WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. We rely on WhatsApp to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, customers and more. So when your WhatsApp account gets deactivated, it can be inconvenient and disruptive.
Why does WhatsApp deactivate accounts?
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp may deactivate your account:
- Inactivity – If you don’t use your WhatsApp account for 120 consecutive days (4 months), it will be deactivated. This is likely the most common reason accounts get deactivated.
- Invalid phone number – If you verify your WhatsApp account with an invalid or inactive phone number, it can get deactivated.
- Violating terms of service – If WhatsApp detects abusive, illegal or spam behavior, they may deactivate your account.
So if you notice you can no longer access your WhatsApp account, it’s likely due to one of the reasons above. The good news is deactivation is usually temporary and your account can be reactivated.
What happens when your WhatsApp is deactivated?
Here are the key things that happen when your WhatsApp account is deactivated:
- You’re logged out – You are automatically logged out of WhatsApp on your mobile device and WhatsApp Web.
- Your profile is hidden – Your profile photo, about info and last seen status are hidden from your contacts.
- Messages are inaccessible – You can no longer send or receive any messages on WhatsApp.
- Calls/video calls barred – You cannot make or receive WhatsApp calls or video calls.
- Groups are hidden – Any WhatsApp groups you are a member of are hidden from your view.
So in summary, a deactivated account prevents you from using WhatsApp entirely until it is reactivated.
How long does deactivation last?
The duration of WhatsApp account deactivation depends on the reason:
- Inactivity – Your account stays deactivated for 120 days from the date of deactivation. If you don’t reactivate within 120 days, your account is deleted.
- Invalid number – Deactivation remains until you verify your account with a valid, active phone number again.
- Terms violation – Length of deactivation depends on severity of violation. Could be temporary or permanent.
So inactivity deactivation lasts 4 months exactly, while invalid number and terms violation deactivation timelines vary.
How to reactivate a deactivated WhatsApp account?
If your WhatsApp account has been temporarily deactivated, here are the steps to reactivate it:
- Install WhatsApp again and verify with your phone number. WhatsApp will detect your deactivated account.
- Tap on “Recover Account” and request reactivation. A confirmation code will be sent to your phone.
- Enter 6-digit confirmation code and reset your account password if prompted.
- Once successfully verified, your account will be fully reactivated.
However, there are a couple caveats:
- You can only reactivate accounts deactivated due to inactivity or invalid numbers.
- Accounts deactivated for terms violation may not be recoverable.
- You can’t recover deleted accounts – only deactivated ones within 120 days.
Can you recover your chat history after reactivation?
Yes, you can recover your full WhatsApp chat history as long as you reactivated your account within 120 days of deactivation. Here’s what happens to your chat history:
- Deactivated – Chat history remains intact but inaccessible until you reactivate.
- Reactivated within 120 days – You regain access to full chat history again.
- 120+ days inactive – Your account is deleted along with your entire chat history.
So if you notice your chats are gone after reactivation, it means your account was likely deactivated for over 120 days. Your prior chats cannot be recovered in this case.
How to prevent your WhatsApp from being deactivated
Here are some tips to ensure your WhatsApp account remains active and never gets deactivated:
- Use it regularly – Open WhatsApp and send a message at least once every 120 days.
- Update your phone number – If your number changes, immediately update it in WhatsApp.
- Follow terms of service – Never engage in illegal, abusive or spam behavior on WhatsApp.
- Add email address – Link an email address as added security to recover account.
- Enable notifications – Keep notifications enabled to be aware of any account alerts.
- Use multiple devices – Stay active by linking WhatsApp across phone, tablet, PC.
As long as you follow best practices like these, your WhatsApp account should remain safely active and accessible 24/7.
What happens if you delete your WhatsApp account?
Unlike deactivation, deleting your WhatsApp account is permanent. Here’s what happens when you voluntarily delete your account:
- Profile removed – Your profile, groups and info are erased from WhatsApp servers.
- Chat history deleted – All your messages and call history are permanently deleted.
- Account cannot be retrieved – There is no way to recover a deleted WhatsApp account.
- Phone number released – Your phone number is dissociated from WhatsApp.
- Create new account – You can sign up again with same number, starting fresh.
So if you ever choose to voluntarily delete your WhatsApp account, be aware the process is permanent and cannot be undone or recovered in any way.
What happens if you delete WhatsApp without deactivating?
If you directly uninstall WhatsApp from your device without deactivating your account, here’s what takes place:
- Automatic deactivation – Your account is deactivated once WhatsApp detects you uninstalled the app.
- Grace period – You still have a 120 day grace period before the account is deleted.
- Reactivation – You can reactivate by reinstalling WhatsApp within 120 days and verifying your number.
- Permanent deletion – If you don’t reactivate within 120 days, your account is deleted just like voluntary deletion.
So deleting the WhatsApp app itself initiates the same 120 day deactivation period before your account is permanently gone. Reactivate in time to avoid losing your account.
WhatsApp account deactivation scenarios
Here are some common scenarios that can lead to WhatsApp account deactivation and how to handle them:
Got a new phone number
If you got a new phone number, your WhatsApp account will deactivate on your old number after 45 days if you don’t transfer your account. Install WhatsApp on your new phone, verify your new number, and tap “Migrate” to transfer your account and avoid deactivation.
Not using WhatsApp for months
If you haven’t used WhatsApp for 4 months straight, inactivity deactivation kicks in. Simply open WhatsApp again and send a message to any chat to remain active. Set a calendar reminder if you go long periods without using it.
Travelling internationally for months
If you are travelling abroad for an extended time, use WhatsApp over WiFi to avoid deactivation, as your home SIM may not work internationally. Alternatively, get a local SIM at your travel destination.
Banned for terms violation
If your account was banned for abusive behavior or illegal activity, appeal to WhatsApp directly for a ban reversal. Avoid further violations to prevent permanent deactivation.
Forgot your account password
If you forget your WhatsApp password, request an account recovery email through WhatsApp. If your registered email no longer exists, unfortunately you may not be able to recover your password or account.
Key takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about WhatsApp deactivation:
- Inactivity, invalid number, terms violation can trigger deactivation.
- Deactivated accounts lose messaging ability but can be reactivated.
- Chat history remains intact if you reactivate within 120 days.
- Prevent deactivation by staying active and following WhatsApp policies.
- Deleted accounts are permanently gone and can’t be retrieved.
As long as you use WhatsApp regularly and responsibly, you shouldn’t have to worry about deactivation. But if it ever happens accidentally, you can recover your account within 120 days. Be sure to backup your chats as an extra precaution as well.