Understanding WhatsApp message delivery errors

When your WhatsApp message shows as sent but not delivered, several things could be happening. Here’s a simple guide to the most common reasons — and how you can fix them.

Why Your Message Might Not Be Delivered

1. Recipient inactivity
If the recipient hasn’t been online in the last 30 days, WhatsApp can no longer hold your message.

2. You’ve been blocked
If the recipient has blocked your number, your message will never be delivered.

3. Country restrictions
Messages can’t be delivered to users in certain countries or regions due to restrictions or sanctions.

4. Technical issues
This could include:

• Invalid request parameters

• Integrity errors

• The recipient not accepting the latest Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (they can tap here to accept)

5. Outdated WhatsApp version
Your recipient may be using an older version of WhatsApp. They’ll need at least these versions to receive messages:

• Android: 2.21.15.15

• SMBA: 2.21.15.15

• iOS: 2.21.170.4

• SMBI: 2.21.170.4

• KaiOS: 2.2130.10

• Web: 2.2132.6

6. Experiment participation
Recipients who are part of certain WhatsApp experiments may not receive all messages.

7. Marketing message limits
WhatsApp limits how many marketing messages users can receive to maintain a good user experience.

What You Can Do

• Verify two-way communication: Ask the recipient to message your WhatsApp Business number to confirm they can reach you.

• Check for blocks: Have them look at their blocked list to see if your number is there.

• Confirm Terms of Service: Make sure they’ve accepted the latest terms in their app.

• Encourage an update: Ask them to update to the latest WhatsApp version.

Country Restrictions

Some countries can’t use the WhatsApp Business Platform due to sanctions:

• Not eligible for businesses: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and parts of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk)

• Not eligible for message delivery: The same as above, plus users in Turkey can’t receive API-sent messages (though businesses in Turkey can still send them).