WhatsApp API Message Errors

When using eGrow to send WhatsApp messages through Meta’s official Cloud API, certain errors may occur. These errors come directly from WhatsApp and usually relate to policy, message timing, media formatting, or account status.

This article explains the most common WhatsApp API error codes and how to handle them.

1. 131049 — Message blocked for ecosystem protection

Message:
"This message was not delivered to maintain healthy ecosystem engagement."

Cause:
WhatsApp is limiting delivery to protect users from unsolicited or low-quality messages. This often happens when sending to users who haven’t opted in or when a business has a high block/report rate.

Solution:

Only send messages to users who have explicitly opted in.

Improve message quality, clarity, and personalization.

Avoid sending unsolicited or mass marketing messages.

2. 131047 — Re-engagement window expired

Message:
"Message failed to send because more than 24 hours have passed since the customer last replied to this number."

Cause:
WhatsApp enforces a 24-hour customer care window. Messages outside this window must use a pre-approved template.

Solution:

Use a template message to re-engage the customer.

Ensure customer replies within 24 hours if you plan to use session messages.

3. 131042 — Payment-related restriction

Message:
"Message failed to send because there were one or more errors related to your payment method."

Cause:
The WhatsApp Business Account has billing or payment issues in Meta Business Manager.

Solution:

Log into Meta Business Manager and check billing settings.

Resolve any outstanding invoices or payment issues.

4. 131048 — Spam rate limit hit

Message:
"Message failed to send because there are restrictions on how many messages can be sent from this phone number."

Cause:
The business phone number has exceeded safe messaging limits due to previous messages being blocked or marked as spam.

Solution:

Reduce messaging frequency.

Improve opt-in processes and message content.

Monitor template quality in WhatsApp Business Manager.

5. 130472 — User is part of a Meta experiment

Message:
"Failed to send message because this user's phone number is part of an experiment."

Cause:
The user's number is temporarily part of a Meta-side experiment and cannot receive API messages.

Solution:
No action needed. Skip this number for now or try again later.

6. 131000 — Internal error

Message:
"Something went wrong."

Cause:
Generic internal error from WhatsApp servers.

Solution:
Retry after a few minutes. If the issue persists, contact eGrow support for investigation.

7. 131053 — Media upload error

Message:
This code includes multiple variations depending on the media issue. Common reasons include:

Incorrect MIME type (e.g., image/webp, image/jpg)

Unsupported format (e.g., text/plain for image)

File size exceeds limit (max 5MB)

Empty or corrupt file

Solution:

Use supported image formats: image/png, image/jpeg

Use supported audio formats: audio/ogg, audio/amr

Keep media files under 5MB

Use RGB color mode for images

Validate media before uploading

8. Business account has been locked

Message:
"Message undeliverable. Business account has been locked."

Cause:
The WhatsApp Business Account has been restricted due to policy violations or verification issues.

Solution:

Log in to WhatsApp Business Manager.

Check for notifications or restrictions.

Contact Meta Business Support to resolve the issue.

9. Message undeliverable

Message:
"Message undeliverable. The recipient may have blocked your number or deleted their WhatsApp."

Cause:
The user is no longer reachable via WhatsApp.

Solution:

Skip the number for future communication.

Regularly clean and verify your contact lists.

Best Practices to Avoid Errors

• Use only approved templates when needed.
• Ensure all users have opted in before messaging.
• Compress and validate all media files.
• Avoid cold outreach or mass promotional messages.
• Monitor template performance and account health in Meta’s dashboard.