In short#
I use a WhatsApp template when the customer service window is closed. If you want the window rule first, I use When I can chat freely on WhatsApp.
Create a template#
Open Settings → Messaging → WhatsApp → Templates.
Open Templates, then Create. On desktop you land on Create WhatsApp template. You can then:
keep a local draft with Save draft
submit to Meta with Create & submit
The builder behind Create is desktop only.
Until Meta approves the template, Send stays disabled. A draft cannot be sent by accident.
If the template is still in Draft only (not submitted to Meta), I submit it before trying to send.
Categories#
Meta categories stay in English: utility, marketing, authentication.
I choose the Category that honestly matches the intent. I keep marketing for genuine promotional messages.
A named variable like {{contact_name}} can personalize a template without making it heavy.
After submit#
After submit, the template is read only in EVA. I cannot edit it here.
I use View in Meta to edit, resubmit, or review a rejection.
If I need to restart in EVA, I create a new draft.
When Meta rejects a template, it gives a reason, and rewording often solves it.
Sending#
I send approved templates from Send WhatsApp template.
If approval is missing, Send stays disabled.
Meta documentation#
Meta keeps the current requirements in message templates documentation.