If WhatsApp says your number is banned or "not allowed to use WhatsApp", it believes the account broke its rules, often by sending bulk messages, using a fake modded app, or getting many reports. You can ask for a review from inside the app; don't pay anyone who promises to "unban" you.
Temporary ban vs permanent ban
- Temporary ban: you see a timer. It usually happens when you use an unofficial app like GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus or other "mod" apps. Switch to the official app before the timer ends, or the ban can become permanent.
- Limited account: some features are paused for a while, for example you can't start new chats or add people to groups, often after sending too many messages to strangers. It lifts after the time shown.
- Permanent ban: the number can't use WhatsApp. You can still request a review.
Common reasons
- Sending the same message to many people who don't have your number saved (bulk marketing, spam).
- Many people blocking or reporting you.
- Adding lots of strangers to groups, or creating many groups quickly.
- Using unofficial or "modded" WhatsApp apps, or auto-sender tools.
- Sharing harmful, illegal or false content, or pretending to be someone else.
Request a review
- Open WhatsApp on the banned number. You will see the ban message.
- Tap Request a review (it may also say Support or Next).
- Verify your number with the 6-digit SMS code (type it yourself, never share it).
- Write a short, honest explanation if asked, for example "This is my personal number. I only message family and customers who contacted me."
- Submit and wait. The answer comes inside the app, usually within a few days.
Ask for a review only once; repeated requests don't speed it up.
Moving off an unofficial app
- Back up chats in the unofficial app if it offers it (its backups may not restore in official WhatsApp).
- Uninstall the unofficial app.
- Install official WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store and verify your number.
If the review is rejected
A permanent ban is final for that number. You can use a different number, but follow the rules from the start. For a business, read WhatsApp Business basics on messaging customers the right way.
How to avoid a ban
- Message people who know you and want your messages.
- Ask permission before adding anyone to a group (see create a group).
- Don't forward chain messages or unverified news.
- Use only the official app.
Safety tip
Websites, YouTube videos and "agents" that ask for money, your OTP or your 2-step PIN to unban an account are scams. Only WhatsApp can lift a ban, and the review is free.
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
Still stuck?
Contact support. Tell us which tool or page you were using, what you tapped, what you saw, and your phone or computer and browser (for example: Android phone, Chrome). We reply by email.
Questions, or an error not listed here?
Tell us in the comments: what you were doing, the exact message you saw, and your device and browser. We read every comment and add new fixes to this article.