WhatsApp to ban third-party app users: Here’s how to switch to the official app

In an FAQ post, WhatsApp has announced that it is temporarily banning accounts that use third-party versions of the instant messaging app, such as WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp.

The Facebook-owned company said to continue using WhatsApp, users will have to download the official app. It even provided steps on how to switch back to the official app, with instructions on backing up chat history before migrating.

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If you received an in-app message stating your account is ‘Temporarily banned’ it means that you’re likely using an unsupported version of WhatsApp instead of the official WhatsApp app. If this is the case, you must download the official app to continue using WhatsApp.

How to switch to the official WhatsApp app

WhatsApp has provided detailed steps for users of WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp third-party apps to migrate their data to the official app.

If you’re using an app other than WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp recommends saving your chat history before downloading the official WhatsApp app.

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GB WhatsApp

1. Wait for your temporary ban to end. The timer will show you the length of the ban.
2. In GB WhatsApp, tap More options > Chats > Back up chats.
3. Go to Phone Settings > tap Storage > Files.
4. Find the folder GB WhatsApp and tap and hold to select it.
5. In the upper right corner tap More > Rename and rename the folder to “WhatsApp”.
6. Navigate to the Play Store and download the official WhatsApp app.
7. In WhatsApp, verify your phone number.
8. On the Backup found screen, tap Restore > Next.
9. WhatsApp should load with your existing chats.

WhatsApp Plus

If your chat history was previously saved, it should automatically transfer to the official WhatsApp app.

1. Navigate to the Play Store and download the WhatsApp app.
2. Verify your phone number.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is testing new features such as Advance Search to search various types of messages including photos, GIFs, videos, links, documents and audio. It is also expected to bring the WhatsApp group invitation feature, fingerprint authentication and dark mode soon to the app to make it secure.

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