WhatsApp has blocked a number of user accounts and placed them “under review,” leaving affected users unable to access the messaging service. Meta has acknowledged the issue and said it is working to restore access to affected accounts. Several users reported the problem on X and Threads over the past few hours. Many said their accounts were suddenly restricted without any apparent warning or explanation.

Several users reported the problem on X and Threads over the past few hours. Many said their accounts were suddenly restricted without any apparent warning or explanation.

WhatsApp has more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. As a result, even a relatively small percentage of accounts being affected could mean thousands of people temporarily losing access to the service.

When affected users tried to access WhatsApp, the app displayed a message saying their account activity and device information was being checked to determine whether it complied with the company’s Terms of Service.

The message also said users would typically be notified of the result within 24 hours.

Meta confirmed the issue in response to inquiries from TechCrunch . The company said it was working to resolve the problem and had already taken action to restore access to affected accounts.

A Meta spokesperson said:

We are always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse our service and ban accounts to help keep other users safe. Sometimes we get this wrong, and if we do, we try to fix it as quickly as possible to get people back to chatting.

However, Meta did not explain what caused the sudden wave of account reviews. It also did not say whether the problem was limited to particular countries or regions.

The company’s response suggests that at least some of the account restrictions were made in error, rather than being the result of confirmed violations by the affected users.

For now, Meta has not provided a specific number of affected accounts or explained what triggered the account-review system.

Users whose accounts were caught up in the issue will have to wait for WhatsApp to complete its review and restore access. Meta said it has already begun restoring affected accounts.

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