WhatsApp Plus is an unofficial, modified copy of WhatsApp. It isn't made by WhatsApp or Meta, and I wouldn't use it. WhatsApp's Help Center says accounts that use unofficial apps can be banned, and mod files from unknown sites can carry malware. The good news is that the official app now has many of the features people wanted from mods, so there's rarely a reason to take the risk.
If you've seen a friend with a different-looking WhatsApp, odd colours, hidden ticks and a long list of extras, chances are they're running WhatsApp Plus. I understand the appeal. But I'd stay away from it, and I'll explain why.
This guide covers what WhatsApp Plus is, the risks, the official features that do the same jobs, and how to move back to the real app without losing your chats. I won't point you to any download, because the safest route is always the official app.
What WhatsApp Plus is
WhatsApp Plus is a modified version of the WhatsApp app. Someone has taken the original app, changed it, and shared it as a separate app. It isn't made, checked or supported by WhatsApp or Meta.
You may see similar mods under other names, such as GB WhatsApp. They work the same way. Each is a copy of WhatsApp changed by a third party, and you have no way to know what else has been added.
Because these copies aren't in the official stores, people usually find them through download sites, links shared in groups, or videos. That's where much of the danger starts.
The risks of using WhatsApp Plus
Your account can be banned
WhatsApp's own Help Center says it can temporarily or permanently ban accounts that use unofficial apps. People sometimes see a warning first, then a lockout. If you rely on WhatsApp for work or family, losing access to your number's account is a big problem.
Malware and stolen data
A modified app can ask for access to your contacts, messages, photos and microphone. If whoever modified it added code to collect that data, you wouldn't see it happening. Files from unknown download sites are a common way to spread malware, so I'd never install an app from one.
No privacy guarantee
Official WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for personal chats. A modified copy isn't made by WhatsApp, so you can't assume the same protections are in place. Your messages, and your friends' messages to you, could be exposed to someone you never chose.
No updates you can trust
Official apps get security updates through the store. A mod depends on whoever runs it, who may stop at any time and leave known holes open.
If you want to read more about warning signs on WhatsApp, my guides on what a WhatsApp security code change means and the risks of WhatsApp earning apps cover related ground.
What people wanted mods for, and what the official app does now
Most people don't want a mod for its own sake. They want a particular feature. Here are the common ones and the official route.
| What people wanted | Official WhatsApp option |
|---|---|
| Colours and themes | Chat themes and wallpapers in Settings |
| Hide last seen | Privacy settings for last seen and online |
| Turn off blue ticks | Read receipts switch in Privacy |
| Hide online status | Options for who can see when you're online |
| Photos that vanish | View once for photos and videos |
| Fix a typo | Edit a message after sending, within the time limit shown in the app |
| Lock private chats | Chat lock |
| Silence strangers | Settings to silence unknown callers |
Menus change from time to time and differ between iPhone and Android. If a name looks different, search the app's settings for the word, for example "privacy" or "theme".
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Chat colours and themes
Open a chat, tap the name at the top, and look for wallpaper or chat theme options. You can also set a default in Settings under Chats.
Privacy for last seen and ticks
Go to Settings, then Privacy. You can choose who sees your last seen, profile photo and about. You can also switch off read receipts. Remember that turning off read receipts hides other people's blue ticks from you too.
View once and chat lock
In a chat, choose a photo or video and use the view once option before you send. For private chats, use the chat lock option from the chat's info screen. Both are in the official app.
How to move back to official WhatsApp safely
Don't just delete the mod and hope. Follow these steps in order.
- **Find the official app.** On Android, open Google Play. On iPhone, open the App Store. Look for WhatsApp from WhatsApp LLC.
- **Back up your chats first.** Open your current app, go to Settings, then Chats, then Chat backup. Save a backup before you change anything. If the mod app lacks an option, search for "backup" in its settings.
- **Note your number.** You'll verify it again by code in the official app.
- **Install official WhatsApp** from the store, and verify your number with the code sent to you.
- **Restore your chats** when the app offers, if a backup exists.
- **Remove the mod app.** Uninstall it from your phone's app list once you're sure your chats are safe.
- **Run a security check.** Change your phone's passcode, switch on two-step verification in WhatsApp, and review which apps have access to your contacts and files.
If your account was banned, use the support option in the app or the WhatsApp Help Center. A ban for using a mod isn't always permanent, but I can't promise how long yours will take.
Backups made with a modified app may not restore cleanly, so be prepared for some chats to be missing. If a chat matters, take a screenshot or export it first.
If your settings look odd afterwards, check your keyboard and permission settings. My guide to WhatsApp keyboard settings on Android explains a few of them.
A short safety checklist
- Install apps only from the official store.
- Don't follow links in groups that promise extra features or free upgrades.
- Switch on two-step verification.
- Keep your phone and WhatsApp updated.
- Treat unexpected codes as a warning sign, and never share them.
Frequently asked questions
What is WhatsApp Plus?
WhatsApp Plus is an unofficial, modified copy of WhatsApp made by a third party. It isn't made or supported by WhatsApp or Meta.
Is WhatsApp Plus safe to use?
I wouldn't use it. WhatsApp's Help Center says accounts using unofficial apps can be banned, and mod files from unknown sites can carry malware or collect your data.
Can I get banned for using WhatsApp Plus?
Yes. WhatsApp says it can temporarily or permanently ban accounts that use unofficial apps.
Can I get themes and privacy options in official WhatsApp?
Yes. The official app has chat themes, wallpapers, privacy controls for last seen and read receipts, view once, message editing and chat lock. Menu names can differ, so search your settings.
