> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heyy.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp Templates

> Meta requires pre-approved templates to initiate conversations with users. WhatsApp templates are the only message type allowed outside of the 24-hour customer service window. They are essential for sending bulk broadcasts or reaching out to users when no active session exists.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/heyy-c8bd5c9e/SwQRUMnSJvUzAJh8/assets/settings-whatsapp-templates.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=SwQRUMnSJvUzAJh8&q=85&s=24342fc3336cab0e50775a01bee9c69c" alt="WhatsApp Templates Settings" width="1920" height="934" data-path="assets/settings-whatsapp-templates.png" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  Go to [**Settings > WhatsApp Templates**](https://app.heyy.io/settings/whatsapp-templates) to manage your templates.
</Note>

## Creating Templates

To initiate a new approval request, click the **"New template"** button in the top right corner of the dashboard. Use the following sections to define your message structure:

<Note>
  **Approval Process:** By default, all templates are submitted under the **Utility** category. Review typically takes up to **24 hours**, though newly connected WhatsApp channels may experience longer wait times.
</Note>

### Basic Information

* **Name**: Enter a descriptive, internal name for your template to help your team identify it quickly.
* **WhatsApp Channel**: Select the specific WhatsApp channel for this template. Note that a template can only be associated with one WhatsApp channel at a time.

### Header (Optional)

Headers appear at the very top of your message. You can choose one of the following formats:

#### Text Header

Text headers allow for a short title at the top of your message.

<Note>
  **Meta header rules:** Text headers support a maximum of **one** parameter/variable. WhatsApp formatting characters (like bold or italics) are not supported.
</Note>

#### Media Header (Image, Video, Document)

Include a visual or document-based element.

* **Image**: Supported formats: **JPG, JPEG, PNG**. Max size: **5MB**.
* **Video**: Supported formats: **MP4, 3GP**. Max size: **16MB**.
* **Document**: Supported formats: **PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, MP4**. Max size: **100MB**.

### Message Body

The body is the primary content and the only required component. You can enhance your message using [WhatsApp formatting](https://faq.whatsapp.com/539178204879377) and parameters (contact attributes and variables):

* **Contact Attributes**: Click the **"\<>"** icon to insert dynamic data like First Name or Address. These are automatically replaced with the recipient's specific information.
* **Variables**: Click the **"\<>"** icon and select **"Add new variable"** to include custom data like Order IDs or Pricing that can be passed via API or Automations.

<Note>
  **Meta body rules:**

  1. The body text **cannot start or end** with a parameter (variable or contact attribute).
  2. The **number of parameters** should remain relatively low compared to the overall text length (as a guideline, keep total parameters to roughly one-third or less of the total word count).
  3. Line breaks are limited – you **cannot have more than two consecutive line breaks**. A single empty line (one gap line) is allowed, but three or more in a row will be rejected.
</Note>

### Footer (Optional)

A short line of grey text at the bottom of your message. This is commonly used for signatures or "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" notices.

### Buttons

Interactive buttons drive higher engagement. You can add up to **10 buttons** in total across these types:

<Tip>
  If you add more than 3 buttons, WhatsApp displays the first 2 and collapses the rest into a **"See all options"** menu.
</Tip>

<Note>
  **Meta button rules:**

  1. **Emojis are not allowed** in button text.
  2. **Parameters are not allowed** in button labels. The only exception is URL buttons, where parameters may appear **inside the URL itself**, not in the visible button text.
</Note>

#### Quick Reply

A preset response button. When clicked, it sends the button text as a reply message.

<Tip>
  Highly effective in [Automations](/quick-start/automations/getting-started) to trigger specific flows.
</Tip>

#### Visit Website

A CTA button that opens a specific URL. You can use parameters (contact attributes and variables) to create personalized links.

<Note>
  Only **two** "Visit Website" buttons are allowed per template.
</Note>

#### Call Phone Number

A CTA button that triggers the user's phone app to pre-dial a specific number when clicked.

<Note>
  Only **one** "Call Phone Number" button is allowed per template.
</Note>

***

## Updating Templates

At this time, only the **name** of an existing template can be edited. To change the content, header, or buttons, you must create a new template.

<Note>
  **Why can't I edit template content?** Modifying a template triggers a new Meta approval process which often results in technical errors or indefinite downtime. To ensure your active automations and business flows remain stable, we require the creation of a new template for any content changes.
</Note>