Yes, a WhatsApp account can get banned. We'll show you how you can get your number unblocked, but also how to avoid this issue in the first place.
"This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp". If you're seeing this notification on WhatsApp, your account has been banned. It actually happens more often than you think. And yes, it's possible to get your WhatsApp number unblocked again.
We'll show you how that works and what might have caused the WhatsApp ban in the first place. Plus, we have some tips for how to avoid this situation altogether.
Things that get your WhatsApp account banned
From spamming users to using unauthorized tools: there are several reasons why WhatsApp might have blocked your number.
Sending illegal or inappropriate content
In its terms, WhatsApp states that it won't allow certain type of content to be shared on WhatsApp. This includes "illegal, obscene, defamatory, threatening, intimidating, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive" content or content that encourages illegal or violent behavior.
WhatsApp also prohibits sending malicious files or viruses.
Any account that engages in these types of activities will be suspended.
Overusing broadcast lists
Are you sending out 1,000 messages a day using your broadcast list? Then you might be overusing WhatsApp's broadcast lists. Especially, if you're blasting people without their prior consent, it's likely that they report your messages as spam. If enough people complain, it can get your WhatsApp account banned.
If you're a business trying to send out promotional messages, keep in mind that you can only contact a maximum of 256 unique users per list. Going beyond this limit will lead to a blocked account.
Using other people's contact lists
Technically, you're only allowed to send broadcast messages to users that have your number saved in their contacts. You're not allowed to message unknown users. So, if you're using someone else's contact list or found a random contact list online, you're violating WhatsApp's terms.
By the way, if you somehow extract data from users' without their consent, WhatsApp will also block your account.
Sending misinformation
WhatsApp states that "falsehoods, misrepresentations, or misleading statements" aren't allowed on the app. This also includes impersonating somebody.
Read how the government of Telangana uses a WhatsApp bot to keep their citizens informed.
Using an illegal automation tool
For the private WhatsApp app and the WhatsApp Business App, WhatsApp doesn't allow certain automations, such as bulk messaging, auto-messaging, and auto-dialing. The app uses machine learning tools to detect their use and blocks accounts that do. This includes automation tools to create accounts or groups.
💡Thinking about using the WhatsApp Business App? Here's a better solution!
Adding users to a group without their permission
This won't automatically get you blocked, but if there are complaints, or you're not respecting people's boundaries, you can get your WhatsApp account banned.
You should get permission from contacts before you add them to a group. If you add someone to a group and they remove themselves, honor their decision.
Joining too many groups
This might be an honest mistake, but WhatsApp has tools to scan if an account joins too many groups too quickly. As this indicates that it might be a bot, it can result in a blocked WhatsApp account.
Using an unauthorized WhatsApp solution
There are many unofficial WhatsApp solutions, for private users and businesses. These WhatsApp mods (GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus, and others) promise a lot of additional features for free. However, if these modified solutions haven't been officially approved by WhatsApp yet, the company prohibits their use.
The main reason is to avoid security risks and unwanted usage of the messaging app.
How to unblock your WhatsApp number
If you believe that you didn't violate WhatsApp's terms, you can take a few steps to try to get your number unblocked.
1. Re-install WhatsApp
Delete the WhatsApp account on your phone, download the (Business) app again, and then re-register your number. You'll get a registration code to activate the account again.
This might not always work (depending on the violation). If you can't get your WhatsApp account re-instated, you can try again in 30 days.
2. Ask for a review
When you re-install your WhatsApp app and enter your blocked number, you'll see a "Support" section. If you want to request a review, you can tap on support first before getting your verification code. You can then fill out the application and upload additional information for your review.
3. Contact WhatsApp support
For private users, there's an online form you can fill out and e-mail to the WhatsApp support team if you have issues with your account. Users of the WhatsApp Businesses App can contact WhatsApp under the e-mail address: [email protected].
WhatsApp Business API users rarely get blocked because they're using official WhatsApp solutions, and if there are issues with a particular message template, WhatsApp rather pauses the campaign for review than block the account.
Best practices: How to avoid getting your WhatsApp account banned
Follow WhatsApp's terms
Be mindful of the content you send, actions you encourage, and the restrictions of the app. Respecting WhatsApp's terms and conditions is the best way to not get your WhatsApp account banned.
Think twice before forwarding a message
If you aren't sure if a message you received or a link you want to share is from a reliable source, don't forward it. Always double-check information or suspicious links and files.
Since WhatsApp added the "forwarded" note on messages, it's also easier to detect spammy content.
Ask for permission first and respect boundaries
Make sure to ask users first if they want to be added to a group and also respect their wishes if they want to leave a group.
Use the correct WhatsApp account
This is especially important for the commercial use of WhatsApp. Don't use the private app for commercial purposes, and don't violate WhatsApp's commercial terms on the Business App.
Use official WhatsApp solutions
If you feel the need to overuse the broadcast list, use automation tools or are trying to reach out to new users, it's probably because you're a business wanting to get the most out of WhatsApp.
There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, WhatsApp is a fantastic tool for customer communication! However, if you want to avoid getting your WhatsApp account banned for violating their terms, you should use official WhatsApp solutions for businesses.
For this purpose, WhatsApp works with verified Business Solution Providers that have developed WhatsApp tools specifically for companies. You should always check WhatsApp's partner directory first to make sure you're dealing with a certified solution.
Sinch Engage, for example, is one of the oldest WhatsApp partners and offers an intuitive out-of-the box messaging tool that gives you access to WhatsApp and other messaging apps, with all the features you're looking for — from automations to bulk messaging to tracking tools!
Get in touch with our team if you have questions, or try our solution for free!
Get more out of messaging apps for your business, with Sinch Engage, your all-in-one messaging platform for marketing, sales, and customer service.
