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How to convert a Marketing WhatsApp template into a Utility template with the Template Rewriter

Meta doesn't allow changing the category of an approved template. In Settings › WhatsApp › Templates, open the template, use the Template Rewriter to generate a Utility version, give it a new name, and submit it for approval. If Meta doesn't approve it, create the template manually with service content.

Updated on

Before you start

  • You need access to Settings and a WhatsApp number connected to Elooo System.
  • Converting only makes sense if the message really is a service message: a confirmation, reminder, or update about something the customer requested or bought. A rewritten promotion is still Marketing in Meta's eyes.
  • Because the original template is already approved as Marketing, the Utility version must have a different name.
  • The final category is always decided by Meta during review.
Where to find it

Settings › WhatsApp › Templates › template › Template Rewriter

Step by step

Rewrite the template

  1. Open Settings › WhatsApp and click Templates.
  2. Find the template that is in the Marketing category and open it.
  3. Click Template Rewriter and indicate that you want the Utility category.
  4. Review the suggested text. It should refer to a concrete transaction (order number, appointment date, amount due) and must not include offers, coupons, or invitations to buy. Adjust whatever is needed.
  5. Type a new name for the template, different from the original.
  6. Save and submit the template to Meta for approval.

Track the approval

  1. In the Templates list, check the new template's status. Approval can take up to 24 to 48 hours; it is usually faster when the text clearly follows the rules.
  2. Once it is active with the Utility category, swap the old template for the new one in workflows, bulk sends, and conversations.
  3. If it is rejected, open the template, read Meta's reason, make the text more specific, and resubmit.

If Meta still won't approve it

  1. Click Create Template and build the template from scratch with the Utility category.
  2. Write the content yourself, with concrete transaction details and no promotional element at all.
  3. Submit it for approval and track the status.

Tips

  • Generic lines ("We have news for you") always land in Marketing. The more specific the text, the better the chance it stays in Utility.
  • Utility templates aren't affected by the per-customer marketing message blocks, which makes them more reliable for service notices.
  • Keep the original Marketing template for campaigns; use the Utility one only for notices.

Common problems

  • I can't find the Template Rewriter → Open the template from Settings › WhatsApp › Templates; the option is inside the template, not in the list. Refresh the page if it doesn't show.
  • Meta approved it but set it back to Marketing → The text still has promotional content or doesn't mention a concrete transaction. Rewrite it with the order or appointment details and resubmit.
  • It says the name already exists → The original template holds that name. Use a different name for the Utility version.
  • It was rejected a second time → Read the reason on the template, remove anything that could look like selling, and if needed create the template manually.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the category directly, without rewriting?

No. WhatsApp doesn't allow switching the category of an approved template. You have to create a new version and submit it.

Does the old template stop working?

No. It stays active as Marketing until you delete it.

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