Having your WhatsApp account disabled can be frustrating. WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. Losing access to your WhatsApp account means losing contact with friends, family, work contacts, and more.
In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why your WhatsApp account may have been disabled and the steps you can take to activate and recover your disabled account. We’ll also provide tips to help avoid having your account disabled again in the future.
Why Was My WhatsApp Account Disabled?
There are several reasons why your WhatsApp account may have been temporarily disabled:
You violated WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
WhatsApp has guidelines and rules that all users must follow when using the app. Violating any of their Terms of Service could result in your account being disabled. Some common violations include:
– Sending spam or abusive messages
– Using unauthorized/modified versions of WhatsApp
– Automating messages or sending bulk messages without user consent
– Spreading misinformation or fake news
– Impersonating others
– Violating laws or regulations with your account activity
Your phone number changed
WhatsApp accounts are tied to your phone number. If you changed your phone number without updating it in WhatsApp, your account could have been disabled. This prevents other people from registering your old number and accessing your account.
You switched devices
Similarly, if you switched mobile devices without properly transferring your account, WhatsApp may have detected unauthorized usage and disabled your account as a security measure.
Your account was hacked
If someone gained unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account, they may have triggered WhatsApp’s security systems and caused your account to be disabled. This protects your account from further misuse.
You haven’t used WhatsApp in a long time
To free up resources, WhatsApp may disable accounts that have been inactive for over 120 days. Not using the app for an extended period can cause your account to be disabled.
How to Reactivate Your Disabled WhatsApp Account
If your WhatsApp account has been temporarily disabled, don’t panic. In most cases, you can recover and restore access to your account by following these steps:
Wait for 24 hours
Before trying to reactivate your disabled account, wait 24 hours. This gives WhatsApp time to detect any suspicious activity and allows any security locks to expire. Avoid trying to log in continuously, as this can prolong the disabling period.
Request a verification code via SMS/Call
After 24 hours, open WhatsApp and request a verification code to confirm your number. WhatsApp will send a 6-digit verification code via SMS or automated voice call to your phone. Enter this code when prompted to verify your number.
Update your phone number
If your number changed, update your phone number in WhatsApp’s settings right away. Add your new number and tap “OK” when you receive the SMS/call verification code.
Transfer your account to your new device
If you switched devices, make sure to properly transfer your WhatsApp account to your new device. On your old device, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and back up your chats. Then on your new device, install WhatsApp and restore chats from the backup during setup.
uninstall unauthorized apps
If your account was disabled for using unauthorized apps like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, uninstall any modified WhatsApp apps. Download the official WhatsApp app from the app store and verify your number.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If you still can’t regain access after 24 hours, contact WhatsApp support for help reactivating your account. Send an email to [email protected] detailing your issue and they can further assist you.
How to Prevent Your WhatsApp Account From Being Disabled Again
Once you regain access to your account, take steps to ensure your WhatsApp account doesn’t get disabled again in the future:
Don’t violate WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
Carefully review WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and avoid engaging in any prohibited activities like spamming, automation, or illegal usage. Follow all rules to remain in good standing.
Maintain an active account
Use WhatsApp regularly so your account doesn’t become inactive. Make sure to open the app and send messages at least once every 120 days.
Set up two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication for extra security. This requires you enter a PIN when registering your number on a new device, preventing unauthorized logins.
Be cautious of scams and phishing
Beware of scammers attempting to gain access to your account. Never share your SMS verification code with others. Use caution when clicking links as they may try to steal your login info.
Keep your software up to date
Regularly update WhatsApp to the latest version available in your device’s app store. Updates contain important security fixes and improvements. Avoid outdated app versions.
Back up your chats
Frequently back up your WhatsApp chats on your old phone before changing devices. Backups enable you to smoothly transfer your account and messages to a new phone.
Add an email address for account recovery
Link an email address to your WhatsApp account. This gives you an additional account recovery option in case your phone number changes or is unavailable.
What to Do If You Can’t Recover Your Account
In rare cases, you may be unable to regain access to your disabled WhatsApp account after repeated attempts. Here are some last resort options if you still can’t recover your account:
Use a different phone number
As a last resort, attempt creating a new WhatsApp account using a different phone number you have access to. You’ll lose your existing chat history but can resume using WhatsApp.
Contact WhatsApp on Twitter
Reach out to @WhatsAppSupport on Twitter explaining your disabled account issue. They may be able to assist if support emails are unsuccessful.
Submit an account deletion request
If you’re unable to recover your account, request WhatsApp to delete your account by emailing [email protected]. Once deleted, the account cannot be retrieved, but your phone number will be freed up for use.
Switch to a different messaging app
Consider switching to a different chat app like Telegram or Signal if you still can’t get your WhatsApp account reactivated. While inconvenient, losing your chat history may be unavoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my WhatsApp account showing “Temporarily Banned or Suspended”?
Seeing a “Temporarily banned” message means your account has been disabled for violating WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. This is usually temporary, lasting 24 hours to 30 days. Follow the reactivation steps to recover your account access.
Can I retrieve my chat history if my account was disabled?
Yes, your chat history can be retrieved as long as you successfully complete the account recovery process before uninstalling WhatsApp. Your chats are preserved for up to 30 days after disabling.
Is it possible to tell if someone else is using my disabled WhatsApp account?
If your SMS or call verification code goes to someone else’s device, it’s a sign your account may be compromised. Immediately contact WhatsApp Support to investigate unauthorized usage.
Why does my old WhatsApp number say “Expired” when adding it back?
Seeing an “Expired” message when adding your old number means that number is no longer usable on WhatsApp. Your account has been erased after 45 days of inactivity on that number.
Can I recover a deleted WhatsApp account?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover a WhatsApp account after it has been deleted, either by you or by WhatsApp. The account is permanently erased along with its message history.
Conclusion
Having your WhatsApp account disabled can certainly be an inconvenience, but the situation is usually temporary if you take the appropriate steps. Give WhatsApp time to review your account, verify your number ownership, remove any unauthorized modifications, and demonstrate you won’t violate their Terms of Service going forward.
With some patience and perseverance, you can typically regain access to your disabled account within 24 hours. Be cautious of unknown links, enable two-factor authentication, maintain an active account, and back up your chats regularly to avoid having this issue again. Follow our guide and you’ll be back chatting with your WhatsApp contacts in no time.
| Reason for Disabling | Solution |
|---|---|
| Violated Terms of Service | Carefully review and follow WhatsApp policies, remove any unauthorized modifications |
| Changed phone number | Verify new number via SMS/call code |
| Switched devices | Properly transfer account and back up chats before changing devices |
| Account hacked | Use two-factor authentication for enhanced security |
| Account inactive | Make sure to use WhatsApp regularly to keep account active |
| Prevention Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Don’t violate Terms of Service | Avoid illegal, automated, or spam usage that goes against WhatsApp rules |
| Maintain active usage | Open WhatsApp and send messages at least once every 120 days |
| Enable two-factor authentication | Add extra login security with two-step verification |
| Exercise caution against scams | Watch for phishing attempts trying to steal your account info |
| Keep app up to date | Regularly update to latest WhatsApp version with security fixes |
| Back up chats | Preserve chat history by backing up before changing devices |
| Add recovery email | Have backup account recovery option if phone number unavailable |
| Last Resort Options if Account Not Recoverable |
|---|
| – Use different phone number for new account |
| – Contact @WhatsAppSupport on Twitter for help |
| – Request account deletion via email to free up number |
| – Switch to different chat app like Telegram or Signal |