---
title: Why was my template rejected as INCORRECT_CATEGORY, or changed to Marketing?
description: "When you submit a template, Meta reads its content and checks it against the category you chose. If Meta disagrees, one of two things happens. ## Rejected with INCORRECT_CATEGORY The template is refused because its content doesn't match the category…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/why-was-my-template-rejected-as-incorrect_category-or-changed-to-marketing/"
updated: "2026-10-22"
category: WhatsApp Business API / Template Messages
---

# Why was my template rejected as INCORRECT_CATEGORY, or changed to Marketing?

When you submit a template, Meta reads its content and checks it against the category you chose. If Meta disagrees, one of two things happens.

## Rejected with INCORRECT_CATEGORY

The template is refused because its content doesn't match the category you picked, most often a utility template that reads as promotional. You can:

1. Edit the content so it fits the category you want, and resubmit; or
2. Resubmit under the category Meta expects; or
3. Request a review in WhatsApp Manager if you believe your category was right.

## Approved, but as Marketing

Since **9 April 2025**, Meta may assign the category itself. A utility template it judges to be marketing is approved as **Marketing** rather than rejected. The template works, but it costs marketing rates and needs marketing-grade opt-in, so check the **Category** column on your **Template Messages** page after approval rather than assuming your choice stuck.

## If you disagree

- You can **request a review** in WhatsApp Manager for utility or marketing templates that were rejected, and for marketing templates that were approved. If the review succeeds, the category changes; if not, it stays.
- Category changes can be reviewed and appealed in Meta's Business Support Home within **60 days**.
- You **cannot edit the category of an approved template**. Create a new one instead.

## Getting utility templates to stay utility

Remove every promotional line, discount, upsell and marketing call to action. State only the facts of the transaction the customer is already part of.

**Source:** [Meta: Template categorization](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/templates/template-categorization). Meta changes these rules from time to time, so check the source if something looks different in your account.

### More Related Articles

- [Which category should I choose for a WhatsApp template?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/which-category-should-i-choose-for-a-whatsapp-template/)
- [Is it possible to include a document, image, or video in a WhatsApp template message using SMSGatewayCenter, and if so, how?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-template-media-attachments-smsgatewaycenter/)
- [What steps can I take to prevent WhatsApp template message rejection when submitting through SMSGatewayCenter?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/prevent-whatsapp-template-rejection-smsgatewaycenter/)

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