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Why you can't edit a WhatsApp template and how to clone it

In Settings › WhatsApp › Templates, a template that Meta has approved, that was created outside Elooo System, that is in use, that is an Authentication template, or that is under review is locked for editing. Click the three dots next to the template, choose Clone Template, change the text, give it a new name, save, and submit it for approval.

Updated on

Before you start

  • You need access to Settings and a WhatsApp number connected to Elooo System.
  • A cloned template is a new template: it goes through Meta's review and can only be sent once its status is active.
  • The clone must have a different name from the original.
Where to find it

Settings › WhatsApp › Templates › (three dots next to the template) › Clone Template

Step by step

Why the template is locked

  1. Meta has already approved it. After approval, the header, body, and footer are fixed. In some cases you can still change the name or category, but not the text.
  2. It was created outside Elooo System (through code or another tool). Those templates are locked for security and consistency.
  3. It is in use or was sent recently. A template tied to active workflows or sent a short while ago may be temporarily locked so messages aren't changed midway.
  4. It is an Authentication template. Verification codes follow a fixed Meta format; only the allowed parameters can change.
  5. It is under review or has been flagged. While Meta is reviewing the template, or if it flagged it for low quality, editing is suspended.

Clone the template and make your changes

  1. Open Settings › WhatsApp and click Templates.
  2. Click the three-dot menu next to the template you can't edit.
  3. Choose Clone Template.
  4. Type a new name (for example, add "v2") and change the header, body, footer, or buttons as needed.
  5. Click Save.
  6. Submit the new template for approval and watch its status in the list until it is active.
  7. Swap the old template for the new one in any workflows, bulk sends, and saved replies that used it.

Delete the old template (optional)

  1. Make sure no active workflow still uses the old template.
  2. Click the three dots next to it and choose Delete.

Tips

  • Use versioned names (appointment-reminder-v2) so you know which one is newest.
  • Before deleting the old one, wait until the clone is active so you aren't left without a template.
  • If you only need to change the category, see the article on converting a Marketing template into a Utility template.

Common problems

  • I don't see the Clone Template option → Make sure you are in Settings › WhatsApp › Templates and that you have admin permissions on the account. Refresh the page.
  • The clone was rejected → Read Meta's reason in the template list, fix the text or the variables, and resubmit.
  • It says the name already exists → The clone's name must differ from every existing template. Change it.
  • I only wanted to fix one word → Even so: an approved template doesn't accept text changes. Clone it, fix it, and submit.

Frequently asked questions

Does the old template keep working after I clone it?

Yes, until you delete it. You can keep both while the new one is waiting for approval.

Does cloning keep the category and language?

Yes, the clone starts with the same settings as the original; you can change them before saving.

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