---
title: Why do I have to pick an approved WhatsApp template?
description: "WhatsApp requires message templates to be pre-approved before they can be sent to a number that hasn't messaged you first. Only your already-approved templates appear in the dropdown. ### More Related Articles - [What phone number format should the mobile…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/why-do-i-have-to-pick-an-approved-whatsapp-template/"
updated: "2026-08-29"
category: Integrations / Salesforce CRM Messaging Integration / Sending Messages
---

# Why do I have to pick an approved WhatsApp template?

WhatsApp requires message templates to be pre-approved before they can be sent to a number that hasn't messaged you first. Only your already-approved templates appear in the dropdown.

### More Related Articles

- [What phone number format should the mobile field use?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-phone-number-format-should-the-mobile-field-use/)
- [What happens if I bulk-import a batch of records?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-happens-if-i-bulk-import-a-batch-of-records/)
- [Will editing an existing record send a message?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/will-editing-an-existing-record-send-a-message-3/)

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