Why can't I send if my number shows as connected?
It's almost always one of three: the 24-hour window closed, the payment method is missing from your Meta account, or the business isn't verified. "Connected" means the link is alive, not that Meta will let you start conversations.
"Connected" and "able to send" are two different states, and this confusion generates more support tickets than anything else. A number can be perfectly connected, receiving messages fine, and still reject every send you attempt.
① The 24-hour window closed
By far the most frequent cause. You can reply freely only within 24 hours of the customer's last message. After that, WhatsApp only lets you send an approved template. Meta's error is 131047, and it does not come back as the response to the send but later, on the message status (in WAIA Connect, WINDOW_24H_EXPIRED).
See what the 24-hour window is.
② The payment method is missing from your Meta account
You pay Meta for the messages, with your own card added to your Meta account. With no card, the number keeps receiving, but you cannot start a conversation; the first 1,000 service messages per number per month are free and, after that, Meta charges for each reply and needs your card added in Meta. Meta reports this with code 141006.
It's fixed in the payment settings of your Meta account, in a couple of minutes.
③ The business isn't verified
Meta reports this with code 141010. Business verification is done once, from your Business Manager, and it also raises the daily cap on how many new people you can message.
④ You came from another provider and its line of credit is still on your account
If the number was on 360dialog, Twilio, Gupshup, Wati or another API provider, your WhatsApp Business Account may still carry that provider's line of credit. You receive fine, but Meta rejects every send, templates included, with error 10 (subcode 2593184). It's fixed by removing the previous provider's app and adding your card in Meta; if it still fails, by asking it to revoke the line. See how to move your number from another provider.
And two more worth ruling out
- You have no approved templates. If you want to write first, you need one. See what a template is.
- You hit the daily cap of new people (250 at first). Replying doesn't count; initiating does.
⚠ How to tell which one it is
Any serious platform can read your account's state from Meta and tell you which of these is yours, with the code. If yours only says "could not send", it is leaving you to guess.
Connect your first number today
Meta-verified technology provider. Coexistence in one click.
Get started