WhatsApp Cloud API: Account Bans, Setup Requirements & Best Practices

If you're using the WhatsApp Cloud API with 3sigma CRM (not a BSP), it’s essential to follow Meta’s communication and platform policies to avoid account restrictions or bans. Here’s everything you need to know — from message practices to website requirements and business eligibility.

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❗ Why WhatsApp May Restrict or Ban Your Number

WhatsApp can flag, restrict, or ban your number due to:

Reason	What It Means
🚫 Spam-like Behavior	Sending similar messages to many users without proper opt-in
❌ High Block/Report Rates	Users are blocking or reporting your messages too often
📄 Unapproved or Irrelevant Content	Sending content that violates WhatsApp's guidelines
📢 Overly Promotional Messaging	Pushing too many sales-driven messages without personalization or context
🔁 Repetitive Message Patterns	Repeatedly sending the same template

Even though you manage opt-ins and unsubscribes, WhatsApp still monitors user feedback (blocks/reports), so follow the best practices below.

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✅ Best Practices (Cloud API)

✔️ DO:

• ✅ Get Explicit Opt-ins Leads must know they’ll receive WhatsApp messages. Use checkboxes, call confirmations, or form fields.

• ✅ STOP/Unsubscribe Option in Every Message You already have this—great! Make sure it works and removes the lead from messaging.

• ✅ Use Relevant, Value-Driven Messages Avoid “hard sell” language. Focus on updates, reminders, useful info.

• ✅ Personalize Templates Use names, interests, or context from the lead’s activity.

• ✅ Space Out Campaigns Large sends should be broken into smaller batches to avoid spam triggers.

• ✅ Monitor Metrics Use the Cloud API dashboard to watch for:

  • Message quality drops

  • High block/report rates

  • Reduced send limits

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❌ DON’T:

• ❌ Message people without opt-in

• ❌ Skip unsubscribe instructions

• ❌ Send only promotional messages

• ❌ Reuse the same template again and again

• ❌ Ignore “low quality” warnings from Meta

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🛑 If Your Number Gets Restricted or Flagged

Status	Meaning	Action
Low Quality Rating	Users are blocking or reporting your messages	Pause sending, revise your templates
Messaging Limit Reduced	You’ve hit behavior flags, quota gets lowered	Slow down, improve engagement
Banned	WhatsApp has blocked you from sending messages	Submit an appeal via Meta Business Support

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🧾 Website Requirements for Meta Verification (Cloud API)

Before using WhatsApp Cloud API or verifying your Business Manager, you must have a proper business website. Meta checks this manually.

✅ Your Website Must Include:

Requirement	Description
🏢 Business Name	Must clearly match your Meta Business name
📞 Contact Info	Phone, email, or contact form is required
📍 Business Address	Optional, but recommended if you have a physical location
🔒 Privacy Policy	Must include a privacy policy or terms and conditions
💼 Business Activity Info	Describe what your business does clearly

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🔐 Facebook Business Verification (for Cloud API)

To unlock messaging limits and access WhatsApp Cloud API fully, you must verify your Facebook Business:

Steps:

1. Go to Meta Business Settings
2. Select your Business Account

3. Go to Business Info → Click Start Verification

4. Upload:

   • Government ID proof or registration docs

   • Website and contact info

5. Verification usually takes 1–7 days

⚠️ Don’t use dummy documents or fake websites — Meta may ban your account permanently.

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🚫 Restricted or Prohibited Businesses

WhatsApp does not allow certain types of businesses or content:

Not Allowed	Examples
❌ Adult Content	Pornography, sex products
❌ Tobacco/Alcohol Sales	Includes e-cigarettes and vaping
❌ Weapons & Ammunition	Firearms, knives, explosives
❌ Drugs or Supplements	CBD, steroids, weight loss pills
❌ Gambling or Lotteries	Betting apps, fantasy sports with cash
❌ Cryptocurrency/MLM Schemes	Crypto tokens, forex scams, pyramid schemes
❌ False Medical Claims	COVID cures, miracle treatments
❌ Counterfeit Goods	Fake branded products

⚠️ If your business operates in any of these areas, WhatsApp Cloud API will likely reject your verification or ban your number.

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🛠️ Need Help? Use Meta Business Support

If your number gets restricted, blocked, or flagged, or if your verification gets stuck, you can contact Meta support directly:

🔍 How to Reach Meta Business Support:

1. Go to the Meta Business Help Center
2. Scroll down and click "Get Help"

3. Select WhatsApp as the product

4. Choose the relevant issue (e.g., “Account disabled”, “Messaging limits”, etc.)

5. Click Chat with a representative (available during business hours)

You can also go to https://business.facebook.com/support if you’re already logged in.

They’ll usually ask for:

• Your WhatsApp Business Account ID

• Business Manager ID

• Screenshot of the error or blocked number

• Brief explanation of what happened

📝 Tip: Be clear, honest, and concise in your message. If you’ve already fixed the issue (like stopped using a flagged template), let them know!

Need help setting up your Cloud API properly or improving message templates? 📲 Reach out to our support team — we’ll help you stay compliant and effective.