Fix WhatsApp Official App Error: ‘You Need the Official WhatsApp to Use This Account’ Quickly in 2024
So, one day, I woke up to see this notification on my phone. It said, “You need official WhatsApp to use this account. I knew I needed to fix the WhatsApp official app error to regain access to my account.
So, I just went to the Play Store to make it official.
Downloaded WhatsApp so I can get my account back.” ” “and to find out what didn’t work.
I know I used an unofficial version. I used an unofficial mod called GBWhatsApp APK. Yes, it has a lot of cool features, so I wonder if they blocked my account.
But you see, what blows my mind are the people who actually used the official WhatsApp and still got their accounts flagged. Who does?
If you find yourself in any of these situations, I have a complete step-by-step guide for you. Please take a look at the steps to fix it quickly.
Your Guide to Fixing WhatsApp Error ‘You Need the Official App
Today, I am going to help you solve this problem. Trust me, I really know how it feels.
Make sure you do everything I tell you because I tried everything possible, and only one thing worked for me.
I really don’t know which method will work for you, so try to do everything I tell you. Well, let’s begin.
Step 1: Fix WhatsApp Official App Error by Updating WhatsApp
The first step we need to take is to make sure your WhatsApp is not outdated, so stay updated.
So, go to the Play Store and then check if any update is pending. If so, update it. That may solve the problem.
If this step does not resolve the problem, perform the next step.
Step 2: Install WhatsApp Business
For this step, we are going to install another version of WhatsApp called WhatsApp Business.
1- Uninstall whatever version of WhatsApp you have.
2- Go to Play Store, search for “WhatsApp Business,” and install it.
3- After doing this, try to activate your number using WhatsApp Business.
If you still get the notification, try the next method.
Step 3: Contact WhatsApp support directly
Next, we are going to contact WhatsApp support directly to resolve the WhatsApp official app error.
1- Use your phone’s browser to find the WhatsApp Help Center.
2- Select Contact WhatsApp.
3- Click on the Contact Us option under WhatsApp Messenger Support.
4- Provide your phone number and email address, and specify the platform you’re using (I was using Android, so I just chose Android).
5- Write the following message.
“Hello WhatsApp support, despite using the official app from the authorized app store, I am facing an error message: ‘You need official WhatsApp to use this account.’ I have tried updating, restarting and reinstalling the app with no success… Please help to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Select the next step to submit.
Usually, it takes about 48 hours for them to resolve the issue and get back to you. In my case, they answered me through an automated system, I mean a bot.
I did what they told me, but in the end, it still didn’t work, and my problem remained there.
Step 4: Check Device Certification (New Heading Added)
If you are using a custom ROM or device without Google certification, then you may face this error. Check if your device is certified by Play Protect.
1-Open Play Store.
2-Click on your account icon in the top right corner.
3-Go to Settings > About > PlaySafety Certification.
4- Your device is listed as verified. Make sure to do this.
If you don’t have a certified device, consider taking extra steps like using Magisk to hide yourself or flashing some patches to pass certification.
https://twitter.com/farooqifarrukh8/status/1859005533661130851
Step 5: Use Another Phone (What Worked for Me)
From my experience, it is not the number that is blocked but the phone that is actually blocked, so what did I do?
- I took another phone.
- Took out the SIM card from the phone first.
- Please put it in another phone.
- Downloaded WhatsApp and went through the setup. I think they blocked the phone, not the SIM card. So you see, putting your SIM card in another phone might actually solve the problem.
Summary of Steps (New Table Added)
Step Number | Action Description |
Step 1 | Update WhatsApp |
Step 2 | Install WhatsApp Business |
Step 3 | Contact WhatsApp Support |
Step 4 | Check Device Certification |
Step 5 | Use Another Phone |
FAQs – Common WhatsApp Official App Error Questions
More WhatsApp Features You Might Like
- GBWhatsApp Channels Feature
- Ultimate Guide to GB WhatsApp Data Recovery
- GBWhatsApp on Multiple Phones
They blocked my mobile device, not my mobile number.
I inserted a sim card into another mobile, and then WhatsApp started working.
Change your mobile phone, not your sim card, and your problem will be solved. That’s it, guys.
This is what worked for me, and I hope it works for you, too.
If you are still facing an official WhatsApp app error, make sure you follow each step carefully to fix it.
I will keep updating this guide, so don’t forget to leave a comment. All the best.
About Author
I’m Farrukh Faroqi, a tech enthusiast and blogger passionate about mobile apps, particularly modded versions like GBWhatsApp and FM WhatsApp. I enjoy exploring new technologies and sharing tips and insights to help people maximise their digital tools. My latest articles, guides, and tech discussions are on my blog at farooqifarrukh8.wordpress.com. You can also learn more about GBWhatsApp at getgbwa. in. I’m always open to connecting with like-minded individuals who share a love for tech and innovation.