> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/faq/why-do-i-see-status-pending-after-sending-message.md).
# Why do I see status "pending" after sending message?
When you send a message through the Whapi API, the response always includes `"status": "pending"` first. This is normal — it means the API accepted the request and passed it to WhatsApp. The status then updates to `delivered`, or `read` as WhatsApp processes delivery.
To track status changes in real time, enable the `statuses.post` webhook event. You can also check the current status manually using the [Get message](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/getmessage) method.
If the status stays `pending` and never changes — the message did not reach the recipient. Below are the most common reasons, in order of likelihood.
***
### 1. Wrong recipient ID
This is the most frequent cause. Make sure you are using the correct Chat ID format:
* **Personal chat:** phone number in international format, digits only, no `+` or leading zeros — e.g. `5561982198228`
* **Group:** ID ending in `@g.us`
* **Community:** send to individual groups within it, not to the community ID itself. All posting happens through the **announcement group** inside the community — it has a separate `@g.us` ID. Use the [Get community groups](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/getcommunitygroups) method to retrieve the correct ID.
Some countries (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) use non-obvious number formats — a single extra or missing digit silently prevents delivery. Always validate the number first using the [Check phones](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/checkphones) method. The response returns the exact Chat ID WhatsApp recognizes — use that value for sending, not the raw number from your CRM or contact list.
***
### 2. Recipient is not on WhatsApp
If the number is valid but not registered on WhatsApp, the message will stay `pending` indefinitely. The [Check phones](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/checkphones) method will return `invalid` in this case — always run it before sending to a new contact.
***
### 3. Temporary restriction on new contacts (soft ban)
If messages to new contacts are stuck in `pending` while existing conversations work fine, your number may have a soft ban — a temporary restriction WhatsApp applies to WhatsApp Business accounts.
**Signs:**
* API returns 200, but the message never arrives
* Status stays `pending`, never becomes `sent`, `delivered`, or `read`
* Incoming messages and existing chats are unaffected
**First, check for a restriction notice:** open — if a restriction is active, WhatsApp displays a warning banner at the top of the screen.
**What to do:**
1. Stop sending to new contacts immediately. Continuing during an active restriction can extend it or trigger a permanent ban.
2. Wait — the restriction is temporary and lifts on its own.
3. Review your sending practices: [How to not get Banned](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/blocking/how-to-not-get-banned)
> The restriction only affects WhatsApp Web and API. The mobile app continues to work normally.
***
### 4. No permission to send to this chat
Some chat types restrict who can send messages:
* **Groups with admin-only posting enabled** — non-admin members cannot send; messages stay `pending`.
* **WhatsApp Channels (newsletters)** — only the channel admin or creator can publish posts. A message from anyone else stays `pending` and is never published.
To check your role in a channel, use the [Get newsletter information](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/getnewsletter) method and look at the `"role"` field — it must be `"admin"` or `"creator"`.
***
### 5. Sending to a WhatsApp Channel (newsletter) — pending is normal
If you are the channel admin and your post still shows `pending` — that is expected. WhatsApp does not return delivery confirmations for channel posts by design. `pending` is the final status for a successfully published newsletter post and will not change.
> Do not rely on `statuses.post` webhooks for channel posts — WhatsApp does not send delivery or read confirmations for newsletters.
***
If you have checked all of the above and the message is still not delivered after a few minutes, contact the Whapi support team for diagnostics.
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