Having your WhatsApp account banned can be extremely frustrating. You rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, run your business, or participate in important groups. Getting your account suddenly banned means losing access to all of those conversations and contacts.
In this article, we’ll look at the main reasons why WhatsApp bans accounts, both temporarily and permanently. We’ll also provide tips to avoid getting banned in the future.
Common Reasons for a WhatsApp Ban
There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp will ban an account. These include:
- Using unauthorized 3rd party apps like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp
- Sending bulk messages or spam
- Violating WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
- Creating multiple accounts for the same phone number
Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Using Unauthorized Apps
WhatsApp frequently bans users for using unauthorized third-party versions of WhatsApp like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp. These apps offer additional features not available in the official WhatsApp app, which violates WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.
WhatsApp has technology to detect when you’re using these unofficial apps. If discovered, they will immediately ban your account. This ban could be temporary or permanent.
Sending Bulk or Automated Messages
Another thing that will quickly get your account banned is sending bulk or automated messages. WhatsApp has limits on how many chats you can forward messages to as well as how quickly you can send messages.
If you exceed these limits by blasting thousands of messages using 3rd party automated tools, you will be flagged and banned by WhatsApp. This includes sending bulk messages for marketing purposes without consent.
Violating the Terms of Service
You can also be banned for violating WhatsApp’s Terms of Service in other ways, such as:
- Using WhatsApp for illegal, criminal or terrorist activities
- Spreading misinformation or fake news that could lead to harm
- Threatening or harassing other users
- Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others
WhatsApp moderators can detect this type of abusive behavior and will ban your account permanently if found violating these terms.
Creating Multiple Accounts
Finally, you can get banned for trying to create multiple WhatsApp accounts using the same phone number. WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number.
If WhatsApp’s system detects multiple accounts with the same number, the newest accounts will get banned. This is because the system assumes the oldest account is the valid one, while the newest ones were created to abuse the platform.
How to Avoid Getting Banned
Now that we’ve looked at the main reasons for WhatsApp account bans, here are some tips to avoid getting banned in the future:
Only Use the Official WhatsApp App
To avoid immediate bans, only use the official WhatsApp app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Don’t risk using unauthorized modded apps like GB WhatsApp, no matter how appealing the extra features are.
Don’t Send Bulk Messages
Make sure not to use any tools or services to send bulk WhatsApp messages for marketing or communication purposes. Even if you have consent, this still violates WhatsApp’s policies in most cases.
Be Cautious When Forwarding Messages
WhatsApp limits how many times you can forward a message to prevent the spread of misinformation. Be selective when forwarding messages and avoid doing it in bulk.
Don’t Buy or Sell Accounts
Purchasing, selling or taking over another user’s WhatsApp account is strictly prohibited. If you obtain an account this way, it will likely get banned.
Report Abusive Behavior
If you see other users spreading misinformation, making threats or harassing others, make sure to report them to WhatsApp so they get banned instead of you.
Read WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
To avoid bans for improper use, read WhatsApp’s Terms of Service so you understand what types of behavior will lead to your account being disabled.
How to Regain Access to a Banned Account
If your WhatsApp account does get banned, here are some steps to try and regain access:
Submit an Appeal
If you believe your account was banned by mistake, you can submit an appeal to WhatsApp. Go to Settings > Help > Contact Us in the WhatsApp app and explain why you feel the ban was unjustified.
Wait for the Ban to Expire
If your account was temporarily banned, you simply need to wait out the duration of the ban which could be anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days. Once the ban has expired, you should regain access to your account.
Use a Different Phone Number
For permanent bans, your only option is to create a new WhatsApp account using a different phone number. You will no longer have access to your old account.
Ask Your Contacts to Report Your Number
If your account was banned because someone else took over your number, ask your WhatsApp contacts to report your number as “Not mine”. If enough reports are submitted, WhatsApp may free up your number allowing you to regain access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my WhatsApp account banned suddenly without warning?
WhatsApp will ban accounts suddenly without warning if it detects you are using unauthorized apps like GB WhatsApp or are spamming people. Automated systems monitor and flag these behaviors, leading to instant bans.
Can I get my banned WhatsApp account back?
If it was a temporary ban, your account will become accessible again after some time, usually 24 hours to 1 month. For permanent bans, you cannot retrieve your original account and number.
I lost access to my old number. Can I use that for WhatsApp again?
If you no longer have access to your old number, you cannot recreate your WhatsApp account with it. You will need to sign up with a new number instead.
Is there a number I can call to remove a WhatsApp ban?
There is no phone number to call. Banned accounts must submit an appeal through the app interface. However, appeals are rarely successful for permanent account bans.
Can I get banned for using WhatsApp on multiple devices?
No, you cannot get banned for using WhatsApp on multiple devices like your phone, tablet and desktop at the same time. This is allowed as long as all devices are linked to the same WhatsApp account.
The Bottom Line
Getting banned from WhatsApp can be disruptive but is usually preventable. Avoid third-party apps, spamming, illegal behavior and creating multiple accounts. If banned, submit an appeal for a temporary ban or use a new number if permanently banned.
Following WhatsApp’s rules and terms of service closely will help you avoid the frustration of having your account disabled unexpectedly. Handle your account responsibly and you should have no issues continuing to enjoy seamless chatting on WhatsApp.
References
Here are some references used as sources for this article: