To write to a customer over WhatsApp **outside** an ongoing conversation (a campaign, a reminder), Meta requires using a previously approved **template** — a free-form message isn't allowed. The **Templates** tab on **Marketing** is where you create them and track their approval. **Requirements:** administrator or editor role; a WhatsApp channel connected (Manual 24 · Channels) to be able to use them. 1. Tap **"New template"**. 2. Type a **name** (it's automatically normalized to the format Meta requires: lowercase and underscores) and the **language**. 3. Type the message's **body**; use `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`… wherever you want a contact's data field filled in when sending — the window shows you the detected variables live. Header and footer are optional. 4. Tap **"Create template"**. **Result:** the template is sent to Meta for review and shows up in the table with its name, language, status and body text. Statuses a template goes through: | Status | Meaning | | --- | --- | | **Pending** | Under review by Meta. | | **Approved** | Ready to use in a campaign — the only eligible one. | | **Rejected** | Meta has rejected it; if it gave a reason, it's shown next to the status. | | **Paused** | Meta has temporarily paused it for quality; it can still be used, it's worth reviewing its performance. | Tap **"Refresh status"** to check against Meta again whether a template is still Pending or if you expect it to have a rejection reason by now. **Only Approved templates** show up as an option when creating a campaign (section 11).