Multilingual WhatsApp Templates in IM: Seamless Customer Communication Across Languages

Configuring Multilingual WhatsApp Templates in IM




Introduction  

Multilingual WhatsApp templates in IM enable businesses to communicate with customers in their preferred language using pre-approved templates. 

Why use multilingual templates in IM?  

  1. Sends messages in the customer’s preferred language, improving engagement
  2. Ensures businesses adhere to local language regulations
  3. Personalized messages in native languages increase engagement
  4. Avoids language barriers in customer interactions
  5. Streamlines business communication with automated pre-approved translations

Key benefits of using multilingual templates  

For businesses  

  1. Avoids the need for separate messages for each language
  2. Keeps messaging uniform across multiple languages
  3. Personalized native-language messages leads to better user interactions

For customers  

  1. Customers feel more valued when addressed in their language
  2. Ensures inclusivity across diverse demographics
  3. Prevents delays caused by language change requests

Understanding language mapping in multilingual templates  

How languages are mapped to the default language  

  1. Each template has a default language that acts as the primary version.
  2. When a customer’s preferred language is available, the system automatically selects it.
  3. When the preferred language is unavailable, the template is sent in the default language.

Example language mapping

Customer Preferred Language
Mapped Language in Template
Fallback if Unavailable
Spanish (es)
Spanish (es)
English (en) (Default)
French (fr)
French (fr)
English (en) (Default)
German (de)
Not Available
English (en) (Default)
Hindi (hi)
Hindi (hi)
English (en) (Default)

What happens when deleting a language?  

  1. If a non-default language is deleted, customers using the deleted language will receive the default language version.
  2. If the default language is deleted, the system deletes all associated translations permanently.
For a list of supported languages, refer to WhatsApp's documentation.

WhatsApp template rejection reasons & when it can be used  

Common reasons for rejection  

  1. Templates must not include restricted content (e.g., gambling, financial services, or misleading promotions).
  2. Ensure placeholders (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}) are used correctly across translations.
  3. Avoid aggressive promotional content.
  4. Translations must convey the same meaning as the default language template.
  5. WhatsApp only allows fixed domains for links.
  6. The business name in the templates must match the registered WhatsApp Business Account.
  7. Templates with excessive emojis, symbols, or capitalization may be rejected.

When can a template be used?  

  1. A template can be used immediately after WhatsApp approves it.
  2. Language pending approval cannot be used.
  3. If a template is rejected, it must be modified and resubmitted.
  4. Disabled templates cannot be used until re-enabled for a template to be active.
  5. At least one approved language is required for a template to be active.

Pricing for multilingual whatsApp templates  

  1. Each language variation of a template is billed separately as an individual template.
  2. Businesses are charged per approved template and per conversation initiated using that template.
  3. Pricing is based on WhatsApp’s conversation-based pricing model. Read more

Who can manage multilingual templates?  

  1. Admins can create, edit, and delete multilingual templates.
  2. Support Agents can only use pre-approved templates from the inbox but cannot modify them.

Creating a multilingual template  

  1. Navigate to → Setup > Instant Messaging > WhatsApp > Templates > Create Template.
  2. Click Create Template
    1. Enter the template name (must be unique) and select the category (Utility, Marketing).
    2. Choose the default language and enter the message text with placeholders ({{1}}, {{2}}).
  3. Add Translations
    1. Click Configure Languages, select the language, and enter the translated message.
  4. Submit for WhatsApp Approval
    1. The template will be reviewed and either approved or rejected.




If a template is submitted under the wrong category (e.g., marked as Utility when the content is Marketing in nature), Meta will automatically reclassify the template to Marketing category. For more details, refer to Meta's official documentation on template category guidelines.

Updating a multilingual template  

  1. Navigate to → Setup > Instant Messaging > WhatsApp > Templates.
  2. Find the template and click Edit.
  3. Modify the content or add a new language.
  4. Submit Changes for Approval.
 
                                                      

Deleting a multilingual template  

  1. Navigate to → Setup > Instant Messaging > WhatsApp > Templates.
  2. Find the template and click Delete.
  3. Ensure the template is not linked to active workflows.
  4. Confirm deletion.

Deleting this template message will permanently delete all associated translations. This action is irreversible. This action cannot be undone.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)  

Can I add a translation after the template is approved?  

Yes, but the new language must go through WhatsApp approval. Please note translations must match with the default template.
 

What happens if a template translation is rejected?  

WhatsApp provides a reason for rejection. Modify and resubmit for approval.
 

How can I check which templates are approved?  

Approved templates are marked as Approved in the detail page and list page.
 

What happens if a customer's preferred language is missing?  

The default language version is sent as a fallback.

What happens if I submit a template under the wrong category?

If a template is submitted under the wrong category (e.g., marked as Utility when the content is Marketing in nature), Meta will automatically reclassify the template to the Marketing category. For more details, refer to Meta’s official documentation on template category guidelines.
 

Best practices  

  1. Track template usage to optimize cost based on WhatsApp' pricing model.
  2. Keep Placeholders identical across translations.
  3. Regular check for pending or rejected translations.
  4. Editing an approved template requires re-approval.
  5. Maintain version control and compliance records.

        Create. Review. Publish.

        Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

        Get Started Now


          Access your files securely from anywhere

            Zoho CRM Training Programs

            Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

            Zoho CRM Training
              Redefine the way you work
              with Zoho Workplace

                Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

                If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

                Zoho CRM Training

                  Create, share, and deliver

                  beautiful slides from anywhere.

                  Get Started Now


                    Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                    BOOK A SESSION







                                Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                                Web FormsEnterpriseOnline Data Collection Tool
                                Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                                Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                                CRM FormsCustomer ServiceAccessible Forms
                                Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                                HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                                Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                                Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                                Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                                No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                                Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                                Prefill FormsNon-Profit

                                Intake FormsLegal
                                Mobile App
                                Form DesignerHR
                                Mobile Forms
                                Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                                Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                                Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                                Electronic Forms
                                Drag & drop form builder

                                Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                                Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                                Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                                Email FormsFormstack alternativeEncrypted Forms

                                Wufoo alternativeSecure Forms

                                TypeformWCAG

                                  Zoho FSM Video Tutorials


                                        All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.

                                                  Create. Review. Publish.

                                                  Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                                  Get Started Now




                                                                    You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                                        Manage your brands on social media


                                                                          • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                                          • Digest


                                                                          • Functions


                                                                          • Meetups


                                                                          • Kbase


                                                                          • Resources


                                                                          • Glossary


                                                                          • Desk Marketplace


                                                                          • MVP Corner


                                                                          • Word of the Day


                                                                          • Ask the Experts


                                                                            Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                             

                                                                                Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                                  Secure your business
                                                                                  communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                                  Mail on the move with
                                                                                  Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                                    Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                                    at all times


                                                                                    Carry your calendar with you
                                                                                    Anytime, anywhere




                                                                                          Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                            Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                            Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                            Get Started Now




                                                                                                    Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                              Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                              Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                              REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                                Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                                Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                                Get Started Now








                                                                                                                                    • Related Articles

                                                                                                                                    • Using Multilingual Templates in IM Inbox

                                                                                                                                      Introduction Multilingual WhatsApp templates allow agents to communicate with customers in their preferred language using pre-approved message templates. This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to use multilingual templates in an IM inbox, ...
                                                                                                                                    • Multi-number support by WhatsApp Business Platform

                                                                                                                                      What is multi-number support on the WhatsApp Business Platform? Assuming you have been using the WhatsApp channel to communicate with your customers, you're likely aware that every WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) needs a verified phone number ...
                                                                                                                                    • How to add an Embeddable WhatsApp Message Button to your website?

                                                                                                                                      Embed a WhatsApp Chat Button on your website Over the past few years, customers have started valuing on-the-go assistance, where conversations with service providers are readily available with just the click of a button. Zoho Desk gives your ...
                                                                                                                                    • Using multilingual WhatsApp templates in the iOS

                                                                                                                                      When agents receive multiple tickets for similar issues, they can use pre-approved WhatsApp templates to draft responses quickly. These templates also enable multilingual translation to help agents communicate with customers in their preferred ...
                                                                                                                                    • Using multilingual WhatsApp templates in Android

                                                                                                                                      When agents receive multiple tickets for similar issues, they can use pre-approved WhatsApp templates to draft responses quickly. These templates also enable multilingual translation to help agents communicate with customers in their preferred ...
                                                                                                                                      Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                                      your workplace

                                                                                                                                        Resources

                                                                                                                                        Videos

                                                                                                                                        Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                        eBooks

                                                                                                                                        Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                        Webinars

                                                                                                                                        Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                                        CRM Tips

                                                                                                                                        Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                                          Zoho Show Resources