Why DLT SMS Templates Get Rejected, and How to Fix Them
Short answer: DLT templates are most often rejected because the category does not match the content, the text reads as promotional while labelled transactional, links or phone numbers are not declared, variables are used badly, or the template does not match the registered header. Fix the specific cause, resubmit as a new template, and update your code to use the new template ID.
Portals do not always state the reason clearly, so the table below pairs common symptoms with likely causes and fixes. These are patterns, not a list from any one operator; check your portal's message first. For the format itself, see DLT template format and variables.
Last updated: 2 November 2026.
Common rejection causes and fixes
| Likely cause | How it shows up | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong category | An offer or discount in a transactional or service template | Move offer text to a promotional template on a promotional header. |
| Reads as promotional | Words like free, offer, win, limited time inside an OTP or alert | Remove marketing language from transactional text. |
| Undeclared URL or number | A link or phone number in the text that was not declared | Declare or whitelist the link or number as the portal requires. |
| Too many variables | Most of the text is {#var#} | Fix the fixed text and use variables only for names, amounts, dates and codes. |
| Header mismatch | Brand name in the text differs from the registered header | Use the header you registered, and keep the brand name consistent. |
| Vague or misleading text | Message does not say what it is about | State the purpose clearly: what happened, for whom, and what to do. |
| Duplicate or near-duplicate | Another template with almost the same text exists | Reuse the existing template ID instead of registering again. |
| Spelling or format | Unusual characters, broken variables or spacing | Retype the text cleanly and check variable markers. |
A repeatable fix process
- Read the rejection note in the portal and note which part of the text it points to.
- Check the category against promotional vs transactional SMS.
- Check the header with header registration.
- Rewrite the text, keeping one purpose, then resubmit as a new template.
- When approved, switch your code to the new template ID and test with the SMS API.
If messages fail after approval
A template can be approved and still produce failures if the sent text differs from the registered text, the wrong template ID is used, or the header and template are not linked. Compare a failed message with the registered template, and check status codes in delivery reports. Teleopedia helps customers with DLT onboarding; see our SMS service.
Template rejection questions
Can I appeal a rejected DLT template?
Usually you correct the text and submit a new template. Check your portal for any resubmission or appeal option.
Why was my OTP template rejected?
Common causes are extra marketing words, undeclared links or a header category that does not suit OTPs. Keep the text short and factual.
Can the same template be used by two providers?
Templates are linked to the provider you chose when registering. Check how to link or move a template with your provider.
How many variables are too many?
There is no single number across operators. If most of the message is variable, expect questions. Keep fixed text meaningful.
Does rejection hurt my account?
A rejected template just does not go live. Repeatedly submitting misleading content may draw scrutiny, so classify honestly.
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