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

# Understand WhatsApp template approval time

> Learn how long Meta typically takes to review a WhatsApp message template and what each review status means.

Every WhatsApp Message Template you submit from bitbybit goes through a review by Meta before it can send messages. Use this page to understand how long that review usually takes and what each status label means while you wait.

## How long approval takes

When you click **Save template** to submit a template, bitbybit shows this estimate in the submission confirmation:

> "Your template will undergo review by Meta and typically take up to 24 hours for approval."

This applies to every template type and message category (Marketing, Utility) — there is no separate estimate for any specific category. The review is carried out by Meta, not bitbybit, so the actual time can vary depending on Meta's review queue and your template content, and may occasionally take longer than 24 hours.

## Template status meanings

While a template moves through review, its status label updates on the template dashboard:

| Status               | What it means                                                                                                                                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Draft**            | Saved but not yet submitted to Meta.                                                                                                                                |
| **Submitted**        | Submitted to Meta and awaiting review.                                                                                                                              |
| **Approved**         | Meta approved the template. It's ready to use in campaigns and automations.                                                                                         |
| **Rejected**         | Meta declined the template. Edit and resubmit, or appeal through [Meta Business Support](https://business.facebook.com/latest/whatsapp_manager/message_templates/). |
| **Error**            | Submission to Meta failed. Try submitting again.                                                                                                                    |
| **Pending Deletion** | The template is scheduled for deletion.                                                                                                                             |

## Editing a submitted template

Once a template is submitted, you can only edit and update it once every 24 hours. Updating a template requires resubmitting it to Meta for verification, which restarts the review.

<Note>
  If Meta has already reviewed and reclassified your template's message category, the **Message Category** field is locked. To change it, appeal through [Meta Business Support](https://business.facebook.com/latest/whatsapp_manager/message_templates/).
</Note>

For the latest Meta policy on template review and messaging categories, see the [WhatsApp Business Policy](https://business.whatsapp.com/policy).

## FAQ

**How long does WhatsApp template approval take?** Typically up to 24 hours, though Meta's review time can vary.

**Can I edit a template while it's under review?** You can edit a submitted template once every 24 hours, but doing so resubmits it to Meta and restarts the review.

**What does "Rejected" mean?** Meta declined the template. Edit and resubmit it, or appeal through Meta Business Support.

## Related

* [Create a Message Template Campaign for WhatsApp API](/bitcrm/how-to-create-a-message-template-campaign-for-whatsapp-api)
* [Choose a Message Template for WhatsApp API Automation](/bitcrm/how-to-create-a-message-template-for-whatsapp-api-automation)