If you have been using the unofficial versions of WhatsApp, now is the time to worry! The Facebook-owned instant messaging platform has updated its FAQs to warn users about unofficial apps and has asked them to migrate to the official app. The warning was spotted by WABetaInfo, which said that WhatsApp could soon begin to ban users who use unofficial third-party apps to access the messaging service. WhatsApp has cited user security behind the decision. It even went on to name WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp, which have been developed by third parties and ideally, should not be used at all. 

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"Unsupported apps, such as WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp, are altered versions of WhatsApp. These unofficial apps are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service. WhatsApp doesn't support these third-party apps because we can't validate their security practices," the app said. 

But, WhatsApp also clarified that the ban is just temporary with the intent to ensure that more users move to official WhatsApp app. The temporary ban will prevent the user from sending across messages for about 24 hours. So, to avoid any trouble, you should switch to the official version now. 

Watch this Zee Business video -

How to switch data from GB WhatsApp to official WhatsApp

1. Before switching to the real WhatsApp, back up your data. 

2. For this, go to options > Chats > Back up chats.

3. Now, go to phone settings and click on storage. Then, click on files. 

4. Find the folder GB WhatsApp and tap and hold to select it.

5. Rename it to WhatsApp. 

6. Now, download WhatsApp from Play Store. 

7. Verify your number and on the Backup found screen, tap Restore > Next.

8. WhatsApp will load with your data. 

How to switch data from WhatsApp Plus to official WhatsApp

1. Download WhatsApp from Play Store. 

2. Verify your phone number. Your data will be automatically transferred. 

WhatsApp has been taking many steps to fight fake news and improve user security on the platform. It claimed to be deleting 2 million accounts per month to stop spread of misinformation. The data was published as part of a white paper on “stopping abuse” that was launched on Wednesday in India, the biggest market for the company with more than 200 mn users.