# INVALID_ROUTING_MODEL – Loop Detected in Screens (Even When There’s No Loop) in WhatsApp Flow JSON
Author: Prashant Jangid
Author URL: https://www.heltar.com/blogs/author/prashant-jangid
Published: 2025-04-08
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/invalidroutingmodel-loop-detected-in-screens-even-when-theres-no-loop-in-whatsapp-flow-json-cm98kujv1001z9eyz32b9adqp

When working with WhatsApp data channel flows, you might run into this error:

**INVALID\_ROUTING\_MODEL: Loop detected in the routing model for screens: (screenIds).**

This error can be confusing—especially if you’re sure there’s no visible loop in your flow. Let’s break down why it happens and how to fix it.

### What This Error Means

This error occurs when your flow's routing\_model defines a loop—either directly or indirectly—between screens.

A loop happens when a screen leads back to itself through a chain of transitions. This prevents the system from deciding a final end-point for the flow.

### Example of a Loop (Even if It Seems Fine)

Let’s say you have the following routing\_model in your flow JSON:

```
{
  "routing_model": {
    "FIRST_SCREEN": ["SECOND_SCREEN"],
    "SECOND_SCREEN": ["FIRST_SCREEN"]
  }
}
```

At first glance, this seems harmless: two screens linked back and forth. But this creates an infinite loop:

- FIRST\_SCREEN → SECOND\_SCREEN → FIRST\_SCREEN → SECOND\_SCREEN → ... and so on.


There’s no exit point—which is why the error shows up.

### How to Fix It?

To avoid this error:

1. Break the loop. Make sure there’s a clear end to your flow.

2. Avoid circular references in routing\_model. A screen shouldn't lead back to one that already led to it.


Fixed Example

```
{
  "routing_model": {
    "FIRST_SCREEN": ["SECOND_SCREEN"],
    "SECOND_SCREEN": ["THIRD_SCREEN"]
  }
}

```

In this version:

- The flow moves forward without going back to previous screens.

- No loop = No error.


### Other Things to Check

- If you’re using condition-based routing, ensure your conditions don’t cause a loop based on user input.

- Validate your flow with test data before pushing live.


### Bonus Tip

If your use case requires going back (e.g., for a “Back” button), build it outside the main routing\_model using custom actions or separate screen paths that reset the flow cleanly.

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


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