> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.omnichat.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.omnichat.ai/en/announcements/meta-whatsapp-free-entry-point-fep-extended-to-7-days.md).

# Meta WhatsApp Free Entry Point (FEP) Extended to 7 Days

Effective on 7 Oct 2026

We are pleased to share an official update directly confirmed and announced by Meta: The Free Entry Point (FEP) window for WhatsApp business conversations has been officially extended from 72 hours to 7 days.

This enhancement gives your business a full week to nurture and convert leads with zero added messaging cost.

### 🔑 Key Details & Rules

#### 1. Meta-Provided 7-Day Window & Live Countdown Timer

* Official Meta Extension: The FEP duration is extended from 72 hours to 7 days. This timeframe is provided directly by Meta (it is not calculated or estimated by Omnichat).
* In-conversation Countdown: To help you easily track your active free window, Omnichat will display a real-time countdown timer directly within the conversation inbox interface.

<figure><img src="https://2848678129-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3u2I1osIy6mEi07X1z46%2Fuploads%2FErsemtbt1qEZRAK12V1w%2F(INTERNAL%20BRIEFING)1%20Oct%202026%20WhatsApp%20Pricing%20Update%20(1).png?alt=media&amp;token=4650abdd-3a11-4a7c-894c-a8f14587ec4b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Qualified Entry Points

To qualify for FEP, customer conversations must be initiated through one of the following two entry methods:

1. **CTWA (Click-to-WhatsApp Ads):** Sponsored WhatsApp ad campaigns on Facebook or Instagram.
2. **Facebook Page CTA Button:** The primary "Click to WhatsApp" button on your official Facebook Page header.

#### 3. FEP Activation Criteria & Sequence (CSW vs. FEP Logic)

The 7-Day FEP window is activated ONLY when both conditions are met:

1. **Step 1 — Customer Initiation:** A customer sends a message via a paid CTWA ad or FB Page CTA button. This opens a 24-hour Customer Service Window (CSW). Every time the customer sends a new message, this 24-hour CSW timer resets.
2. **Step 2 — Business Reply (FEP Trigger):** The brand must reply to the customer's message within 24 hours. The 7-day FEP countdown begins exact moment the business sends this qualifying reply. *(If the business does not reply within 24 hours, the FEP opportunity expires)*.

**7-Day Free Messaging Window:** Once triggered, the brand can send messages to that customer at no charge for the full 7-day duration.

<figure><img src="https://2848678129-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3u2I1osIy6mEi07X1z46%2Fuploads%2F6vZKQgKtu4D0Wl4YEm6q%2F(INTERNAL%20BRIEFING)1%20Oct%202026%20WhatsApp%20Pricing%20Update%20(3).png?alt=media&amp;token=700b1b22-d0fa-4532-b6fa-f701416b525b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 4. Messaging Rules During FEP

All client accounts default to the 7-day FEP window. Here is how message types are handled based on window availability:

* **When BOTH CSW (24h) & FEP (7 Days) are Open:**
  * Service Messages: Eligible to send (via CSW) and completely free.
  * Template Messages: Eligible to send and completely free under FEP.
* **When CSW (24h) is Closed & FEP (7 Days) Remains Open:**

  * You cannot send freeform messages (since CSW is closed).
  * However, brands can send ANY approved template message (Marketing, Utility, Authentication) for FREE under the active 7-day FEP.
  * Re-engaging on Day 4, 5, or 6 using template messages will not incur any Meta template fees.

  ### 📊 Summary Breakdown Table

  <table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="140.984375">CSW Status (24h)</th><th width="156.09765625">FEP Status (7 Days)</th><th>Allowed Message Types</th><th width="117.62109375">Pricing</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>CSW Status (24h)</strong></td><td><strong>FEP Status (7 Days)</strong></td><td><strong>Allowed Message Types</strong></td><td><strong>Pricing</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Open</td><td>Open</td><td>Service Messages &#x26; Template Messages</td><td>FREE</td></tr><tr><td>Closed</td><td>Open</td><td>Approved Template Messages ONLY (Marketing/Utility/Auth)</td><td>FREE</td></tr><tr><td>Closed</td><td>Closed</td><td>Approved Template Messages ONLY (Marketing/Utility/Auth)</td><td>Standard Paid Pricing</td></tr></tbody></table>

### What Do You Need to Do?

No action is required on your part! Your account has automatically been updated to support Meta's 7-day FEP window. You can start creating 7-day automated follow-up journeys for your CTWA and FB CTA campaigns right away.

**Need help?**

Reach out to your Omnichat account manager or our customer support team for further assistance.