Error (#131048) Spam Rate Limit Hit

The error 131048 - Spam Rate Limit Hit is returned directly by Meta (WhatsApp) when a business number reaches limitations related to the quality of sent messages or behavior considered similar to spam.

Error message displayed by Meta

Message failed to send because there are restrictions on how many messages can be sent from this phone number. This may be because too many previous messages were blocked or flagged as spam.

In plain language:

Message failed to send because there are restrictions on the number of messages that can be sent from this number. This may happen because many previous messages were blocked by users or marked as spam.

Why does this error happen?

According to Meta's documentation, this error occurs when the WhatsApp Business number shows signs of low quality, usually caused by:

• High volume of blocks by recipients;

• Spam reports made by users;

• Sending messages to contacts without prior consent;

• Mass campaigns to poorly engaged lists;

• Content considered irrelevant by recipients.

When this happens, Meta temporarily reduces the number's sending capacity to protect the platform users' experience.

How to check the number's quality?

Meta recommends checking the number quality indicator in WhatsApp Manager.

The statuses can be:

Status	Meaning
🟢 High	Good reputation and low complaint rate
🟡 Medium	Attention needed
🔴 Low	High risk of restrictions and blocks

When quality drops to Medium or Low, Meta may limit message sending or apply temporary restrictions.

How to fix it?

If error 131048 is shown, it is recommended to:

1. Temporarily suspend new mass sends;

2. Wait for the restriction period imposed by Meta;

3. Review the number's quality in WhatsApp Manager;

4. Analyze recent campaigns that may have generated blocks or reports;

5. Prioritize sending to contacts who already interact with your company;

6. Make sure all contacts have consented to receive messages.

Best practices to avoid the error

Request permission from contacts

Send messages only to users who have given consent to communicate via WhatsApp.

Segment your list

Avoid sending campaigns to your entire contact list without proper segmentation.

Send relevant content

Useful and personalized messages tend to generate more interaction and fewer blocks.

Avoid excessive frequency

Multiple sends in a short period can increase the chances of blocks and reports.

Monitor the number's quality

Regularly track the quality indicators provided by Meta.

Important

The error 131048 is not caused by SAC 360º or SprintHub. It is a limitation applied directly by Meta (WhatsApp) to the connected number.

While the restriction is active, some messages may not be delivered, even if the send is completed correctly by the system.

Conclusion

The error 131048 - Spam Rate Limit Hit indicates that Meta identified a sending behavior that may negatively impact users' experience. In most cases, the solution involves improving campaign quality, reducing complaints, and waiting for the restriction to be removed automatically.

Maintaining relevant, authorized, and segmented communication is the best way to avoid this type of block and preserve the reputation of the WhatsApp Business number.

For more technical details, the official Meta documentation can be consulted at: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/cloud-api/support/error-codes/