WhatsApp Template Name Not Found: A Common Error and How to Fix It
Have you encountered the error "WhatsApp template name does not exist in the translation" when trying to send a WhatsApp template message? This frustrating issue often arises when working with WhatsApp Business API, and it can leave you scratching your head.
This article will explain the root cause of this error and provide you with clear steps to resolve it.
Understanding the Error
The error message "WhatsApp template name does not exist in the translation" means that the template name you're trying to use in your code doesn't match any of the approved templates you've registered with WhatsApp. This mismatch typically occurs due to one of the following:
- Typographical errors: A simple misspelling in the template name can lead to this error.
- Case sensitivity: Template names in WhatsApp are case-sensitive, meaning "MyTemplate" and "mytemplate" are considered different.
- Incorrect translation: The template might be approved in your default language but not yet translated into the language you're sending the message in.
- Outdated template ID: You might be using an older template ID that's no longer active.
Scenario and Code Example
Let's imagine you have a template named "WelcomeMessage" approved in English. You're trying to send a message in Spanish, but the template isn't yet translated.
# Python code for sending a WhatsApp message
import requests
url = "https://graph.facebook.com/v14.0/1234567890/messages"
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN", "Content-Type": "application/json"}
data = {
"messaging_product": "whatsapp",
"recipient_type": "individual",
"to": "551234567890",
"type": "template",
"template": {
"name": "WelcomeMessage",
"language": {
"code": "es" # Spanish
}
}
}
response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=data)
This code snippet attempts to send a message using the "WelcomeMessage" template in Spanish ("es"). If the template isn't translated into Spanish, you'll encounter the "WhatsApp template name does not exist in the translation" error.
Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these steps to troubleshoot the error:
- Verify the template name: Double-check your code to ensure the template name matches the approved template name exactly, including capitalization.
- Check the language code: Make sure the language code ("es" for Spanish, "en" for English, etc.) is correct.
- Review translated templates: Log in to the WhatsApp Business Manager dashboard, go to your Business Settings, and navigate to "Templates". Check if the template is translated into the desired language. If not, you'll need to translate it manually.
- Update template ID: If you're using an older template ID, check the WhatsApp Business Manager dashboard for the latest version.
Preventing the Error
To avoid encountering this error in the future:
- Use a consistent naming convention: Choose meaningful and consistent names for your templates, such as "WelcomeTemplate" or "OrderConfirmationTemplate."
- Translate templates proactively: Translate templates into all the languages you plan to use.
- Test your code: Always test your code thoroughly before deploying it to production.
Additional Tips
- If you're unsure about template translations, consult the official WhatsApp documentation or reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance.
- Always strive to provide a good user experience by delivering messages in the user's preferred language.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and prevent the "WhatsApp template name does not exist in the translation" error.
