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WhatsApp API Error: 131016 / 503 – Service Unavailable

WhatsApp API Error: 131016 / 503 – Service Unavailable

If you see an error message like the one below in DoubleTick, don’t worry — this is a temporary WhatsApp-side issue, not a problem with your DoubleTick account or setup.

131016 – Service unavailable A service is temporarily unavailable. 503 – Service Unavailable Server is temporarily unavailable or overloaded.

This article explains what this error means, why it happens, and how you should handle it.

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What does this error mean?

This error is returned directly by WhatsApp Business Platform (Meta) when their servers are:

  • Temporarily down

  • Overloaded due to high traffic

  • Undergoing maintenance or internal issues

In simple terms: 👉 WhatsApp’s servers are momentarily unavailable to process requests.

This can affect:

  • Sending templates

  • Sending session messages

  • Automation or bot messages

  • API-triggered messages

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Why does this error occur?

Common reasons include:

  • Temporary WhatsApp API downtime

  • Heavy load on Meta servers

  • Ongoing maintenance by Meta

  • Regional or global WhatsApp outages

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Is this a permanent issue?

No. This is a temporary error and usually resolves on its own once WhatsApp services are restored.

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What should you do when you face this error?

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✅ Step 1: Wait and retry

In most cases:

  • The issue resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours

  • Retrying the message later works automatically

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✅ Step 2: Check WhatsApp’s official status page

Before taking any action, always check the WhatsApp Business Platform Statusarrow-up-right page to confirm if there’s an ongoing outage.

This page shows:

  • API availability

  • Messaging service status

  • Ongoing incidents or maintenance

If WhatsApp reports an outage, you only need to wait.

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✅ Step 3: Avoid repeated retries

Continuously retrying messages during downtime:

  • Will not fix the issue

  • May lead to unnecessary failures in logs

It’s best to pause and retry once WhatsApp services are stable.

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Key things to remember

  • 131016 / 503 errors come from WhatsApp (Meta)

  • They indicate temporary server unavailability

  • No changes are required from your side

  • Always check the WhatsApp Business Platform Status page

  • Retry once services are back online

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