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WhatsApp accounts placed "under review" are temporarily locked from chats and calls while the platform checks account activity. Here is what the message means, why it happens, and the official steps to take to get access restored.

WhatsApp users across India and other parts of the world found themselves locked out of the app after their accounts were abruptly placed 'under review', a status that temporarily disables chats, calls and other features without prior warning. While the Meta-owned platform has said the issue affected multiple accounts and that it typically resolves such reviews within 24 hours, the incident has left many users unsure of what the 'under review' tag actually means and what steps they can take while they wait for their access to be restored.

What does the 'Account In Review' message mean?

When an account is placed under review, WhatsApp displays a message on screen stating that the user's account activity and device information are being checked to confirm they follow the platform's terms of service, with a note that users will typically be notified of the outcome within 24 hours. This is different from an outright ban. A review is WhatsApp's way of verifying whether an account's recent behaviour, such as unusual messaging patterns, use of unauthorised app versions or automated tools, has triggered its abuse-detection systems. During this period, the account holder cannot send or receive messages, and most in-app features remain locked until the check is completed.

Why do accounts get flagged?