhatsApp phone numbers in EVA.
I do not repeat the full connection flow here. Use Connect WhatsApp if needed.
Steps to send a template#
Open Settings → Messaging → WhatsApp → Templates.
On the template you want, click Send.
In Send WhatsApp template, choose a Contact. You can search by name or phone number.
Fill Template variables.
Use Change if you need to adjust a value.
Send the message.
If Send is disabled#
Sending is usually disabled because the template is not yet sendable in Meta:
You still need to submit the template and wait for approval.
Submission is in progress.
Meta has not approved this template yet.
In those cases, check template status here: WhatsApp message templates.
After you send#
After sending, the conversation appears in the EVA inbox.
Then the customer service window is open, so you can continue with free form messages if needed: WhatsApp customer service window.
If Meta refuses the send for billing#
If I show WhatsApp billing issue, Meta refused the send (code 131042). Assign a payment method to this WhatsApp Business Account: Assign a WhatsApp payment method.