> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hypersender.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Avoid Getting Blocked (WhatsApp)

> Practical steps to reduce reports, build healthy conversations, and protect your WhatsApp number.

WhatsApp actively limits spam and unwanted messaging. No tactic can guarantee that a number will not be blocked, but consent, useful messages, real conversations, and gradual sending greatly reduce the risk.

<Warning>
  Do not use this guide to send unsolicited bulk messages. If recipients do not expect your message, technical adjustments will not protect the number from reports.
</Warning>

## Essentials

### 1. The age of the number

<Note>
  **A number with an established history of normal WhatsApp use is generally safer than a newly registered number.**
</Note>

Spammers often create new numbers and immediately send high volumes, so new accounts receive more scrutiny.

* **Warm up the number**: Send and receive a small number of genuine messages, calls, images, and files with real contacts before connecting it to the API. Follow the [number warm-up guide](/v2/hypersender/overview/whatsapp/warm-up-your-whatsapp-number).
* **Increase activity gradually**: Do not move from almost no activity to hundreds of outbound messages in one day.

<Warning>
  Do not scan the QR code and start automated sending immediately after registering a new number. Use the account normally for a few days first.
</Warning>

### 2. Consent and spam compliance

Most blocks begin with recipients reporting messages they did not request or recognize.

* **Let recipients message you first**: Add a WhatsApp button to your website, checkout, support page, or app.
* **State the purpose immediately**: Mention your business name, why you are contacting them, and what action is expected.
* **Provide an opt-out**: Include wording such as "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" and process it immediately.
* **Personalize honestly**: Use the recipient's name and relevant context, such as an order, booking, support request, or account action.
* **Keep the opening short**: Send one clear message instead of several messages before the recipient responds.

<Warning>
  WhatsApp may show prominent **Block** and **Report** actions for unknown senders. A vague or unexpected opening message makes those actions more likely.
</Warning>

### 3. Let the user start the conversation

A customer-initiated conversation is much safer than an unexpected outbound message. When the user messages you first and you reply, the conversation already has clear context and intent.

```mermaid actions={false} theme={null}
flowchart LR
    A[User requests an action] --> B[User opens WhatsApp]
    B --> C[User sends the first message]
    C --> D[Webhook receives it]
    D --> E[Your API replies]
```

<Steps>
  <Step title="Offer a WhatsApp action">
    Use a button or link for login, OTP, support, order updates, booking confirmation, or requesting a quote.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive the customer's message">
    The customer sends the first message from their own WhatsApp account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reply through the API">
    Receive the incoming message through [WhatsApp webhooks](/v2/api-reference/whatsapp-webhooks/introduction), then reply using the messaging API.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Use the OTP Link flow" icon="key" href="/v2/api-reference/otp/otp-service/generate-link">
  For OTP or passwordless login, generate a link that opens WhatsApp with a prepared message. The user sends it first, then your system replies.
</Card>

If you prefer to build the flow yourself, receive the user's first message through webhooks, identify the request, and reply using the API.

### 4. Contacts, `@c.us`, and `@lid`

WhatsApp identifies individual chats using a `chatId`.

| Format                | Meaning               | Usage                                                                                                           |
| --------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `201234567890@c.us`   | Phone-number-based ID | Use the full international number without `+`, spaces, or hyphens.                                              |
| `123456789012345@lid` | WhatsApp Linked ID    | Use the exact ID returned by WhatsApp, a webhook, or the contacts API. Do not construct or convert it manually. |

Read [What is chatId?](/v2/api-reference/whatsapp/what-is-chatid) before storing or sending to these identifiers.

For a new recipient, save the number as a contact before the first outbound message when practical. Use the [Upsert Contact endpoint](/v2/api-reference/whatsapp/contacts/upsert-contact) or add it through the connected phone's address book. Ask customers to save your business number as well.

<Tip>
  Saving contacts can improve recognition and trust, but it does not replace consent. An unwanted message can still be reported.
</Tip>

### 5. Response rate

A long sequence of outbound messages with few replies is a strong sign that recipients are not interested. Respond to incoming messages promptly and keep conversations two-sided.

* Ask a clear question or include a useful call to action.
* Reply within 24 hours when possible.
* Stop follow-ups when a recipient does not engage.
* Track sent messages, replies, opt-outs, blocks, and delivery failures.

<Check>
  A practical internal target is at least 30 replies per 100 initial messages. This is not an official WhatsApp threshold, but a low reply rate should trigger a review of your audience and message.
</Check>

### 6. Mass messaging

There is no universal daily volume that is safe for every number. Risk depends on account history, sending speed, recipient consent, reply rate, and reports.

* Increase volume gradually.
* Send only to recipients who expect the message.
* Segment campaigns by purpose, region, language, and customer relationship.
* Pause campaigns when replies fall or opt-outs and reports rise.
* Never send the same promotion repeatedly to people who did not respond.

<Warning>
  Sending many messages to strangers can lead to temporary restrictions or a permanent block, especially when recipients report the number.
</Warning>

### 7. Other considerations

Use a complete business profile with a recognizable name, photo, and status. Avoid misleading claims, scam-like wording, prohibited goods, illegal content, and requests for unnecessary sensitive information. Review WhatsApp's current policies before launching a bot or campaign.

## How to Avoid Getting Banned

WhatsApp does not expect a normal account to suddenly send large volumes to people it has never contacted. Before sending, follow these guidelines.

### Guidelines

<Note>
  **Do not send messages that recipients may reasonably consider spam.** Reports are the clearest signal that your targeting or content is wrong.
</Note>

* **Provide real value**: Send content tied to an action the recipient requested, such as a survey they joined, an order update, an OTP, or a support reply.
* **Vary messages naturally**: Personalize the name, context, language, and requested action. Do not send identical copy to every recipient or insert random characters only to disguise automation.
* **Avoid fixed bursts**: Spread messages over time. For multi-part messages, wait 30 to 60 seconds when appropriate, or use the [Send Text Safe endpoint](/v2/api-reference/whatsapp/send-messages/send-text-safe).
* **Group contacts by region**: Segment by area code or country when it reflects your real customer base and operating markets.
* **Complete the profile**: Add a profile picture, business name, and status before sending messages.
* **Use a strong opening**: Start with one short message that identifies your business and the reason for contact.
* **Encourage real conversation**: Ask for a reply only when it is useful. Do not manufacture engagement or pressure people to respond.
* **Respect silence and opt-outs**: Stop messaging recipients who do not engage, unsubscribe, or ask not to be contacted.

<Warning>
  If the content is spam, switching between direct messages, groups, and broadcast lists will not make it safe.
</Warning>

As an API provider, we recommend following WhatsApp's policies, contacting only opted-in recipients, saving new contacts before outbound messaging, and letting the customer start the conversation whenever possible.

## Timelock Restrictions and LID Errors

If WhatsApp places a temporary restriction on your number, you may experience blocked messages to new contacts or "could not resolve recipient" errors. Hypersender detects these restrictions automatically and shows them in your dashboard.

* [Understanding WhatsApp Timelock Restrictions](/v2/hypersender/overview/whatsapp/whatsapp-timelock-restrictions) — What timelocks are, how they affect your messaging, and what to do.
* [WhatsApp LID Issue — Resolving Unknown Contacts](/v2/hypersender/overview/whatsapp/whatsapp-lid-issue) — Why WhatsApp may fail to resolve a recipient and how to handle it.