WhatsApp mods like GB WhatsApp promise a lot of feature that users can't get on the regular apps. But there are a lot of risks and better alternatives!
WhatsApp is the most popular social media app in the world! In India, 487.5 million people chat on WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business has currently more than 200 million active monthly users worldwide. It's not surprising that competitors are trying to capitalize on that success.
That's why a few years ago, we started seeing more WhatsApp clones (also called WhatsApp mods) popping up. GB WhatsApp is probably the most popular WhatsApp mod out there. These apps clone the official WhatsApp versions, but then use their own developers to roll out features that the official apps don't offer.
The promise is that you get more features on WhatsApp and on WhatsApp Business than on the official apps, and at no extra cost. That sounds, of course, very tempting, but it's not completely true and not without risk.
GB WhatsApp vs. the official apps
The most popular WhatsApp mod, GB WhatsApp, promises additional features for users of the private WhatsApp app and the WhatsApp Business App (GB WhatsApp Pro Business).
Private users supposedly get more languages, can hide their last seen status, and change the themes.
Similarly, for the Pro version, GB WhatsApp claims to have more features than WhatsApp Business.
Especially in a business context where you typically have to upgrade and pay for the more advanced features of the WhatsApp Business API, WhatsApp mods like GB WhatsApp seem very interesting. However, there are several concerns with these WhatsApp clones!
💡6 reasons why you should get the WhatsApp Business API
Risks of WhatsApp mods
First, not everything that WhatsApp mods like GB WhatsApp claim is necessarily true. For starters, the mod claims that you can bypass the iOS security system and still download their app to an iOS device. That's not true! Apple doesn't allow third-party app downloads that are not in the App Store, and that includes GB WhatsApp.
In addition, the feature comparison isn't accurate. For instance, private users can change the themes on their app and also customize who can see when you were last online.
And for businesses, the free WhatsApp Business App also offers you an option to broadcast messages and customize your profile settings. When taking a closer look, the popular WhatsApp mod still doesn't offer the most interesting business features that you get with the WhatsApp API, such as chatbots, message templates and unlimited bulk messaging.
Use these easy-to-deploy personalized WhatsApp business templates that’ll save you time and effort.
So if you actually want to scale your business by using WhatsApp, GB WhatsApp doesn't offer you a great advantage. It basically offers what you get on the free business version, and you still don't get the more advanced functionalities of the API.
At the same time: there are some security concerns with WhatsApp mods! The experts at the tech blog 91 Mobiles actually warn everybody from using WhatsApp mods, and especially GB WhatsApp.
If you’re running GB WhatsApp currently, uninstall it ASAP and it could compromise the security of your device.
The issue with WhatsApp mods in general is that they're unauthorized versions of the official app. They're developed by third-party providers without any verification, so there's a decent chance that with these third-party WhatsApp mods you're allowing potentially dubious third-party providers to get access to sensitive data on your device.
In a business context, this is especially problematic. You risk:
- giving unauthorized users access to proprietary data
- that your customers' data can be hacked
- opening yourself up to lawsuits
For the little to no benefit that GB WhatsApp and other mods offer in comparison to the official apps, it's really not worth it!
GB WhatsApp alternatives
Of course, there's several other WhatsApp mods besides GB WhatsApp. However, they're not necessarily safer or better. Especially in a business context, your best alternative is the WhatsApp Business Platform that offers all the premium features your business would want, such as:
- unlimited bulk messages for WhatsApp marketing
- integration of chatbots
- green tick
- one single business number
The easiest way to get access to the WhatsApp Business Platform is through official WhatsApp Business Providers. In a way, that's the legitimate version of the WhatsApp mods, as they are verified Meta partners and offer officially approved software solutions for businesses.
Similar to the mods, Business Solution Providers have developed additional features for businesses that you don't get through the official apps (even the API), but these are all approved by Meta and offer no security risks.
Sinch Engage, for example, is a business solution provider that offers an out-of-the-box messaging platform for companies. With the platform, you can use all the advanced business features of WhatsApp, but also of other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger or Telegram. Some additional features are:
- Easy CRM integrations
- Intuitive chatbot builder that lets you set up a WhatsApp chatbot in minutes (no IT skills required)
- A centralized inbox where you can message all incoming chats, regardless what messaging app they came from
- Advanced analytics for more insights into your campaigns
- a local team of experts that can support you with whatever you need (setting up your account, getting the green tick, adding integrations, etc.)
- 100% compliance with the strictest data regulations
🚀 Ready to scale your WhatsApp business communication with more benefits and without any risks?
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