WhatsApp Account Banned? “This Phone Number Can’t Use WhatsApp” and How to Request a Review

Does this match what you see?

• WhatsApp says “This phone number can’t use WhatsApp”.
• You see “You need the official WhatsApp to log in” or “You have been logged out for using an unofficial app”.
• You requested a review and are waiting for a decision.
• You can’t reach your chats or backups.

iPhone & iPadAndroid

Based on WhatsApp Help “About account bans”, “After your account is unbanned” and “About unofficial apps” (supplied by the site owner).

Why this happens: the possible causes

The reasons WhatsApp gives for bans (how common each is, is our estimate).

• Activity WhatsApp believes breaks its TermsCheck this first

  WhatsApp says it bans accounts for activity such as spam, scams or putting users’ safety at risk.

• Using an unofficial appCheck this first

  WhatsApp says using apps like GB WhatsApp, FM WhatsApp, TeleMessage or TM WhatsApp violates its Terms and can lead to a temporary or permanent ban.

• Activity flagged in errorPossible

  WhatsApp says its system may flag account activity, and if a review shows the ban was a mistake, it’s removed.

• The number’s previous ownerLess likely

  WhatsApp says if you’re using a new phone number, the previous owner may have broken the Terms and caused the ban.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

No option to request a review

WhatsApp says if you don’t see an option to request a review, the ban is final and can’t be appealed.

Your new number is already banned

WhatsApp says if you’re using a new phone number, the previous owner may have broken its Terms of Service, which caused the ban. Our tip: request a review from the ban screen. WhatsApp reviews one phone number per appeal.

Banned on the WhatsApp Business Platform (API)?

WhatsApp says its own Support doesn’t handle bans and restrictions on the WhatsApp Business Platform. It points businesses to the Meta Business Help Center to view policy violation details and appeal (external site, opens in a new tab). Our note: the Business Platform is the business messaging service (often called the API), not the everyday WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business apps; for those, use Request review above.

Your chats and backups while banned

WhatsApp says you can’t access your chat history or backups while your account is banned. You can only restore a backup after the phone number tied to it is unbanned.

After your account is unbanned

WhatsApp says that if a review shows a ban was applied in error, it’s removed. You’ll then see “This account can now use WhatsApp” when you open the app.

1. Open WhatsApp (or download it again from whatsapp.com/download, or WhatsApp Business from whatsappbusiness.com).
2. Verify your account by entering your phone number.

To avoid another ban, WhatsApp points you to its Acceptable Use rules in the Terms of Service and its guidance on using WhatsApp responsibly. It also says it doesn’t support unofficial apps, unsupported devices or versions, or jailbroken or rooted phones.

How to know it worked

• You’ve requested a review and had WhatsApp’s decision, or you’re back in on the official app.

Still not working? Your next steps

1. Back in but messages aren’t sending? See WhatsApp messages not sending or delivering.

Frequently asked questions