WhatsApp Business Portfolio Pacing Guide: Fix ‘Held’ Messages & Error 132015 (2026 Update)
WhatsApp Business Portfolio Pacing is a Meta safety tool that batches large template campaigns to check for spam feedback.
It triggers if you sent under 500k messages yearly or have suspicious activity. The API status becomes held_for_quality_assessment. To fix it, send high-quality content and wait for the batch release.
Is your campaign stuck? Meta is updating how it handles large campaigns. This feature is rolling out soon. It might not affect you yet. But if it does, be ready.
WhatsApp Business Portfolio Pacing batches your messages. It holds them back to check for spam. This protects users. It makes the platform safe. For marketers, it looks like a failure. It is not. It is a safety check.
What is WhatsApp Business Portfolio Pacing? (The 2026 Update)
Business portfolio pacing is a delivery batching system that pauses messages to get user feedback.
Think of it like a traffic light. It stops cars to check for safety.
This system applies to specific accounts. It targets portfolios that sent fewer than 500,000 templates in the last 365-day lookback period. It also tracks suspicious activity. If you break the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy, this happens. It is strict.
Triggers: Why Your Messages Are held_for_quality_assessment
Your messages are held because your portfolio volume is low or acts look suspicious.
Meta checks your history. They use a "moving 365-day lookback period."
There are two main triggers:
Low Volume: You sent less than 500K templates total across all numbers.
Suspicious Acts: You broke the WhatsApp Messaging Guidelines.
If triggered, the API changes. The message_status property sets to held_for_quality_assessment. This is your signal. The system is watching.
Sudden spikes in traffic often look like spam to the system. To avoid these triggers, you must build your sender reputation gradually. A steady increase in volume proves you are trustworthy. Read our guide on Warm-Up Strategy for New WhatsApp Business Platform Accounts (Anti-Ban Tactics) to learn how to scale safely without hitting these walls.
The Batching Process: How Meta Releases Messages
Meta releases messages in small groups to monitor real-time user feedback.
This process is automatic. You cannot rush it. Here is the flow:
Initial Send: The first set of messages goes through.
The Hold: Next messages pause. The API shows the "held" status.
Feedback Loop: Meta waits. They look for blocks or reports.
The Decision: Good feedback releases the batch. Bad feedback drops it.
Solving Error Code 132015 (Dropped Messages)
Error code 132015 means your held messages were dropped due to negative user feedback.
This is bad. It means people reported your first batch. If this happens, a webhook triggers and the status fails.
The code is 132015. Act fast. Check your Meta Business Suite notifications. You will see a banner in WhatsApp Manager too. Admins get an email.
Portfolio Pacing vs. Template Pacing: Key Differences
Portfolio pacing affects the whole account, while template pacing affects specific message types.
Many users confuse these two. They are different.
Portfolio Pacing: Hits all business phone numbers based on account history.
Template Pacing: Hits Marketing and Utility templates based on quality.
Know the difference. It matters for your strategy.
How to Appeal and Resume Messaging
To resume messaging, you must pass the review or appeal the action.
If under review, you are locked out. You cannot make new templates. You cannot send old ones.
If Meta finds policy violations, they may disable messaging fully. This is serious. But you have rights. Portfolio admins get a note. Use the appeal option if the decision is wrong.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business Portfolio Pacing is here to stay. It ensures quality. Watch your API status for held_for_quality_assessment. Keep content clean. Avoid spammy tactics. If you see Error 132015, stop now. Fix your strategy before you lose the account.
Need help managing your WhatsApp portfolio limits? Visit WUSeller for expert tips on compliance and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my WhatsApp API messages showing held for quality assessment?
Your messages show "held for quality assessment" because Meta is batching them to check for spam. This happens if your portfolio sent fewer than 500,000 messages last year. It also happens if you have suspicious activity.
What does error code 132015 mean in WhatsApp Business API?
Error code 132015 means your held messages were dropped because of bad feedback. This occurs when your first batch gets blocked or reported. The system then stops the rest.
How long does business portfolio pacing last?
Business portfolio pacing lasts until Meta gathers enough feedback on your first batch. The system releases or drops the rest based on user signals. It relies on reads and reports.
Who gets notified when WhatsApp drops messages?
Portfolio admins get notified right away when messages drop. Alerts show up in Meta Business Suite. You also see a banner in WhatsApp Manager and get an email.
How to appeal a WhatsApp portfolio pacing decision?
To appeal a pacing decision, use the link in your enforcement notification. Admins get an alert about the violation. You can appeal there if the ban is wrong.