Having your WhatsApp account put under review can be frustrating and concerning. There are a few main reasons why this may happen. In this article, we’ll go over the common causes and what you can do about it.
You Changed Your Phone Number
One of the most common triggers for an account review is when you change your phone number that is associated with your WhatsApp account. WhatsApp relies on your phone number for verification purposes, so when the number changes, it will automatically put the account under review.
This is mainly done as a security measure by WhatsApp to ensure your account has not been compromised. They want to verify the new phone number belongs to you before allowing full access again.
If you recently changed phone numbers, this is likely the reason. You simply need to wait for WhatsApp to finish reviewing your account with the new number. This usually takes 24-48 hours. There is no way to speed up the process, so just be patient.
You Switched Devices
Similarly, if you switch devices and attempt to use your WhatsApp account on a new phone, it may trigger a review. WhatsApp associates your account with the device ID of your phone when you first set it up. So when that changes, it raises flags for them.
Again this review process is in place for security reasons. WhatsApp wants to ensure you are the one now using the account on the new device. Just wait patiently as they confirm this, which typically takes less than 2 days.
Suspicious Activity on Your Account
If WhatsApp detects suspicious or abnormal activity on your account, it will put it under review. This may happen if you suddenly start using WhatsApp much more than usual, communicate with new people you don’t normally talk to, use it from odd locations, etc.
These kind of usage pattern changes can indicate your account may have been compromised. So WhatsApp will put it under review to investigate and confirm nothing bad is happening.
If your usage is legitimate, you simply have to wait out the review. Do not keep trying to use your account or make changes during this time, as that can prolong the review process.
You Violated WhatsApp’s Terms
If WhatsApp detects you have violated their terms of service, they will put your account under review. This is typically only done in cases of severe or repeat violations.
For example, repeatedly sending spam messages to people, threatening/harassing other users, or using unauthorized 3rd party apps with your account. These actions go against WhatsApp’s policies, so they will review and possibly restrict your access.
Unfortunately if your account was put under review for term violations, there is not much you can do besides wait and hope access is restored. Do not try to create a new account, as that will just get blocked too.
Your Account Was Reported for Abuse
If other WhatsApp users report your account for abuse, spam, harassment, or other issues, WhatsApp will put your account under review. This allows them to investigate if you are actually violating any policies.
Try to think if you may have upset someone recently who would try to get your account banned. If not, it could just be a false report that will get cleared up after review. Avoid contacting the person who reported you as that may escalate the issue.
You Have an Associated Ban
If any of your associated social media accounts or phone numbers have been banned from WhatsApp in the past, your new account may get automatically flagged and put under review.
This aims to prevent users from simply creating new accounts after being banned. But it can sometimes flag legitimate new accounts in error, if it matches some metadata to a previously banned account.
Try providing any info you can through the app and be patient during the review. But know that in some cases accounts associated with prior bans get blocked indefinitely.
Your Number Was Previously Misused
If the phone number linked to your WhatsApp account was previously associated with misconduct or terms violations, your account may get flagged for review. This is more common when using a recycled phone number.
WhatsApp has mechanisms to detect if a number was linked to prior bad activity. So even if you did nothing wrong, your account may get flagged based on history from a prior user of your number.
Just be patient as the review completes. Make sure you do not violate any terms or behave suspiciously during the review, as that will prolong it.
How to Get Your Account Unbanned After Review
If your WhatsApp account ends up banned after a review, getting it unbanned can be difficult. But here are some tips that may help:
- Email support – Send an email to WhatsApp support explaining why you should be unbanned. Be polite and detailed.
- Wait 2 months – WhatsApp may automatically unban your device/number after 2 months pass.
- Use a new number – Trying your account on a brand new unused phone number may work.
- Plead your case – Keep emailing support politely asking for another chance.
- Last resort factory reset – Doing a factory reset of your device can potentially lift the ban in some cases.
However, there is no guarantee any of these methods will work, as WhatsApp takes bans very seriously. But following these tips gives you the best chance to regain access after a ban.
How to Avoid Getting Banned Again
If you successfully recover your account, be very careful going forward to avoid getting banned again. Here are some tips:
- Don’t violate terms – Follow all WhatsApp terms of service exactly.
- Use your account normally – Don’t change usage patterns or behaviors drastically.
- Avoid suspicious apps – Never use unauthorized 3rd party apps with your account.
- Don’t buy/sell accounts – This is strictly prohibited and often reversed.
- Change behaviors that got you banned – If you got banned for harassment, spam, etc. make sure to stop that behavior entirely.
- Stick to acceptable use – Only use WhatsApp for normal personal messaging purposes.
Carefully following these guidelines and using your best judgment should help prevent you from ending up under review or banned again in the future.
Conclusion
Having your WhatsApp account placed under review can be inconvenient and concerning. But in most cases, it is just a routine process to verify your identity and activity. Be patient and avoid making changes to your usage patterns until the review completes.
In rare cases accounts do get banned after review. While reversing such bans is difficult, politely pleading your case to support and following all guidelines can help. Avoiding any terms violations or suspicious behavior going forward is key to maintaining access.
With some caution and patience, a WhatsApp account review should just be a temporary inconvenience. Focus on using the app legally and appropriately, and you should have nothing to worry about.