---
title: "How to Send Messages Outside the 24-Hour Window"
description: "WhatsApp only allows free-form messages while the 24-hour messaging window is open."
canonical_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-send-messages-outside-24-hour-window
markdown_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-send-messages-outside-24-hour-window.md
last_updated: 2026-08-17
lang: en
site: https://chatfuel.com/docs
llms_txt: https://chatfuel.com/llms.txt
---

# How to Send Messages Outside the 24-Hour Window

WhatsApp only allows free-form messages while the 24-hour messaging window is open.

## Overview [#overview]

WhatsApp only allows free-form messages while the [24-hour messaging window](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/24-hour-messaging-window) is open. Once it closes — meaning your contact hasn't written to you in more than 24 hours — you can no longer send regular messages to them. The only way to reach out is with a **pre-approved WhatsApp template**.

Templates are structured message formats reviewed and approved by Meta. Because they're vetted upfront, WhatsApp allows businesses to send them at any time, regardless of the messaging window.

***

## Step 1: Create and get a template approved [#step-1-create-and-get-a-template-approved]

Before you can send anything outside the 24-hour window, you need at least one approved template.

1. Go to [WhatsApp Manager](https://business.facebook.com/wa/manage/home) → **…** → **Manage message templates**.
2. Click **Create Template** and choose a category:
   * **Marketing** — promotions, offers, announcements
   * **Utility** — order updates, appointment reminders, account alerts
   * **Authentication** — one-time passcodes
3. Write your message. The **Body** is required; Header, Footer, and Buttons are optional.
4. Click **Submit**. Meta reviews templates within 24 hours.

For a full walkthrough including variables, buttons, and troubleshooting missing templates, see [How to Create WhatsApp Templates](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-create-whatsapp-templates).

***

## Step 2: Send the template using Re-engage [#step-2-send-the-template-using-re-engage]

Once your template is approved, use the Re-engage feature in Chatfuel to send it to contacts whose messaging window has closed.

1. Open the **Broadcasts** tab in the main menu.
2. Click **Create re-engage**.
3. Select your approved **WhatsApp template**.
4. Add a **payment method** — Meta charges per template message sent.
5. Choose your **audience** — target specific segments or your full contact list.
6. Set **when to send** — immediately or at a scheduled time.

***

## Good to Know [#good-to-know]

* **Templates cost money** — Meta bills every template message, and from 1 October it also bills [replies sent inside the 24-hour window](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-much-does-meta-charge-for-whatsapp-messages). Both come out of your [wallet](https://chatfuel.com/docs/billing/how-your-wallet-and-credits-work), so keep a card on file with auto-top-up on.
* **Approval can take up to 24 hours** — plan ahead if you need a template for a scheduled campaign.
* **Contact hasn't gone cold, just quiet?** — if a contact is still within the 24-hour window but just stopped responding, use [follow-ups](https://chatfuel.com/docs/ai-features/how-to-set-up-follow-ups) instead of a re-engage message.
* **Template rejected?** — check that the content matches the category you selected and doesn't violate [WhatsApp's messaging policies](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/whatsapp-rules-or-how-to-avoid-bans).