I can't send messages

Work down this list in order. It is arranged by how often each thing is the cause, so stopping at the first "no" usually solves it.

1. Is a number connected?

Open Phone numbers. There should be at least one, showing as connected.

If not → Connect your WhatsApp number.

2. Is the payment method set up?

A number can be connected and still unable to send. Meta needs a payment method on the account, and Wap2b sets one up automatically a few minutes after you connect. It can fail. Phone numbers tells you if it has not.

If it is still not set up after an hour → open a ticket. You cannot fix this one from your side.

3. Is two-step verification off?

The single most common cause on a new number. With it on, the connection completes but the number can never send.

Open WhatsApp on that handset → Settings → Account → Two-step verification. If it is on, turn it off and connect the number again.

Exception: if you connected an existing WhatsApp Business App number through the coexistence path, this does not apply — leave the setting alone.

4. Is there money in the balance?

Check Wallet. Zero balance means nothing sends.

Also check the balance has not expired — a balance past its validity date is unusable even though the number stays visible. See When your balance expires.

If empty or expired → add funds.

5. Is the template approved — for this number?

Templates belong to one number. An approved template on number A cannot be sent from number B.

Check on Templates that its status is Approved and it belongs to the number you are sending from.

If rejected → Why was my template rejected?

6. Has the contact opted in?

Broadcasts go to opted-in contacts only. Opted-out contacts are skipped silently — no error, just a lower recipient count than you expected.

Check on Contacts, filtering by opt-in status. See Who you're allowed to message.

7. Are you inside the 24-hour window?

If you are trying to type a free-form reply and cannot, the window has closed. You can only reach that person with an approved template until they message you again.

Full rule: The 24-hour window.

8. Have you hit the daily limit?

Each number can only start so many conversations per rolling 24 hours. Past the limit, Meta rejects the sends outright — they do not queue.

The capacity bar on the broadcast screen shows where you stand. See Schedule and pace a broadcast.

9. Is the number restricted?

If sends were working and stopped, and everything above checks out, the number's standing may have changed. See My number or account is restricted.

Still stuck?

Open a ticket and say which of these steps you have already checked — it goes straight to whatever is left. Include the number, and the recipient and rough time of a message that failed.