By QuickMessage Team · Last updated November 3, 2026
Quick answer
A WhatsApp message usually stays undelivered because the recipient's phone is offline, the number is not on WhatsApp, or they have blocked you. On the WhatsApp Business API, Meta returns an error code that tells you why, for example 131026 (cannot deliver to this number), 131049 (per-person marketing limit), 131050 (customer stopped marketing messages) or 131047 (24-hour window closed). Meta does not charge for messages that are not delivered.
What the ticks mean
- One grey tick: sent from your side, not yet delivered to the recipient's phone.
- Two grey ticks: delivered to the recipient's phone.
- Two blue ticks: read, unless the recipient has turned off read receipts.
Common reasons in the WhatsApp app
- The recipient's phone is switched off or has no internet.
- The number is not on WhatsApp, or you saved it without the country code.
- The recipient has blocked you.
- For broadcast lists: the recipient has not saved your number. See WhatsApp broadcast.
WhatsApp Business API error codes and fixes
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 131026 | Unable to deliver, for example the number is not on WhatsApp or the app is outdated | Check the number and country code; reach the customer another way, such as SMS |
| 131047 | More than 24 hours since the customer's last message | Send an approved template instead of a free-form message |
| 131049 | Not delivered to maintain healthy ecosystem engagement (per-person marketing limit) | Wait before sending more marketing; send fewer, more relevant offers. See error 131049 |
| 131050 | The customer stopped receiving marketing messages from you | Remove them from marketing lists; do not retry |
| 131056 | Too many messages to the same customer in a short time | Wait before messaging that number again |
| 131048 | Sending from this number is limited, often after blocks or spam reports | Check quality in WhatsApp Manager and improve opt-in and targeting |
| 132001 | Template does not exist in that language or is not approved | Check the template name, language and approval status |
| 132000 | Number of variables does not match the template | Send exactly the variables the template expects |
| 132015 | Template paused due to low quality | Edit the template and resubmit |
| 131042 | Problem with the payment method | Fix billing for your WhatsApp Business Account |
| 131031 / 368 | The account is restricted or disabled | Check Business Support Home and request a review. See WhatsApp Business account banned |
Source: Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API error codes.
How to improve delivery
- Clean your list. Use full numbers with the country code and remove numbers that keep failing.
- Message only opted-in customers. See our opt-in guide.
- Send fewer, better marketing messages. Per-person limits apply to marketing, not to utility updates.
- Use the right template category. See marketing vs utility vs authentication templates.
- Watch your quality rating and messaging limit in WhatsApp Manager.
- Have a backup channel for critical alerts, such as transactional SMS.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my WhatsApp message showing one tick?
One grey tick means the message was sent but not yet delivered. The recipient's phone may be offline, or they may have blocked you.
Am I charged for WhatsApp API messages that are not delivered?
No. Meta charges only for delivered messages.
What does WhatsApp error 131049 mean?
The message was not delivered to maintain healthy ecosystem engagement. Meta limits how many marketing messages one person receives from businesses, so wait before sending more marketing to that customer.
What does WhatsApp error 131026 mean?
Meta was unable to deliver the message, for example because the number is not on WhatsApp or the recipient's app is outdated.
See exactly why messages fail
QuickMessage campaign reports show delivered, read and failed messages, and our team helps you fix the causes.
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