Guide · Account health · For the owner whose WhatsApp shows a restriction or ban message
Your WhatsApp business number says restricted, temporarily banned or can't use WhatsApp: what each message means, second-hand numbers, unofficial apps and life after an unban
WhatsApp shows different messages for different problems, and they don't mean the same thing. A restriction ends on its own. A temporary ban could mean an unofficial app or scraping, and WhatsApp says it can become permanent if that doesn't stop. A number that can't use WhatsApp at all may be carrying a ban from its previous owner. Here is what WhatsApp's own Help Center says each one means, what still works, and what to do next.
Published 14 October 2026
"Restricted" is not a ban
WhatsApp's article About restricted accounts says that if you see the in-app message "Your account is restricted right now" or "Your account may be restricted soon", you don't need to take any action. The restriction ends automatically once the allocated time passes, and WhatsApp sends you a notification when it ends.
- How long is left
- Tap New Chat, then pick a contact you've never chatted with before. If you're still restricted, a pop-up shows the time remaining.
- What still works
- You can keep talking to contacts and groups you've already exchanged chats or calls with.
- What is blocked
- You can't start chats or calls with new contacts, create new groups, add new members to groups, or use linked devices. You may also be logged out of some companion devices.
- Why it happens
- WhatsApp says recent activity on the account might be showing signs of spam, automated or bulk messaging, which violates its Terms of Service. It adds that anyone engaging in spam, automated or bulk messaging could have their account banned.
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A removed verified badge is not a restriction either
The same article says that if your business subscribes to Meta One and has a verified badge, the badge can be removed later, and that this isn't a restriction on your account. WhatsApp keeps reviewing verified accounts after a badge is issued. If it needs more information, it may ask for additional verification, such as an identity document and a selfie. If you don't complete it, or the account no longer meets the requirements, the badge is removed.
- What keeps working
- You can keep using the WhatsApp Business app as usual, with no limits on chats, calls or groups.
- The subscription
- It stays active and continues to bill as normal.
- What you lose
- Benefits that need a verified business account, like a verified channel and a business web page, become unavailable.
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"Temporarily banned": an unofficial app or scraping
WhatsApp's article About temporarily banned accounts says a "Temporarily banned" in-app message could mean you're using an unofficial version of WhatsApp, or harvesting information, which is known as scraping. Switch to the official app or stop scraping. If you don't, WhatsApp says your account might be permanently banned.
The article About harvesting personal information explains the second part. Harvesting information at scale through an automated tool, for any purpose WhatsApp hasn't permitted, violates the Terms of Service. Scrapers might search for and save people's phone numbers, profile pictures and statuses. Accounts suspected of scraping could be temporarily or permanently banned.
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Unofficial apps: what they are and how to switch back
WhatsApp's article About unofficial apps says unofficial apps or websites are fake WhatsApp apps made by third parties, and that using them, or linking your WhatsApp account to them, violates the Terms of Service. WhatsApp gives examples:
- Examples WhatsApp names
- GB WhatsApp, FM WhatsApp, TeleMessage, TM WhatsApp, and others.
- What can happen
- The account might be temporarily or permanently banned, or restricted, including the ability to link devices. WhatsApp also warns that these apps might carry malware and can't guarantee your messages or data stay private.
- Messages you may see
- "You need the official WhatsApp to log in" or "You have been logged out for using an unofficial app".
- How to switch
- Uninstall the unofficial app, download WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business app from WhatsApp's website, and re-register your phone number. WhatsApp says to remove all unofficial apps from the device first.
- Your old chats
- Only chat history created on the official app can be backed up securely. If you backed up on an unofficial app, WhatsApp can't guarantee the history will transfer.
WhatsApp's article About account bans for unofficial apps adds that you can download the official app from WhatsApp's website or from official app stores, and that WhatsApp can reinstate a ban if the account activity continues to violate its Terms of Service.
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"This account can't use WhatsApp" on a number you just got
WhatsApp's article About account bans for previously owned phone numbers says this message means the account has been banned. If the phone number is new to you, the previous owner of the number may have violated the Terms of Service, and that caused the ban.
- Ask for a review
- Tap Request review in the app, then tap Request review again to submit it.
- Wait for the answer
- WhatsApp says it will look into the case and send you a notification once the review is done.
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While the number is banned
WhatsApp's article About account bans adds a few points that matter while a number is banned:
- Chats and backups
- You can't access your chat history or backups while the account is banned. A backup can only be reached after the phone number tied to it is unbanned.
- One number per appeal
- WhatsApp only reviews one phone number per appeal. You check the status by opening WhatsApp.
The same article says WhatsApp bans accounts when it believes the activity violates its Terms of Service, for example spam, scams, or putting WhatsApp users' safety at risk.
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After an unban
WhatsApp's article After your account is unbanned says that if a review shows a ban was applied in error, it is removed. When you open WhatsApp you'll see "This account can now use WhatsApp". To get back in, verify the account again by entering your phone number.
The article adds that WhatsApp doesn't provide support for unauthorized apps, unsupported devices or versions of WhatsApp, or jailbroken or rooted devices.
Numbers on the WhatsApp Business Platform go elsewhere
WhatsApp's article About ban appeals on the WhatsApp Business Platform says WhatsApp Support does not provide support for account bans and restrictions on the WhatsApp Business Platform. Businesses using the Platform can consult the Meta Business Help Center for most of their support needs.
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A spare number that goes quiet
WhatsApp's article About inactive account deletion says accounts are generally deleted after 120 days of inactivity. Inactive means the account hasn't connected to WhatsApp, and an internet connection is needed for it to count as active. Some accounts may be deleted sooner, such as those created to claim a username without downloading WhatsApp.
The About restricted accounts article adds that if you see "Account locked due to inactivity", you need to re-register your phone number as soon as possible, or the account and all its data may be deleted.
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What this means for your shop
BitByteCore is a verified Meta Tech Provider (since 9 September 2026). Like any third party, we can't ban or unban a WhatsApp account, or speed up a review. This guide repeats WhatsApp's own Help Center articles, and is not legal advice.
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Questions
My WhatsApp says my account is restricted. Do I need to appeal?
No. WhatsApp's Help Center says you don't need to take any action. The restriction ends automatically once the allocated time passes, and you get a notification. Meanwhile you can still chat with existing contacts and groups, but can't start chats with new contacts, create or add people to groups, or use linked devices.
Why was my number temporarily banned?
WhatsApp says a temporary ban could mean you're using an unofficial version of WhatsApp, or scraping information such as phone numbers, profile pictures and statuses. Switch to the official app or stop scraping, or the account might be permanently banned.
I just bought a new number and WhatsApp says it can't use WhatsApp. Why?
WhatsApp says the previous owner of the number may have violated its Terms of Service. Tap Request review in the app, then Request review again, and wait for the notification.
Can I get my chats back while my number is banned?
No. WhatsApp says you can't access chat history or backups while the account is banned. A backup can only be reached after the number tied to it is unbanned.
Can a company unban my WhatsApp for me?
No. WhatsApp's Help Center says third party services can't ban an account or remove a ban; only WhatsApp can. Contacting WhatsApp outside the review process won't speed it up.
Who is BitByteCore?
BitByteCore is a verified Meta Tech Provider (since 9 September 2026). This guide repeats WhatsApp's own Help Center articles, and is not legal advice.
Sources
- WhatsApp Help Center: About restricted accounts, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About temporarily banned accounts, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About harvesting personal information, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About unofficial apps, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About account bans for unofficial apps, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About account bans for previously owned phone numbers, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About account bans, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: After your account is unbanned, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About ban appeals on the WhatsApp Business Platform, read 14 October 2026.
- WhatsApp Help Center: About inactive account deletion, read 14 October 2026.
This guide describes WhatsApp's pages as we read them, and is not legal advice. More plain-language notes like this one are on the guides page.
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