Why Is My WhatsApp Number Banned?

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, and a big part of its success is the platform’s focus on safety and security. WhatsApp tends to take swift action on suspicious activity in order to shut down fraudulent or harmful accounts.

However, WhatsApp’s strict policies make it easy to get a temporary WhatsApp ban – and you might not know why your account has been flagged. We’ve talked previously about why your WhatsApp Business number might have been banned, so now let’s take a look at the most common reasons why regular WhatsApp bans numbers, how to know if your account has been banned, and some top tips to help you avoid getting a ban in the first place.

Why has my WhatsApp number been banned?

Security is extremely important to WhatsApp, so their policies to prevent spam and scams are strict. WhatsApp’s systems continually monitor use and will flag any activity it considers to be suspicious.

Unfortunately, this means that the system will sometimes flag normal use as suspicious. If this happens, WhatsApp has a review system in place to reinstate numbers that have been incorrectly blocked.

It’s important to remember that WhatsApp Messenger is designed for private use, so actions that WhatsApp considers to be ‘suspicious’ on Messenger may not be considered so on WhatsApp Business. This is because the Business app is specifically designed for company use.

Common reasons why WhatsApp numbers get banned

You’ve sent messages to unknown contacts

WhatsApp has strict rules regarding who you are allowed to contact on the app. It’s best not to send content to third parties that you haven’t saved in your contacts. This keeps the platform safe for all users and ensures that they’re not constantly fielding unwanted marketing messages.

You’ve sent more messages than you’ve received

WhatsApp’s system is designed to flag accounts which send a much higher number of messages than they receive. This is to prevent spam accounts from flooding users with messages. It’s important to use your number organically, allowing contacts to respond to you before chasing up messages.

You’ve added contacts to groups without permission

WhatsApp groups are a great way to chat with multiple contacts at the same time – unless those contacts haven’t opted in. If you add contacts to groups without permission and they report you, you may find your number banned.

You’ve copied and pasted the same message to multiple contacts

Unlike WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Messenger isn’t designed to be used for marketing purposes. This means that if you’re sending exactly the same message via copy and paste to lots of different contacts, the app will flag this as a ‘suspicious activity’.

You’ve forwarded the same message to multiple contacts

WhatsApp deliberately limits the number of times you can forward the same message to different contacts. This prevents misinformation from being repeatedly shared.

You’re not using the official app

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is one of the reasons the app is so popular, but if you’re using a third-party application, this safety and security no longer applies. That could put data, messages and media at risk.

Your account has been used for scraping

‘Scraping’ refers to extracting information from WhatsApp for unpermitted purposes. This could include phone numbers, user profile pictures, statuses or any other user information that they’ve not consented to be used.

Other users have blocked or reported your number

If multiple users all block your number in a short period of time, your account is likely to be flagged on WhatsApp’s system. This is to prevent fraud on the platform. If this happens, it’s worth considering which actions caused other users to block you (such as unsolicited promotional messages or adding them to an unknown group of contacts).

How do I know if my number is banned on WhatsApp?

It’s very easy to tell if your WhatsApp number has been banned. The app will display a message that reads: ‘This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp.’

Can you reactivate a banned WhatsApp number?

If you think your WhatsApp number has been banned in error, you can contact WhatsApp to ask for a review. Find out how to contact WhatsApp.

You can also ask for a review in the app. Once you’ve requested this, you’ll be sent a 6-digit registration code via SMS. You’ll need to enter this into the app before you can submit your request for a review. Add any relevant details to support your case.

The final decision of whether to reactivate a banned WhatsApp number comes down to WhatsApp. It will depend on the circumstances of the ban and why the action was triggered in the first place.

If your account was previously banned and has been unbanned, you’ll need to re-register your phone number on WhatsApp before you’re able to continue using the app.

What about numbers that have been previously owned?

There’s always a possibility that phone numbers have been previously owned by someone who has broken WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. In this case, you should be able to contact WhatsApp and explain that you are the new owner of the number. WhatsApp won’t hold you accountable for a previous owner’s ban.

How to avoid getting a WhatsApp ban

First things first, it’s worth taking a look at the Acceptable Use of Our Services section of WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. This lays out what WhatsApp considers to be appropriate uses of WhatsApp, and which activities are not allowed.

Follow these best practices to avoid a WhatsApp ban in the future:

• Don’t use WhatsApp Messenger for business purposes – use WhatsApp Business instead.
• Don’t send repetitive, excessive or unsolicited promotional messages.
• Ask for permission from contacts before adding them to groups. This reduces the risk of them blocking you.
• Only send messages to users that you know, who have opted in to receive messages from you.
• Ensure you’re using the official WhatsApp app. Only download it from verified sources such as the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store or WhatsApp’s website.
• Abide by WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.

Comprehensive customer support from YourBusinessNumber

So, you’ve decided to use WhatsApp Business instead of WhatsApp Messenger for your company comms – how should you get started? With YourBusinessNumber, it couldn’t be easier.

As you can’t use the same phone number for both apps, you’ll need a second virtual phone number to verify your new business account. We generate your brand new unique number in just a few clicks and send it to you via SMS. You can then use this number to set up your business account.

If you need help at any point in the process, our comprehensive customer support will help you get back on track. Plus, with cost-effective, stress-free and flexible plans, you’re in complete control.

So, what are you waiting for? Generate your new business number today.