# How to Fix INVALID_FOOTER_PAYLOAD_OUTSIDE_FORM in WhatsApp API
Author: Prashant Jangid
Author URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/author/prashant-jangid
Published: 2025-07-01
Category: Troubleshoot
Category URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/category/troubleshoot
Tags: WhatsApp Flows Error
Tag URLs: WhatsApp Flows Error (https://www.heltar.com/blogs/tag/whatsapp-flows-error)
URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/how-to-fix-invalidfooterpayloadoutsideform-in-whatsapp-api-cmcks3on700282c4a69fjfi0y

When using Flow JSON versions below 4.0, a Footer placed outside the Form cannot access the form’s internal data in its payload.

The fix is simple: move the **Footer** component inside the **Form**'s children array.

## The Error

**INVALID\_FOOTER\_PAYLOAD\_OUTSIDE\_FORM**

**Footer placed outside Form component is not allowed to reference form data.**

This happens because for JSON versions prior to 4.0, form data binding is scoped. Only components inside a Form can read or submit its fields. A **Footer** outside the **Form** has no access to its internal fields like ${form.textInput}.

## Example of the Problem

Here's a problematic layout:

```
{
  "type": "Form",
  "name": "form",
  "children": [
    {
      "type": "TextInput",
      "name": "textInput",
      "label": "Text"
    }
  ]
},
{
  "type": "Footer",
  "label": "Submit",
  "on-click-action": {
    "name": "complete",
    "payload": {
      "textInput": "${form.textInput}"
    }
  }
}
```

This fails because the **Footer** is outside the **Form**.

## The Corrected Version

Move the **Footer** inside the **Form**:

```
{
  "type": "Form",
  "name": "form",
  "children": [
    {
      "type": "TextInput",
      "name": "textInput",
      "label": "Text"
    },
    {
      "type": "Footer",
      "label": "Submit",
      "on-click-action": {
        "name": "complete",
        "payload": {
          "textInput": "${form.textInput}"
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}
```

Now, the Footer can correctly read form values and submit them in the payload.

## When is This Relevant?

- You’re using Flow JSON version < 4.0.

- Your **Footer** needs to send form values in its action payload.

- You're getting **INVALID\_FOOTER\_PAYLOAD\_OUTSIDE\_FORM**.


## TL;DR

If there's a **Form**, keep the **Footer** inside it.

This ensures the payload can reference form fields without issues.

For more troubleshooting insights related to WhatsApp Business API, check out [heltar.com/blogs](https://www.heltar.com/blogs).


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