WhatsApp API Billing Eligibility Error 131042 – How to Fix It (Complete Solution)

Billing Eligibility – Error Code: 131042

Even after setting up API correctly, messages fail and customers don’t receive anything.

Don’t worry.
This error is 100% fixable, and in most cases, the problem is not technical code issue, it is Business Manager setup issue.

Anjok Technologies explains this in simple words below.

6

❓ What is Error 131042?

Error 131042 means:

👉 Your WhatsApp Business Account is NOT billing eligible

So Meta blocks:

• Sending messages
• Sending templates
• Bulk messaging
• Automated replies

Even if:

• API token is correct
• Phone number is verified
• Webhook is working

Messages will fail until billing eligibility is fixed.

🔍 Why This Error Happens (Main Reasons)

From our experience, 90% of clients face this issue due to these reasons:

❌ 1. Payment Method Not Added

No card / UPI added in Meta Business Manager.

❌ 2. Phone Number Created in Test Mode

Number added inside Developer Test Environment, not in WhatsApp Business Manager.

❌ 3. Business Verification Incomplete

Business details not verified properly.

❌ 4. Tax / GST Details Missing

For Indian businesses, tax info is important.

❌ 5. Payment Method Added but Not Active

Card added but failed / expired / limited.

✅ Step-by-Step Solution to Fix Error 131042

Follow these steps carefully 👇

✅ STEP 1: Add Phone Number in WhatsApp Business Manager (Very Important)

❌ Do NOT use Test Phone Number from developer dashboard.

✔ Correct way:

1. Go to business.facebook.com
2. Open Business Settings
3. Go to Accounts → WhatsApp Accounts
4. Select your WhatsApp Business Account
5. Go to Phone Numbers
6. Click Add Phone Number
7. Verify OTP on real WhatsApp number

👉 This step alone fixes error for many users.

✅ STEP 2: Add Payment Method (Mandatory)

Without payment, WhatsApp API will not send messages.

How to add payment:

1. Go to Business Settings
2. Open Payments
3. Click Add Payment Method
4. Add:
   • Credit Card / Debit Card
   • UPI Autopay (if available)
5. Save and wait 2–5 minutes

After this, refresh WhatsApp Manager.

✅ STEP 3: Verify Tax / GST Details (India Only)

For Indian accounts:

• Add GST number if available
• Or confirm non-GST business

This helps Meta approve billing eligibility faster.

✅ STEP 4: Check WhatsApp Business Account Status

Make sure:

• Business status = Approved
• Phone number quality = Green
• No policy violation warnings

✅ STEP 5: Retry Sending Message

After completing above steps:

• Wait 5–10 minutes
• Send a test message
• Error 131042 will be gone ✅

🧠 Important Notes (From Real Experience)

✔ Payment may show ₹0.00 – that is normal
✔ First few messages may be free
✔ Charges apply only after free tier
✔ Billing eligibility is checked per WABA, not per number
✔ Don’t delete & recreate account again and again

🎯 Summary – Fix Error 131042 Quickly

✔ Add phone number in WhatsApp Business Manager
✔ Do NOT use test phone number
✔ Add active payment method
✔ Complete tax details
✔ Check business verification

That’s it. No coding change needed.

🏢 Why Contact Anjok Technologies?

We have solved many WhatsApp API billing & eligibility issues for clients in:

• Coimbatore
• Tiruppur
• Erode
• Salem
• Chennai

We provide:

• WhatsApp Cloud API setup
• Billing issue resolution
• Bulk messaging systems
• Chatbot automation
• End-to-end support

📞 Contact Anjok Technologies

📱 +91 80729 70517