Brief Overview
- WhatsApp recently placed a large number of user accounts across the world under review.
- Affected users won’t be able to access chats, calls, or other features for 24 hours.
WhatsApp recently shocked users worldwide by placing a large number of user accounts under review on Monday, 3 August, 2026. As a result, affected users won’t be able to access chats, calls, or other features for 24 hours.
According to those affected, the issue became noticeable around 8 PM IST.
The problem was not limited to one country. Users in Oman also reported being locked out. The app showed that their account activity and device information were being checked for compliance with WhatsApp’s terms of service.
WhatsApp Account Verification Issue
If you are one of the users, you might have seen a screen reading: “Account in review. Date requested: 3 Aug 2026. Your account activity and device info are being checked to make sure it follows our terms of service. We will notify you of the result typically within 24 hours.”
Below this, the app displayed links to learn more about how to use WhatsApp responsibly, along with information on stolen phones and compromised accounts.
Users Reaction on Social Media
The sudden lockout left many people frustrated and confused, especially those who depend on WhatsApp for work.
One user wrote that their account had been disabled without explanation. Even after filing an appeal, the review page only showed a generic message about a 24-hour wait, calling for urgent help.
Thousands of users across multiple countries took to platforms like X and Threads to report the same problem.
What WhatsApp Said
A WhatsApp spokesperson said the company is always working to stay ahead of those trying to abuse the service, and bans accounts to keep other users safe.
The spokesperson admitted that sometimes the system gets it wrong, and the company tries to fix such errors as quickly as possible so people can get back to chatting.
Meta told TechCrunch it was working on restoring access to accounts that had been mistakenly flagged.
The company has not disclosed how many accounts were affected or whether the issue was caused by a technical glitch or an automated enforcement action.
Why Accounts Get Reviewed
According to WhatsApp’s own guidance, accounts are usually reviewed or banned when its systems detect activity that could break the platform’s rules. These include spam-like behaviour, bulk messaging tools, scams, or content that threatens user safety.
Additionally, using unofficial or modified versions of the app can also lead to restrictions, since WhatsApp cannot verify how secure those third-party builds are.
However, in this case, the company suggested user behaviour was not necessarily the cause.
What To Do If Your Account Is Affected
WhatsApp has more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide, meaning even a small percentage of accounts being affected can disrupt thousands of people at once.
If your account shows the message This phone number can’t use WhatsApp, you can tap Request review in the app. WhatsApp typically notifies users of the outcome within 24 hours.
Other than that, users are advised not to try repeated logins or unofficial fixes.
It is better to simply wait for the review to complete, since most flagged accounts appear to be restored once the check is done.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp’s automated moderation systems have left users confused.
The company has previously tested features like Account Restriction to flag accounts sending abusive messages, bulk texts, or promoting illegal apps.
While such systems are meant to fight spam and fraud, this sudden action or a glitch shows how a wide-scale automated action can also sweep up genuine users.
This raises serious questions regarding transparency in how these bans are triggered and reversed.
FAQs
Why is my WhatsApp account under review?
WhatsApp’s automated system flagged your account activity or device information to verify compliance with the platform’s terms of service.
How long does a WhatsApp account review take?
WhatsApp says reviews are typically completed within 24 hours.
Why did WhatsApp suddenly put my account under review?
On August 3, 2026, WhatsApp mistakenly flagged multiple accounts worldwide during a wider system error. However, the company confirmed it was working to restore access for those wrongly affected.
What should I do if my WhatsApp account is under review?
Wait for the review to finish, avoid repeated logins or unofficial fixes, and use the “Request review” option in the app if you need to appeal.
