Key takeaways
- Numbered variables must run {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} with no gaps, and the body can't start or end with one.
- The body has a 1,024 character limit; a text header and the footer have 60 each.
- A template can have up to 10 buttons: up to 10 quick replies, 2 URL buttons, 1 phone button and 1 copy code button.
- Passing these checks doesn't guarantee approval. Meta also reviews the content and category.
How to use the WhatsApp template checker
- 1Paste the template body over the example. Use {{1}}, {{2}} for numbered variables, or lowercase names like {{first_name}}.
- 2Add the header and footer text if your template has them.
- 3Enter how many buttons of each type it has, and their labels, one per line.
- 4Read the issues, most serious first. Fix the ones marked Fix before submitting.
- 5Copy the suggested fix if one appears, then replace the placeholder words it added with your own.
What the WhatsApp template checker looks for
| Check | Rule | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Brace format | Variables use double braces, {{1}}, with no spaces or single braces | Meta template review |
| Special characters | No #, $ or % inside a variable | Meta template review |
| Sequence | Numbered variables run 1, 2, 3 with no gaps | Meta template review |
| Start and end | The body can't start or end with a variable | Meta template review |
| Too many variables | Flagged when there are fewer than 2 words of text per variable, plus 1 | Rough rule from a provider; Meta gives no number |
| Length | Body 1,024 characters, text header 60, footer 60 | Meta template components |
| Buttons | Up to 10 in total; 10 quick reply, 2 URL, 1 phone, 1 copy code; labels up to 25 characters | Meta template components |
| Emojis and links | Notes many emojis and shortened links for review | Meta says emoji use may be limited; the link note is our advice |
Why templates get rejected for variables
Meta's template review page lists variable problems among its common rejection reasons: missing or mismatched braces, special characters, numbers out of sequence, too many variables for the length of the message, and a variable at the very start or end. A variable at the edge is called a dangling parameter.
Meta doesn't publish a number for "too many variables". Some providers use a rough rule: words and variables together should be at least three times the number of variables, plus one. The checker uses that rule and labels it as a rule of thumb. If you see the warning, add a few words of context around the variables.
What the checker can't tell you
The checker reads only what you paste. Check Meta's current documentation before you submit, since limits can change.
- Whether Meta will accept the template's category (marketing, utility or authentication) for the content.
- Whether the wording meets WhatsApp's commerce and business policies.
- How recipients will rate the message once you send it.
- Rules for other component types, such as media headers and carousels.
Sources
- Meta for Developers: WhatsApp template components (checked 5 November 2026)
- Meta for Developers: WhatsApp template review (checked 5 November 2026)
- Syniverse support: How to avoid too many parameters rejection in WhatsApp templates (checked 5 November 2026)
Facts about WhatsApp and other services come from the pages listed, on the dates shown, and can change.