Test Template

Before using a template in production, you can send test messages to verify formatting, variable substitution, and overall appearance on actual devices.

When to Test

Testing is recommended:

• ✅ After creating a new template (before publishing)
• ✅ After a template is approved by Meta
• ✅ When verifying variable substitution works correctly
• ✅ Before launching a campaign using the template

Prerequisites

To send a test message:

• Template must be in Approved status (for production connectors)
• At least one WhatsApp connector must be configured
• You need a valid phone number to receive the test
• The recipient must have WhatsApp installed

Sending a Test Message

Step 1: Open the Test Dialog

1. Navigate to the Templates section
2. Find the template you want to test
3. Click the Actions menu (three dots)
4. Select Send Test

Step 2: Select a WhatsApp Connector

Choose which WhatsApp connector to use for sending the test:

If a connector is pre-configured in your context, it may be auto-selected.

Step 3: Enter Recipient Information

Provide the recipient's phone number:

The full number will be: +{country_code}{phone_number}

Step 4: Fill Variable Values

If your template has variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.), you must provide actual values:

The preview updates in real-time as you enter values.

Step 5: Review and Send

1. Check the WhatsApp Preview to verify the message looks correct
2. Verify all variables are filled with appropriate values
3. Click Send Test

WhatsApp Preview

The test dialog includes a live preview showing:

• Header (if configured) - Image, video, document, or text
• Body - Message content with variables replaced
• Footer - Bottom text with timestamp
• Buttons - Interactive buttons as they'll appear

This preview matches what the recipient will see on their device.

Receiving the Test Message

After clicking Send Test:

1. The message is sent via the selected WhatsApp connector
2. The recipient receives the message on their WhatsApp app
3. Delivery typically takes a few seconds

Verifying on Device

Check these elements on the actual device:

Testing Button Actions

URL Buttons

Click the button on the device to verify:

• The correct URL opens
• The page loads properly
• No redirect errors occur

Phone Buttons

Tap the button to verify:

• The correct phone number appears
• The dialer opens with the right number

Quick Reply Buttons

When tapped, quick reply buttons:

• Send the button text as a user response
• Can trigger connected flows (if configured)
• Test the full conversation path

Troubleshooting

Message Not Received

Incorrect Formatting

Buttons Not Working

Best Practices

• Test on multiple devices - iOS and Android may render differently
• Test all variable combinations - Try short and long values
• Verify links before campaigns - Ensure URLs are active
• Document test results - Note any issues found
• Test at different times - Delivery times may vary

Test Limitations

• Test messages count against your WhatsApp API quota
• Some connectors may have rate limits on test messages
• Templates in Draft status cannot be tested on production connectors
• Testing does not simulate flow triggers from quick reply buttons

After Testing

Once your template passes testing:

1. Document the test - Note date, recipient, results
2. Approve for use - Mark template as production-ready
3. Monitor initial sends - Watch for delivery issues
4. Gather feedback - Check if recipients understand the message