> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wapnotify.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send templates in conversations

> How to send approved WhatsApp message templates from within a conversation, fill in variables, and when to use templates.

Template messages are pre-approved message formats submitted to and approved by Meta. They are the only type of message you can send outside the 24-hour messaging window.

## When to use a template

Use a template when:

* The customer's last message was more than 24 hours ago (the window has closed)
* You want to proactively start a conversation with a contact who has never messaged you
* You're sending a broadcast to a list of contacts

Inside the 24-hour window, you can still send templates — for example, to send a structured order confirmation or appointment reminder.

## Send a template from a conversation

1. Open the conversation.
2. Click **Send template** (the button appears in the message bar, or replaces the input box when the 24-hour window is closed).
3. A dialog opens with your approved templates. Search or scroll to find the one you want.
4. If the template has **variable placeholders** (e.g. `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`), fill in each value in the form fields shown.
5. Preview the final message in the preview panel on the right.
6. Click **Send**.

<Note>
  Only templates with **Approved** status appear in the list. If a template you need isn't showing, check its status at **Templates** in the sidebar.
</Note>

## Variable substitution

Templates can include numbered placeholders like `{{1}}`, `{{2}}` that you fill in at send time. For example:

Template body:

```
Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped and will arrive by {{3}}.
```

When sending, you fill in:

* `{{1}}` → `Rahul`
* `{{2}}` → `#ORD-4821`
* `{{3}}` → `Thursday`

The customer receives:

```
Hello Rahul, your order #ORD-4821 has been shipped and will arrive by Thursday.
```

## Template categories and cost

Meta charges for template messages based on category:

| Category           | Used for                                             |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Marketing**      | Promotions, offers, product announcements            |
| **Utility**        | Order updates, appointment reminders, account alerts |
| **Authentication** | OTPs and verification codes                          |

Replies from the customer within the resulting 24-hour window are free.

<Tip>
  Use Utility templates for transactional messages — they are typically cheaper than Marketing templates and have higher delivery rates.
</Tip>

## Sync templates from Meta

If you created or modified templates directly in Meta Business Manager, they won't appear in WapNotify until you sync.

Go to **Templates** in the sidebar and click **Sync from Meta**. This pulls the latest status and content for all your templates.