If you encounter "131031: Account Has Been Locked" error on WhatsApp API it means that your account has been restricted or disabled due to policy violations or discrepancies in the verification process. This blog provides an overview of the issue, explains possible causes, and outlines steps to resolve it effectively.
What Causes This Error?
1. Policy Violations
Your account might have been locked for breaching WhatsApp’s platform policies like:
Sending spam or inappropriate messages
Promoting restricted or prohibited goods/services
Receiving excessive user complaints
2. Verification Issues
The account lock can also occur if WhatsApp cannot verify the data in your request, such as:
Incorrect two-step PIN
Mismatch between submitted details and account information
How to Diagnose the Issue?
1. Checking Violation Details at Business Support Home
Log into Meta Business Suite or Business Manager.
Navigate to All Tools > Business Support Home > Account Overview (the speedometer icon) to view specific violations.
2. Use the Health Status API
The Health Status API helps determine the messaging status of various nodes. Copy the following code:
GET /<NODE_ID>?fields=health_status
Health Status Indicators:
AVAILABLE: Node meets all messaging requirements.
LIMITED: Node meets requirements but has restrictions (additional info provided).
- BLOCKED: Node fails to meet requirements, and errors with solutions are included.
How to Resolve the Error?
1. In case of Policy Violation:
If the Business Support Home shows a policy violation that you feel can be appealed, you can proceed to request a review. When a business submits an appeal for a violation, the WhatsApp team evaluates it against their policies to determine whether the violation should be reconsidered. This process may lead to the violation being overturned. Follow these steps to request a review:
Go to Business Support Home page.
Select the violation and click Request Review.
Provide supporting details in the dialog box and click Submit.
The appeal process usually takes 24–48 hours, and you'll receive the decision in your Business Manager.
2. If the Health Status shows a blocked node:
If any of the node is blocked then on calling the Health Status API (using the steps described above) the response will include an errors property to describe the error as well as possible solutions.
3. Verify Account Details
Ensure that all account details, such as the two-step PIN, match the information registered with WhatsApp.
Update inaccurate or outdated information in your account settings.
For more insights on making the most of WhatsApp Business API, check out our blogs at heltar.com/blogs.
