Banned from WhatsApp Business? Why it happened and what to do

Your business WhatsApp account just got banned and you’re staring at that dreaded message: “This account can no longer use WhatsApp Business.”

Don’t panic. You don’t need to create a new account just yet.

Getting blocked on WhatsApp happens more often than you think, especially for businesses pushing the limits of the free WhatsApp Business app. You’re probably wondering what went wrong and how to fix it.

The good news? Most WhatsApp Business bans are temporary and fixable. And once you understand what triggered the ban, you can prevent it from happening again.

We’ll walk you through exactly why your account was blocked, how to get it restored, and what steps you can take to keep your business communications running smoothly on WhatsApp.

You’re not alone in this frustrating situation. These scenarios play out daily for WhatsApp Business users worldwide, including these stories that companies share online – which might be similar to what you have been facing.

For instance, one business owner was running Facebook ads directing customers to WhatsApp Business for medical insurance inquiries with no issues for over a year. Then suddenly, both the business owner and their colleague got banned on the same morning.

In another example, one company got a U.K. WhatsApp number through a VoIP provider, and verified it with no issues. After reaching out to 15 clients with that new number, the account got banned.

And yet in another situation, one business used a third-party app to send 50 bulk messages to users, but getting their WhatsApp business account blocked. They tried to set up a brand-new WhatsApp Business account with a different number. However, that fresh account got banned immediately too.

We’ll go into the details of why WhatsApp might have blocked these business numbers in a second, but you can already see from these examples that WhatsApp’s automated systems are increasingly sensitive to what they perceive as spam or policy violations. You might think you’re following the rules, but WhatsApp’s algorithms often see things differently.

There could be several reasons WhatsApp might block a business account. The platform has strict policies to maintain a positive user experience, prevent spam, and protect users’ safety.

Here are the most common scenarios that trigger account suspensions.

WhatsApp strictly prohibits using the personal WhatsApp app for commercial purposes. If you’re conducting any business activities through your regular WhatsApp account, you’re violating the their terms of service.

The standard version of WhatsApp is meant for personal communication only, with features like basic profiles, group chats, and private messaging.

For commercial use, WhatsApp has created a dedicated application, the WhatsApp Business app. With it, you can set up a company profile, link your website, upload product catalogs with up to 500 items, and send quick replies for FAQs.

However, even if you’re using the WhatsApp Business app, you might be going beyond what the app allows you to do. One of the most common issues is sending out too many broadcasting messages.

Are you sending out 1,000 broadcast messages a day? Then you might be overusing WhatsApp’s broadcast lists. This is actually one of the quickest ways to get your account banned.

For one, if you’re contacting people that aren’t interested in these messages, they might report you as spam. With enough complaints, WhatsApp will block these accounts.

Also keep in mind that you can only send out broadcast messages to users that have saved your number in their contacts. And if you’re sending out marketing content, users need to opt in first. Trying to get around this can also get an account blocked.

And finally, if you’re a business trying to send out promotional messages, keep in mind that you can only contact a maximum of 256 unique users per list on the WhatsApp Business app. Going beyond this limit or sending to a large number of contacts through multiple lists can also lead to a blocked account.

You have to have a local SIM card and number to register a WhatsApp Business account. WhatsApp doesn’t allow VoIP numbers for signing up to WhatsApp Business. In one of the examples above, that’s exactly what one company was trying to do – and WhatsApp banned their account for it.

WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy states that it won’t allow certain types of content to be shared on WhatsApp. This includes “illegal, obscene, defamatory, threatening, intimidating, harassing, hateful, racially, or ethnically offensive” content or content that encourages illegal or violent behavior.

WhatsApp also prohibits sending malicious files, viruses, or content related to scams.

Any account that engages in these types of activities will be suspended and may face a permanent ban.

This is probably not what you’re trying to do as a business anyway, but it’s possible you’re sending compromised files without noticing.

A much more common issue businesses run into is using WhatsApp Business as a restricted vertical.

WhatsApp prohibits certain industries from using their platform entirely. If you operate in one of these restricted industries, WhatsApp will likely suspend your account regardless of how you use the platform.

Completely banned industries include:

• Political parties

• Law enforcement agencies

• Dating services

• Firearm businesses

• Multilevel marketing companies

Country-specific restrictions also apply to gambling and online betting, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol businesses.

For example, online betting companies can use WhatsApp in Mexico but not in the United States. If your contact list includes numbers from restricted countries, this could trigger an account suspension even if it’s allowed in your primary market.

Even if you’re staying within the country limits, there are certain stipulations for these regulated verticals. For instance, there are age limits and WhatsApp requires certain permits. In some cases, certain industries are allowed to use WhatsApp Business for customer service, but not for marketing purposes.

Remember how in one of the examples mentioned at the beginning one company got banned for sending insurance inquiries to users that had clicked on a click-to-WhatsApp ad on Facebook? It’s possible that WhatsApp considered this to be a restricted use case and blocked the account.

As mentioned, a lot of these bans happen automatically, so if you think you’re not violating any terms and shouldn’t have gotten banned, you can ask for a review. We’ll explain later how that works exactly.

Overall, though: Check WhatsApp’s complete Business Messaging Policy before launching any business campaigns to ensure your industry and target markets are permitted.

WhatsApp’s messaging policy requires businesses to get prior consent (opt-in) before sending consumers marketing messages. Violating this rule may get your account banned.

This requirement aligns with most countries’ data protection laws and should be standard practice in marketing anyway. You need explicit permission before reaching out to potential customers with promotional content.

Common violations include:

• Purchasing contact lists and messaging strangers

• Adding contacts from your phone without their business consent

• Sending promotional content to people who only gave you their number for support purposes

Something you might not know: You also need permission before adding WhatsApp users to groups. While this doesn’t automatically trigger a ban, if enough people complain about unauthorized group additions, WhatsApp will suspend your account.

Always secure explicit opt-in consent before any marketing communication or group additions to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

For the private WhatsApp app and the WhatsApp Business app, WhatsApp doesn’t allow certain automations, such as bulk messaging, auto-messaging, auto-dialing, or bot functionality. The app uses machine learning tools to detect their use and blocks accounts that use these methods. This includes using automation tools to create accounts or groups.

It’s not only automation tools that WhatsApp Business won’t allow. Businesses using unauthorized third-party apps also known as WhatsApp mods (GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus, and others) will also trigger account bans.

It seems tempting to use these apps as they promise a lot of additional business features for free. However, if WhatsApp hasn’t approved these modified solutions, the company prohibits their use.

This is most likely what happened to the business that used a third-party app for sending messages. Even if the company didn’t stretch the messaging limits, it’s possible that the solution they were using was not an official WhatsApp Business solution.

The main reason WhatsApp doesn’t allow these unvetted apps is to avoid security risks and unwanted usage of the messaging app.

Now that you’ve seen the various reasons for getting your WhatsApp Business number blocked, let’s see how you can unblock your number again.

If you believe you didn’t violate WhatsApp’s terms of service, you can take a few steps to try to get your phone number reinstated.

Delete the WhatsApp Business account on your phone, uninstall the app completely, download the app again, and then re-register your phone number. When you open WhatsApp, you’ll receive a registration code to activate the account again.

This approach doesn’t always work, depending on the violation that triggered your ban. If WhatsApp doesn’t reinstate your account, you can try this process again after 30 days.

Keep in mind this method works best for temporary bans rather than permanent restrictions for serious policy violations.

When you re-install your WhatsApp app and enter your blocked number, you’ll see a “Request a review” button. If you want to request a review, you can tap on WhatsApp support first before getting your verification code.

Once you submit the request, the WhatsApp support team will then review your case, and you can fill out the application and upload additional information for your review.

Prevention beats cure when it comes to WhatsApp bans. The best strategy is understanding and following WhatsApp’s rules from day one, rather than dealing with the headache of account recovery later.

Be mindful of the content you send, actions you encourage, and the restrictions of the app. Respecting WhatsApp’s Business Messaging Policy is the best way to avoid getting your account banned.

Follow these best practices:

• Only send messages to users who have explicitly consented to receive them.

• Avoid prohibited content like spam, misleading information, or inappropriate material.

• Respect broadcast limits and don’t exceed 256 contacts per list.

• Avoid automation tools that violate WhatsApp’s terms.

• Ensure that your industry or use case is permitted on the platform.

Regularly review WhatsApp’s policies since they change periodically. What was acceptable last year might not be allowed today, so staying informed protects your business communication.

Make sure you have users’ permission to send them marketing messages on WhatsApp.

Here are a few ways to collect opt-ins:

• Add WhatsApp consent checkboxes to your website forms

• Include opt-in requests in your email marketing campaigns

• Ask customers for WhatsApp permission during phone calls or in-store visits

• Use social media campaigns to drive WhatsApp sign-ups

• Add QR codes or WhatsApp links to your marketing materials

Document your opt-ins properly. Save screenshots, timestamps, or records of when and how customers consented to receive WhatsApp messages. This evidence helps if you need to appeal a ban.

Consent should be clear, specific, and revocable. Give users easy ways to opt out of your WhatsApp communications.

Stick to the WhatsApp for Business toolset or use an authorized WhatsApp solution by an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider.

Official WhatsApp options for businesses include:

• The WhatsApp Business app (free version for small businesses)

• Out-of-the-box WhatsApp solutions from verified business partners (for businesses that don’t want to use developer resources)

• The WhatsApp Business API (for larger enterprises and customized business needs)

• Authorized third-party platforms from WhatsApp’s partner directory

Avoid unofficial WhatsApp modifications or unauthorized tools, as these can put your account at risk of suspension.

If you need advanced features beyond the basic app, work with certified Business Solution Providers from WhatsApp’s directory that offer approved tools for automation, bulk messaging, and customer management.

Always verify that any third-party WhatsApp tool appears in WhatsApp’s official partner directory before using it.

It’s normal to start with the free WhatsApp Business app, but businesses often reach its limits quickly due to usage constraints and feature limitations. What happens next? They try to push beyond those boundaries and get banned.

You’ve probably outgrown the free app if you:

• Need to message more than 256 contacts at once

• Have more than five agents that need to handle incoming messages

• Look for a centralized inbox

• Want to schedule messages or set up automated flows

• Require detailed analytics and reporting

• Need CRM, e-commerce, or ERP integrations

• Want to handle high-volume customer conversations

If any of these sound like what you’re looking for, you’re ready for an upgrade and should start looking for a professional platform!

Sinch, for example, is a verified WhatsApp Business Solution Partner and offers WhatsApp Business tools specifically for scaling business communication with transparent pricing. Solutions like Sinch Engage let you start in minutes without requiring coding skills while accessing powerful features like:

• Message scheduling and automation

• Two-way conversation management

• High-volume messaging without broadcast limits

• Integrations with CRM, e-commerce, or ERP platforms you already use for seamless workflows

• Detailed analytics and performance tracking

Get started with Sinch Engage today and set up your WhatsApp account in minutes! Our team will guide you through any questions you might have to ensure your communication is safe and secure.