Common Reasons for Warnings, Flags, and Bans
A WhatsApp Business API channel can be warned, flagged, or banned for various reasons. The most common causes are:
1. Spam and High Block Rates
- High number of user blocks: If many recipients block your account or report it as spam, WhatsApp interprets this as a violation of the usage guidelines.
- Unsolicited messages: Sending messages to users who have not given explicit consent (opt-in).
2. Violations of the Business Messaging Policy
- Missing or invalid opt-ins: Users must explicitly consent to receive messages from your business. If this proof is missing, the account can be banned.
- Misleading content: Sending false, misleading, or fraudulent information.
- Prohibited content: Messages that violate Meta's Commerce Policies (e.g., illegal products, dangerous goods, hate speech).
3. Template-related Violations
- Use of unapproved templates: Sending messages with templates that have not been approved by WhatsApp.
- Deviation from approved template wording: Changes to the approved template text without renewed approval.
4. Technical and Account Issues
- Missing or incorrect business information: Incomplete business profile, missing website, or missing legal notice in Meta Business Manager.
- Issues with the linked website: The website stored in Business Manager is unreachable, contains questionable content, or does not meet Meta standards.
- Suspicious activity patterns: Unusually high message volumes in a short time or automated activities interpreted as bot behavior.
5. Privacy and Compliance Violations
- GDPR violations: Missing or insufficient privacy policy, no proper documentation of consents.
- Violation of Meta Business Terms: Non-compliance with Meta's general terms and conditions for business accounts.
6. Repeated Violations
- Multiple warnings: If warnings have already been issued and behavior is not adjusted, this can lead to a permanent ban.
Procedure for an API Ban
- Check error message in WhatsApp Manager Log in to Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp Manager and check whether a warning or the notice "Account Disabled" is displayed at the top.Click on "View details in Business Support Home" to find out the specific reason (spam, policy violation, website issue, etc.).
- Submit appeal via Business Support Home On the details page, you'll find the option "Request Review" — this appeal goes directly to the WhatsApp Platform Operations Team.Upload evidence if needed, such as opt-in processes, message templates, or GDPR-compliant consent mechanisms to show that you comply with the Business Messaging Policy.
- Review Meta policies and fix violationsCommon reasons for API bans:
- High block rate or spam reports from recipients
- Use of unapproved templates
- Missing legal notice/website link in Business Manager
- Content or privacy violations against the Meta Business Terms or Commerce Policies.
Important Notes
- Review duration: 3–7 business days, depending on the severity of the ban.
- Temporary deactivations: can be automatically lifted after 24–48 hours.
- Permanent bans: can only be reversed with documented compliance proof.
- Proactive measure: Regularly export Messaging Logs to be able to prove in case of dispute that all communication was compliant.