Banned on WhatsApp? learn how to unban your number

Published On: March 27, 2024

Your WhatsApp number can get banned if you misuse the instant messaging service for illegal or inappropriate purposes. To put it differently, your use of WhatsApp shouldn’t cause harm to WhatsApp or its users. If the company discovers that you’re misusing the service, whether directly or indirectly, it will ban your WhatsApp account, and you’ll see the message, “This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp.”

If you’ve encountered a similar message, your account has been banned. However, don’t worry, as there is a way to unban your WhatsApp number. Here are a few reasons behind WhatsApp bans, types of bans, how to check for them, and ways to prevent a WhatsApp ban.

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WhatsApp ban reasons

WhatsApp bans accounts because of any of these reasons:

If the company finds you have violated the terms of the service like using unofficial WhatsApp applications, sharing harmful or inappropriate content, or promoting illegal activities, etc.
If you indulge in scams like phishing schemes, impersonating someone, malicious link distribution, etc.
If you spam others with fraudulent messages, unsolicited promotional messages or send bulk messages.
If you harvest other’s personal information like phone number, email address, etc.
If your account stays dormant for 120 days.
If your account or WhatsApp number gets multiple reports or block requests.

WhatsApp ban types

Temporary ban

In cases wherein you are either using an unofficial version of WhatsApp or you are involved in scraping other’s information, WhatsApp can temporarily ban you.

Permanent ban

The WhatsApp account gets permanently banned if the company finds your WhatsApp number is involved in spam, scams or putting its users’ safety at risk.

How to check if your WhatsApp account is banned

When you open WhatsApp and try to use it, if you get an error message saying, “Your phone number is banned from using WhatsApp. Contact support for help“, or “This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp,” then that means your account is banned.

How to unban WhatsApp number

You can unban a temporarily banned WhatsApp number by logging in to the official WhatsApp app.

However, if it is permanently banned, here’s what you have to do:

Step 1: Tap on Contact Support or tap Request a Review. Add screenshots favouring your appeal, if you want.

Note, while you make your appeal, don’t reveal that you have used 3rd party clients or done bulk messaging.

Step 2: On the next screen, you may get to see various reasons for contacting WhatsApp support. Tap on “This doesn’t answer my question” at the bottom of the page.

In some cases, you may be asked to enter a 6-digit registration code sent to you through SMS.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the email drafting screen next. Check all the details entered are correct and that they support your appeal.

Step 4: Send the mail and in 24 hours, you should be getting a response.

How to prevent WhatsApp ban

Use the official WhatsApp app or web app only.
Follow the dos and don’ts listed in the WhatsApp terms of service.
Seek permission from people before adding them to a group.
Don’t send unsolicited messages to new people (spam or otherwise). Send your contact and let them who you are first. It’s better if they message you first, showing interest in talking to you. Simply put respect boundaries.
Don’t forward unverified messages.
Don’t harvest other’s information or indulge in illegal activities or scams.
Don’t let the WhatsApp account go inactive for a longer period.

WhatsApp unban request message example

Hi WhatsApp Support Team,

I am messaging you to appeal an unban for my WhatsApp account, (Your WhatsApp number). I believe my account was incorrectly banned.

I have always followed WhatsApp’s terms of service and responsibly used the account. I use it to contact my family, friends, colleagues, and other acquaintances. Now, I am unable to access my account and this has caused significant inconvenience.

I kindly request that you review my account and lift the ban. If there are any issues, please let me know and I will quickly rectify them.

Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

Regards,
Your Name
Your WhatsApp number