WhatsApp Message Delivery Status Explained
What does each WhatsApp message status mean? From single tick to blue double tick — and what to do when messages fail to deliver. A practical guide for Malaysian businesses using WhatsApp Business API.
What Each Delivery Status Means
Queued / Pending
The message has been accepted by the WhatsApp API but not yet sent to the recipient's device. This is normal for high-volume sends.
Sent (Single Grey Tick)
The message has left WhatsApp's servers and been transmitted. The recipient's device has not yet received it — they may be offline or have poor signal.
Delivered (Double Grey Tick)
The message has been successfully delivered to the recipient's device. They have not yet opened WhatsApp or read the message.
Read (Double Blue Tick)
The recipient has opened WhatsApp and read your message. Note: If they have read receipts turned off, delivered ticks will not turn blue.
Failed / Undelivered
The message could not be delivered. Common reasons: number is not on WhatsApp, account is inactive, or the user has blocked your business number.
Rejected by Meta
The message was rejected before sending — usually because the template is not approved, the message category is wrong, or your account has a policy restriction.
Why Messages Fail to Deliver
Number Not on WhatsApp
The mobile number is valid but the recipient has not registered on WhatsApp. Verify the number or fall back to SMS.
User Blocked Your Number
The recipient has blocked your business number. You cannot send further messages to this contact.
Recipient Offline
The recipient's phone is off or has no internet. WhatsApp will retry delivery for up to 30 days before marking as failed.
Template Not Approved
The template used has not been approved by Meta, or was submitted under the wrong category. Check template status in our portal.
24-Hour Window Expired
You attempted to send a free-form reply message after the 24-hour service window closed. Use an approved template instead.
Account Policy Violation
Your WABA account has been restricted by Meta due to a policy violation. Contact our support team immediately.