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WhatsApp message capping is a quota that Meta places on how many new contacts a number can message in a cycle. When an account reaches the cap, WhatsApp blocks messages to new contacts until the cycle resets. Messages to existing conversations keep working. This guide covers what message capping is, how to read the status levels, what happens when you hit the cap, and how Hypersender shows your quota so you can plan around it.

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What is WhatsApp message capping?

Meta limits the number of new contacts an account can message in a cycle. A new contact is a number with no existing chat history. The cycle has a start and an end, and the quota resets on its own when the cycle ends. Message capping is a volume limit. It is not a block on your account. Your instance stays connected and working while the cap is active.
Hypersender cannot remove or reset a message cap. Only Meta controls when the quota resets. Do not restart or re-pair your instance to try to clear it. The cap clears on its own.

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Status levels

Meta reports the cap as one of four statuses. Each status shows how close you are to the limit. The status moves through these levels as you use the quota: Each status also carries two numbers: The cycle start and end are Unix timestamps. The end time is the clock for when the quota resets.

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What happens when you are capped

When the status is CAPPED, messages to new contacts fail until the cycle ends.
  • Messages to new contacts fail with an error.
  • Messages to existing conversations keep working.
  • Incoming messages keep working.
  • Your instance stays connected. You do not need to scan a QR code.
The quota counts one-to-one messages to contacts without an established chat. It does not count replies to existing conversations.

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How Hypersender shows your quota

Hypersender reads the capping status from your instance and shows it in three places.

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Dashboard progress bar

When a cap is active, your connection page shows a progress bar with the used and total quota. The bar shows:
  • The percentage of the quota you have used.
  • The used and total numbers, for example “640 of 1,000 messages”.
  • The time left until the quota resets.
The bar color changes as you approach the cap:

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Email notification

You receive an email when the status changes. The email shows the used and total quota, the percentage, and the reset time. You receive one email per status level per cycle, so we do not spam you.

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API error message

When your app tries to message a new contact while the account is capped, the API returns HTTP 423 with a clear message. The message includes the time left when the quota resets:

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What to do when you hit the cap

  1. Keep messaging existing contacts. These conversations still work.
  2. Use another number for new contacts. If you need to reach new contacts now, switch to a different instance.
  3. Let the quota reset. The cap lifts on its own at the cycle end. Trying to bypass it does not help.
  4. Review your volume. If you hit the cap often, spread outreach across more numbers.

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Message capping vs timelock

Message capping and a timelock are two different restrictions. Both block messages to new contacts, but they work in different ways. Read Understanding WhatsApp Timelock Restrictions for details on the other restriction.

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Prevent the cap

The cap tracks new-contact messages. The best way to stay under it is to keep outreach within healthy limits. Read the full guide on avoiding blocks for a complete checklist.

Read the Full Guide

Complete guide on how to avoid getting blocked on WhatsApp.