WhatsApp Accounts ‘Under Review’: Users in India Report 24-Hour Access Restrictions Without Warning
Hyderabad: Thousands of WhatsApp users, including many in India, have reported seeing an unexpected “Account Under Review” message that temporarily blocks access to the messaging platform for up to 24 hours. The issue has triggered widespread concern on social media, with many users claiming they were locked out despite not violating any platform rules.
According to reports, affected users were unable to send or receive messages, make voice or video calls, access chats, or use other WhatsApp features while their accounts remained under review. In many cases, users said they received no prior warning or explanation before the restriction was applied.
Indian Users Among Those Affected
The issue appears to have impacted users across multiple countries, including India. Several people took to social media platforms such as X and Reddit to report that their personal WhatsApp accounts suddenly displayed the message:
“Your account is under review. This usually takes around 24 hours.”
Many users claimed they were using the official WhatsApp application, had enabled two-step verification, and had not engaged in bulk messaging, spam, or other activities that typically trigger account restrictions.
Some Accounts Restored Earlier Than 24 Hours
Although WhatsApp indicates that the review process may take up to 24 hours, several users reported that their accounts were restored within a few minutes or a few hours. Others, however, continued to remain under review for longer periods.
As of now, Meta has not publicly explained why a large number of accounts were simultaneously placed under review or whether the issue was caused by an automated security system, a technical problem, or another internal review process.
What Happens During the Review?
While an account is under review, users may temporarily lose access to most WhatsApp functions, including:
- Sending and receiving messages
- Voice and video calling
- Viewing or responding to chats
- Accessing groups and media
- Using other account features until the review is completed
WhatsApp’s review system is generally used to detect spam, automated activity, misuse of the platform, or potential violations of its Terms of Service. However, in the latest incident, many affected users insist they had not engaged in any unusual activity.
What Should Users Do?
Users whose accounts are placed under review are advised to:
- Wait for the review process to complete.
- Avoid uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp repeatedly.
- Do not switch to unofficial or modified versions such as GB WhatsApp or FM WhatsApp.
- Keep two-step verification enabled.
- Check for updates from WhatsApp if the issue persists.
If the review does not conclude or the account remains inaccessible beyond the expected period, users may contact WhatsApp Support through the app or the official support channels for further assistance.
Reason Still Unclear
At the time of publishing, WhatsApp has not issued an official statement explaining the sudden wave of account reviews affecting users in India and other countries. It remains unclear whether the incident is linked to an automated security measure or a temporary technical issue.
Users are advised not to panic if they encounter the “Account Under Review” message, as many reported that access was restored after the review process was completed.
