WhatsApp Business account banned or restricted: what to do

First: which WhatsApp do you use?

WhatsApp has two business products, and the fix depends on which one you are on:

• The WhatsApp Business app on a phone, used by most small shops and freelancers.
• The WhatsApp Business Platform (the API), usually used through a provider such as a CRM, helpdesk or marketing tool and managed in Meta Business Suite.

If you use the regular WhatsApp app for personal chats, read our guide to banned WhatsApp accounts instead.

If the WhatsApp Business app is banned

WhatsApp's help page for the Business app says a banned account shows: “This phone number can't use WhatsApp: [phone number]. You can request a review of this number. Most reviews are completed within 24 hours.”

To request a review:

1. Open the WhatsApp Business app.
2. Tap Request review and submit the request.
3. Wait for the notification with the decision, which you can also see in the app.

WhatsApp says that if you don't see an option to request a review, the ban is final and can't be appealed. It also says contacting WhatsApp outside the review process, or through another user's account, won't speed up the review or change the decision, and that a banned account automatically loses its Meta Verified subscription.

If your WhatsApp Business account is restricted (Business Support Home)

Meta's help page on restricted WhatsApp Business accounts says a restricted account cannot send new messages or respond to incoming ones, though customers may still message you and your data, history and business profile remain intact.

Before you start, Meta says you'll need access to Business Support Home, a mobile number that can receive a code by SMS or WhatsApp, and a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Then:

1. Go to Business Support Home.
2. Click the restricted WhatsApp Business account.
3. Click Request review.
4. Tick the box to confirm you are a real person.
5. Enter a phone number, then the confirmation code you receive.
6. Upload a clear photo of your ID showing all four corners.
7. Click Continue to submit.

Meta says it aims to decide within 48 hours, though some reviews take longer, and the account stays restricted meanwhile. Outcomes are: restriction lifted; restriction upheld (fix the issue and you may request another review); or the account permanently restricted for severe or repeated violations, with no further reviews.

If you use a provider

Your CRM or messaging provider usually cannot lift a restriction. Providers' own help pages, Klaviyo's for example, say they cannot override Meta's decisions and point you to Meta's review. WhatsApp itself says only WhatsApp can ban or unban a Business account.

Why business accounts get banned

Meta's help lists three policies: the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service, the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy and the WhatsApp Commerce Policy. Common examples it gives are messaging people who have not opted in, sending prohibited content, and selling items that break the Commerce Policy. In practice we also see:

• bulk messages to imported contact lists;
• many customers blocking or reporting the number in a short time;
• unofficial “WhatsApp marketing” tools or modified apps;
• selling regulated goods such as supplements, alcohol or weapons.

Mistakes to avoid

• Switching straight to a new number and messaging the same list. The behaviour that caused the ban will follow you.
• Using unofficial WhatsApp apps or browser extensions that automate sending.
• Paying anyone who says they can unban the number. WhatsApp states third-party services cannot ban or unban a Business account.

Messaging customers safely

• Only message people who have clearly opted in, and make opting out easy.
• Use templates and broadcast lists sparingly; quality matters more than volume.
• Reply promptly and keep messages relevant to what the customer asked for.
• Check the Commerce Policy before selling anything regulated.
• Keep your business profile complete and honest.

When to get help

If your review failed, there is no review button, or the restriction is tied to a wider Meta business portfolio problem, it can help to have someone look at the whole setup. Unbanz is an independent service, not affiliated with Meta or WhatsApp. Our free case check through ad account recovery tells you honestly whether we can help, with a quote before any work. Accepted cases typically take an estimated 3–14 days. Recovery is guaranteed once we accept your case. We review every account first and only take cases we can win. We never ask for your password or the codes WhatsApp sends you.