Many WhatsApp users are facing the “You need the official WhatsApp to use this account” error while trying to log in to their official WhatsApp accounts. If you’re one of them and frustrated at this hiccup, don’t worry there are multiple ways to fix it. The chances of you getting this WhatsApp error are high if you were/are using unofficial WhatsApp clones such as GB WhatsApp, FM WhatsApp, etc. However, very few WhatsApp users reported getting this error message even though they are using the official WhatsApp and haven’t used any unofficial WhatsApp clone in the past. Whatever the reasons are, in this guide we’ll try to fix You Need the official WhatsApp to use this account error.
You Need the Official WhatsApp to Use this Account
This error is majorly faced by users who are using unofficial WhatsApp clones such as GB WhatsApp, FM WhatsApp, and yo WhatsApp, etc. The error seems to appear when they are updating those WhatsApp clones. Somehow the official WhatsApp is sensing that they aren’t using the official WhatsApp and giving them this frustrating error message. So the clear culprit here is the unofficial WhatsApp clone. You may get this error even though you have been using the official WhatsApp for some time, but have used one of the WhatsApp clones in the past. So, how do we fix it?
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How to Fix You Need the Official WhatsApp to Use this Account
Having mentioned that there are various ways to fix WhatsApp login errors. Follow the below-shown fixes step-by-step carefully.
Update WhatsApp
If you are sure you haven’t used any WhatsApp clone in the past, and still can not log in to the official WhatsApp, then start by ensuring it is updated. Not only WhatsApp but also ensure your device’s software is updated. You can update WhatsApp directly on the PlayStore. To update your device software, go to the settings > Software update > Download and Install. If the error is still there, then proceed to the next step.
Disable Google Play Protect
One of the reasons behind the WhatsApp login error is the Google Play Protect system. When you update your unofficial WhatsApp clone, it is catching that you are not using the official WhatsApp hence the error “You need the official WhatsApp to use this account”. In such a case, disabling the Google Play Protect Security might solve the issue. To disable it
- Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile avatar which is at the top right corner.
- Tap Play Protect.
- Tap the settings button at the top right corner.
- Disable both options.
After this, you need to clear the cache of WhatsApp. To do that
- Navigate to the settings of your phone.
- Scroll down and tap “Apps”.
- Find WhatsApp.
- Tap Force stop.
- Tap Storage and clear the cache.
See if that solves the issue. If it doesn’t, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp again.
Uninstall Unofficial WhatsApp Clones
Unofficial WhatsApp clones are one big reason behind the WhatsApp login errors. So, uninstalling unofficial WhatsApp clones from your device could fix the issue. Make sure you uninstall it properly without keeping any files of it. If you’ve uninstalled it improperly earlier, install it again and uninstall it properly. This is how to do that…
- Navigate to your phone’s settings.
- Go to the “Apps” section.
- Find the unofficial WhatsApp clone, and tap on it.
- Tap storage, clear cache, and clear data.
Now install the official WhatsApp, and continue logging in to it normally as you would. But don’t permit it to auto-verify. Instead, enter the verification code manually. If you have tried to log in recently, you might need to request a call for the code instead of the verification message.
Register On a New Number First
If the problem persists after performing the above-mentioned steps, Register a completely new phone number on WhatsApp. Then add the old number (with which you got the error). To add another number
- Launch WhatsApp
- Tap on the three dots at the top right corner.
- Tap settings.
- Tap the little dropdown arrow at the extreme right opposite your profile picture.
- Tap Add account and add the old phone number.
- Verify it as you’d normally verify any phone number.
- Make sure you type in the verification code manually instead of letting it automatically verify.
Login on a Different Phone
To make sure your WhatsApp account is not banned permanently, log in on a different phone using the same phone number you have trouble logging in with on your phone. If you can log in on the other phone, you’ll be able to log in on your phone as well. Repeat the above steps and re-login to your WhatsApp on your phone after a while.
Contact WhatsApp Help Center
If none of the above steps resolve your issue, you can contact WhatsApp’s help center for further assistance. Navigate to the link, give your details such as phone number and email address, specify the platform you’re using, and describe the problem in a few sentences. Wait for a while for WhatsApp to send you an email or message regarding the issue.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are/were using Unofficial WhatsApp clones or the official WhatsApp, facing the “you need the official WhatsApp to use this account” error is frustrating. Fortunately, by uninstalling unofficial WhatsApp clients, clearing their data properly, logging in to your WhatsApp account on another phone, and updating your WhatsApp and device software, you can bypass any WhatsApp login errors and reclaim your WhatsApp account.
