WhatsApp starts cracking down on third-party apps like GB WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus

Whatsapp messaging and dark mode

If you’re using a 3rd party version of WhatsApp, your account might be temporarily banned from the platform. So don’t get alarmed!

In its FAQ, the Facebook-owned messaging app says that people using modified versions of the app like WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp will receive an in-app notification that their account is temporarily banned. These apps are mainly common for Android users as they enable extra features and customization than the Facebook owned messaging app has refused to implement.

“WhatsApp doesn’t support these third-party apps because we can’t validate their security practices,” the company said.

It’s unclear exactly when WhatsApp started banning people using modified apps, but people on Twitter and Reddit began warning each other last week. WhatsApp didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The accounts aren’t permanently banned. You need only switch back over to the main WhatsApp app. Just make sure you back up your chats first if you want to keep them.