WhatsApp Template Pacing Solved: How to Stop Message Delays & Drop Errors
Template Pacing is a WhatsApp safeguard. It holds messages to check early user feedback. The system adds a held_for_quality_assessment status. If feedback is good, messages are sent. If bad, the queue drops with Error 132015. This usually ends in one hour.
Is your WhatsApp campaign stuck?
You might see messages that fail to send. This is called pacing. It pauses sends to protect your account health. We know this is stressful.
We found a key rule.
We have observed that utility templates only trigger pacing if you had paused templates recently. New accounts usually bypass this check. This guide helps you fix it.
What Is WhatsApp Template Pacing?
Template pacing is a pause button for new or low-quality templates.
WhatsApp uses this time to check user reaction. They want to ensure users like your content. This affects marketing templates. It also impacts utility templates without a "GREEN" rating.
Why does this happen?
A bad history causes delays. If a past template was paused, new ones get checked. It stops negative feedback. The system holds the message to get a signal.
To prevent this from happening, you need to follow strict formatting guidelines from the start. Our guide on WhatsApp Marketing Template Format Rules in 2025 (With Ready-to-Use Examples) shows you exactly how to structure messages that get approved and stay green.
How to Identify Paced Messages in the API
Check the message_status property in your API response.
Developers must look at the code. The Cloud API shows exactly what is happening. It removes the guessing game.
Look for these two signals:
Accepted: This means your message is processed. It will trigger "sent" webhooks soon.
Held for Quality Assessment: This status (held_for_quality_assessment) means pacing is active. It is waiting in line.
There is a safety net.
WhatsApp has strict guardrails. Even with pacing, 99% of messages deliver in one hour. Your urgent alerts are safe.
What Happens When Pacing Ends?
The result depends on early customer replies.
Once the system gets feedback, it acts. It is fast. You will see one of two results.
1. Positive Feedback (Good News)
If users reply, the quality rating stays high. Held messages are released. You get standard sent and delivered webhooks.
2. Negative Feedback (Bad News)
If users block you, the status flips to PAUSED.
The system drops held messages.
You get a webhook with "status":"failed" and "code":"132015".
Meta sends a notification.
Special Rules for Utility Template Pacing
Utility templates follow a strict 7-day rule.
Not all messages are the same. Utility messages are usually safe. Pacing starts only if a template was paused.
The Clean Record Advantage.
If no templates were paused, you are fine. But if one was, new ones face pacing. This lasts 7 days. It applies until you get a Green score.
Conclusion
Pacing protects your sender reputation. Watch for the held_for_quality_assessment status. If you see Error 132015, your template is paused. Check your quality rating often.
Need help with delivery?
Contact WUSeller today for expert guidance on optimizing your template strategy and maintaining a Green quality rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix a WhatsApp template stuck in "held for quality assessment"?
To fix this, you must wait for user feedback. You cannot force it. The system releases messages if feedback is good. If bad, it drops them.
What does Cloud API error 132015 mean?
Cloud API error 132015 means your message was dropped. The quality was too low during pacing. You must edit the content before sending it again.
How long does WhatsApp template pacing last?
Pacing lasts less than one hour. Most messages are sent fast. WhatsApp ensures 99% of paced messages are delivered in this time. It rarely affects urgent alerts.
Why is my new utility template being paced?
Your utility template is paced due to past pauses. This happens if a template was paused in the last 7 days. It also happens without a Green rating.
How do I unpause a template after it was dropped?
To unpause, you must edit the content. Improve the quality or targeting first. You can manage this in the WhatsApp Manager. Consult the guide for steps.