> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.briq.tz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send a template message

> Start or re-engage a conversation with an approved template via POST /v1/whatsapp/messages/template.

Use `POST /v1/whatsapp/messages/template` to send an approved template. Templates are **always allowed** (no open window required) and **reopen** the 24-hour window, so they are how you start a conversation or re-engage after the window closes.

## Endpoint

```http theme={null}
POST https://karibu.briq.tz/v1/whatsapp/messages/template
```

**Headers:** `X-API-Key` (required), `Content-Type: application/json`.

## Fields

| Field             | Type   | Required | Notes                                                                                          |
| ----------------- | ------ | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `template_name`   | string | yes      | Name of an `APPROVED` template. See [Senders & templates](/guides/whatsapp-senders-templates). |
| `variables`       | object | no       | Variable values, e.g. `{ "1": "A1234" }`. Keys match the template's parameters.                |
| `to`              | string | target   | The customer number in E.164. The number you are messaging.                                    |
| `sender`          | string | no       | Which of your numbers to send from. Optional when your workspace has one active sender.        |
| `conversation_id` | uuid   | alt      | Alternative to `to` + `sender`: an existing thread to send into.                               |

## Example

```bash cURL theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://karibu.briq.tz/v1/whatsapp/messages/template" \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{ "to": "255712345678", "template_name": "order_update", "variables": { "1": "A1234" } }'
```

<Note>
  Templates with a media header (image/video/document) carry the header media on the template itself; the backend resolves it at send time. You do not pass header media in this body. See [Senders & templates](/guides/whatsapp-senders-templates).
</Note>

Returns **202** `{ message_id, status: "pending" }`. Then [track delivery](/guides/whatsapp-track-messages). Build and send a live request from the [Send a template message](/Karibu-WhatsApp/messages/send-template) reference page.