Meta has introduced a new type of temporary ban that blocks automated outreach to new contacts via the WhatsApp web app. If you're affected, your WhatsApp campaign messages will stop sending for 7 days — but your account stays connected and your inbox keeps working normally.
What's happening
Meta detects and restricts accounts that are sending automated messages to new contacts through the WhatsApp web app. When the ban is triggered:
Messaging existing contacts (people you've already had a conversation with) is still allowed.
Reaching out to new leads is blocked for 7 days.
What still works
Your WhatsApp account remains connected to lemlist — no need to reconnect.
You can receive and reply to messages from existing contacts directly from the lemlist inbox.
All other channels (Email, LinkedIn) in your campaigns continue running normally.
What is blocked
Sending WhatsApp messages from campaigns. Any campaign step that would reach a new lead via WhatsApp will be paused for the duration of the ban.
Where to see the ban and its end date
lemlist displays an error explaining the temporary ban and showing exactly when it ends. You'll see this in two places:
Sender settings — next to your connected WhatsApp number.
Affected campaigns — on any campaign that includes a WhatsApp step.
What to do
There is no way to lift the ban early — it is imposed directly by Meta. Campaign sending resumes automatically once the 7-day restriction ends.
To reduce the risk of being banned again, follow WhatsApp sending best practices:
Avoid sending to large volumes of new contacts in a short period.
Personalise messages — avoid copy-paste identical messages to everyone.
Avoid including links in first messages to new contacts.
Use warm-up to gradually increase your sending volume if your account is new.