WhatsApp is currently issuing warnings and urging its users to not use third-party clones such as GB WhatsApp or WhatsApp Plus. The Facebook-owned messaging app has more than a billion users and it is not easy to keep them hooked to this app. WhatsApp has issued a strict warning saying that those who are using WhatsApp’s clones are at a safety risk as the company cannot validate security practices.
WhatsApp has stated that those who are using the clone of its app their accounts will be temporarily banned. If a user’s account is blocked, they are advised to download the official version of WhatsApp in order to resume the app. Users must also save their chat history before they download the official WhatsApp app. This is in case they are using anything other than GB WhatsApp or WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp spokesperson told Indian Express that WhatsApp cares deeply about the safety of our users. To protect the privacy and security of their account, it is strongly recommended that users only download WhatsApp from official app stores or from the website.
According to reports, WhatsApp has already started temporarily banning users from using the most famous chatting app. The company has also warned saying that the entire chat history of users violating the norms could be deleted. The company has also shared a detailed FAQ (guide) on how to switch their accounts from un-official to official WhatsApp app and restore chat.
For GB WhatsApp users:
Step 1: To restore old chats, users should back up chat history on unofficial apps once the temporary ban is lifted. Go to WhatsApp, click options, click Chats and Backup chats.
Step 2: Go to device settings, then storage, select files and find GB WhatsApp folder.
Step 3: Long press the icon and rename the selected folder to “WhatsApp”.
Step 4: Download official WhatsApp from Google Play Store.
Step 5: Verify phone number with OTP and then select Restore when prompted to backup chats.
Step 6: WhatsApp will retrieve your old data from the unofficial app.
For WhatsApp Plus users:
Step 1: Download and install official WhatsApp from Google Play Store.
Step 2: Verify your phone number and restore all your chats seamlessly.
Make sure users delete the unofficial apps or APKs from the phone in order to prevent any issues.
