# SIM Card Blocking and Recovery

Learn what happens if your SMS account gets flagged, how to recover a blocked SIM, and most importantly - how to prevent blocks in the first place.

## What happens if my SMS account gets flagged?

If your SMS account gets flagged by your carrier, they may suspend or discontinue your number. However, **recovery is often possible**, and blocks are **preventable** with proper practices.

***

## How SIM Blocking Happens

### Common Causes of Carrier Blocks

**Volume-Based Triggers:**

* 🚫 Sending too many messages too quickly
* 🚫 Sudden spike in volume from a new number
* 🚫 Exceeding carrier's fair use policy
* 🚫 Sending 30+ messages in 30 minutes (Android warning threshold)

**Content-Based Triggers:**

* 🚫 Spam-like keywords (FREE, CLICK HERE, LIMITED TIME)
* 🚫 Links in messages (especially shortened URLs)
* 🚫 Identical messages to many recipients
* 🚫 All caps text or excessive punctuation (!!!)

**Behavior-Based Triggers:**

* 🚫 High opt-out rate (many "STOP" replies)
* 🚫 Recipients marking messages as spam
* 🚫 Low response rate combined with high volume
* 🚫 Messaging during odd hours (late night/early morning)

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Prevention is Key**: 90% of SIM blocks can be avoided by following proper warm-up procedures and best practices. Read the prevention section below carefully.
{% endhint %}

***

## What Happens When SIM Gets Blocked

### Immediate Effects

**Messaging Stops:**

* ❌ Outgoing SMS fail to send
* ❌ Messages show "GENERIC\_FAILURE" or similar error
* ❌ WhatSnap dashboard shows failed deliveries
* ⚠️ Incoming SMS may still work (carrier-dependent)

**Account Status:**

* Your number may show as suspended
* Carrier may send notification (SMS or email)
* Some carriers block silently without notification

**Not Permanent (Usually):**

* Most blocks are temporary or reversible
* Carriers prefer to warn rather than permanently ban
* You can usually get number reinstated

***

## Recovery Steps: How to Get Unblocked

### Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Stop All Messaging Immediately

1. **Pause all WhatSnap campaigns**
   * In GoHighLevel, deactivate all SMS workflows
   * Stop any drip campaigns
   * Don't send any manual messages
2. **Stop the WhatSnap Gateway service**
   * Open WhatSnap Gateway app on Android
   * Tap the stop button to halt service
3. **Wait before contacting carrier**
   * Don't immediately restart messaging
   * Gives carrier systems time to reset
     {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Contact Your Carrier

1. **Call customer support** (don't use chat or email - call directly)
2. **Be professional and prepared:**
   * Explain: "I use SMS for legitimate business communications through my CRM"
   * Mention: "My customers have opted in to receive messages"
   * Ask: "Can you help me understand why my account was restricted?"
3. **Key points to emphasize:**
   * ✅ Legitimate business use
   * ✅ CRM messaging to customers
   * ✅ All recipients have opted in
   * ✅ You're committed to following their fair use policy
4. **Request unblock:**
   * Ask: "Can you reinstate my account?"
   * Ask: "What do I need to do differently going forward?"
   * Request: Clear guidelines on fair use limits
     {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Document Everything

* 📝 Note date/time of block
* 📝 Record customer service rep name and ID
* 📝 Document carrier's stated reason for block
* 📝 Note any specific limits they mention
* 📝 Get confirmation of unblock (if approved)

**Why This Matters:**

* Helps if you need to escalate
* Reference for future carrier interactions
* Evidence for dispute if needed
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Wait 48-72 Hours Minimum

After carrier unblocks:

* ⏰ Don't immediately resume high volume
* ⏰ Wait 2-3 days before sending any messages
* ⏰ Let carrier systems fully reset
* ⏰ Review and improve your practices
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Restart Very Slowly (Re-Warm-Up)

Treat the unblocked SIM as a brand new number:

**Week 1 After Unblock:**

* Days 1-3: 10-15 messages/day
* Days 4-7: 20-30 messages/day

**Week 2 After Unblock:**

* Days 8-10: 40-60 messages/day
* Days 11-14: 75-100 messages/day

**Ongoing:**

* Max 100-150 messages/day (50% of your previous safe limit)
* Never exceed 1 message per minute sustained
* Monitor deliverability closely
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

***

## Real-World Example: Successful Recovery

**What Happened:**

* Agency sent 2,000 SMS instantly without drip mode
* SIM blocked by carrier within 2 hours
* Messages stopped delivering

**Recovery Steps:**

1. Stopped all messaging immediately
2. Called carrier support the next day
3. Explained legitimate business use and CRM messaging
4. Apologized for the volume spike
5. Committed to following gradual send pace

**Result:**

* ✅ Number reinstated same day
* ✅ No permanent damage
* ✅ Carrier provided specific guidelines (max 250/day, 1/minute)
* ✅ Implemented proper drip mode going forward
* ✅ No further issues

**Key Lesson:**

* Carriers are usually willing to work with legitimate businesses
* Honest communication and willingness to follow rules goes a long way
* One mistake doesn't mean permanent ban

***

## If Carrier Won't Reinstate Your Number

### When Unblock Isn't Possible

**Reasons carrier may refuse:**

* Multiple violations/warnings
* Severe spam complaints from recipients
* Violation of terms of service
* High-risk use case for carrier

### Your Options

**Option 1: Get a New SIM Card**

* Purchase new SIM from same or different carrier
* Use a new phone number
* Start fresh with proper warm-up
* **Cost:** $5-30 for new SIM

**Option 2: Switch to Different Carrier**

* Some carriers are more business-friendly
* Look for carriers with explicit business use policies
* See [SIM Plan Recommendations](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications#sim-plan-recommendations-by-country)

**Option 3: Add WhatSnap WhatsApp**

* WhatsApp doesn't have carrier SMS restrictions
* Works alongside or instead of SMS
* No number blocking issues
* See [WhatSnap WhatsApp Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/whatsnap)

**Option 4: Use Twilio for High-Volume**

* Traditional A2P SMS for high volume
* More expensive but no SIM blocking risk
* Can use alongside WhatSnap P2P
* See [WhatSnap vs Twilio](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/whatsnap-vs-twilio)

***

## Prevention: How to Avoid SIM Blocks

### Critical: Follow SIM Warm-Up Process

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Most Important Prevention**: 90% of SIM blocks occur because users skip or rush the warm-up process. Always warm up new SIMs gradually.
{% endhint %}

**Proper Warm-Up Schedule:**

**Week 1:**

* Days 1-3: 10-20 msgs/day, 1 msg every 5-10 minutes
* Days 4-7: 30-50 msgs/day, 1 msg every 2-3 minutes

**Week 2:**

* Days 8-14: 75-150 msgs/day, 1 msg every 1-2 minutes

**Ongoing:**

* Max 100-250 msgs/day (carrier-dependent)
* Never faster than 1 msg per minute sustained

See: [Complete SIM Warm-Up Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/broken-reference)

### Message Quality Best Practices

**Content Guidelines:**

* ✅ **Personalize heavily**: {{first\_name}}, reference past interactions
* ✅ **Vary your messages**: Don't send identical texts
* ✅ **Avoid spam triggers**: No "FREE", "CLICK NOW", "LIMITED TIME"
* ✅ **No links initially**: Especially in first message to new contacts
* ✅ **Conversational tone**: Write like a human, not a marketer
* ❌ **No ALL CAPS**: Looks like spam
* ❌ **No excessive punctuation**: Avoid !!!, ???

**Example - Bad (Spam-like):**

```
FREE OFFER!!! Click here NOW: bit.ly/xxxxx
Limited time only! Text STOP to opt out.
```

**Example - Good (Natural):**

```
Hey {{first_name}}, hope you're doing well! 
Quick question - are you still looking for help 
with {{service}}? We've got some new solutions 
that might be perfect for you.
```

### Volume Management

**Stay Within Limits:**

* Check your carrier's fair use policy
* Most carriers: 100-250 msgs/day is safe
* Business plans: Often higher limits
* Add more SIMs/devices to scale volume

**Use Proper Drip Mode:**

* Configure GHL workflows with delays
* Randomize send times (not batch sends)
* Spread messages throughout business hours
* Never send all at once

### Timing Best Practices

**When to Send:**

* ✅ 9 AM - 7 PM recipient's local time
* ✅ Business hours (weekdays)
* ✅ Avoid late night (after 9 PM)
* ✅ Avoid early morning (before 8 AM)
* ✅ Consider time zones for multi-region campaigns

### Compliance & Opt-Outs

**Honor Opt-Outs Immediately:**

* Automatic DND on "STOP" reply (WhatSnap includes this)
* Remove from all campaigns instantly
* Keep records of opt-outs
* Never message opted-out contacts

**Verify Consent:**

* Only message contacts who opted in
* Keep records of how/when they opted in
* Don't buy or use purchased lists
* Re-confirm old leads (2+ years dormant)

***

## Multi-SIM Strategy for Risk Mitigation

### Why Multiple SIMs Help

**Distribute Risk:**

* If one SIM gets blocked, others keep running
* Don't put all messaging on single number
* Easier to manage lower volume per SIM

**Stay Within Limits:**

* Each SIM handles 100-150 msgs/day safely
* 5 SIMs = 500-750 msgs/day capacity
* Less stress on each individual SIM
* Better long-term sustainability

**Setup:**

* Connect multiple Android devices to WhatSnap
* Use GHL workflows to distribute contacts
* Monitor each SIM independently
* Different carriers for redundancy (optional)

See: [Multiple SMS Accounts Guide](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/multiple-sms-accounts)

***

## Monitoring for Early Warning Signs

### Watch for These Red Flags

**Delivery Issues:**

* ⚠️ Delivery rate drops below 95%
* ⚠️ Messages failing with GENERIC\_FAILURE errors
* ⚠️ Longer than normal delivery times

**Recipient Behavior:**

* ⚠️ Higher than usual opt-out rate (>2%)
* ⚠️ Low response rate (<5% for good campaigns)
* ⚠️ Complaints from recipients

**Carrier Warnings:**

* ⚠️ SMS from carrier about usage
* ⚠️ Warning messages on bill
* ⚠️ Account notifications or emails

**Action if You See Warning Signs:**

1. Immediately reduce volume by 50%
2. Improve message quality and personalization
3. Check for spam-like content
4. Verify you're following drip mode
5. Contact carrier proactively to confirm standing

***

## Summary: Block Prevention Checklist

**Setup & Configuration:**

* [ ] Proper 2-week SIM warm-up completed
* [ ] Drip mode configured (1 msg per minute max)
* [ ] Messages spread throughout business hours
* [ ] Multiple SIMs for redundancy (if high volume)

**Message Quality:**

* [ ] Personalized messages ({{first\_name}}, etc.)
* [ ] Varied content (not copy-paste identical)
* [ ] No spam keywords or excessive punctuation
* [ ] No links in initial messages to new contacts
* [ ] Conversational, natural tone

**Volume Management:**

* [ ] Stay within carrier fair use policy
* [ ] 100-250 msgs/day per SIM (carrier-dependent)
* [ ] Never exceed 1 msg per minute sustained
* [ ] Monitor daily send volume

**Compliance:**

* [ ] Only message opted-in contacts
* [ ] Honor STOP immediately (auto-DND active)
* [ ] Messaging during business hours only
* [ ] Records of consent maintained

**Monitoring:**

* [ ] Check delivery rates weekly (target >95%)
* [ ] Monitor opt-out rates (<2% target)
* [ ] Watch for carrier warnings or notifications
* [ ] Review message performance regularly

***

## Related Resources

* [Database Reactivations - SIM Warm-Up](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/broken-reference)
* [Avoiding Carrier Blocks](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/faq/sms/broken-reference)
* [SIM Plan Selection](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/sms-specifications)
* [Multiple SMS Accounts](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/multiple-sms-accounts)
* [Troubleshooting - Error Codes](https://whatsnap.gitbook.io/whatsnap-docs/account-management/sms/troubleshooting/error-codes)

***

**Got blocked or concerned about prevention?** Contact support at <support@whatsnap.ai> for personalized guidance and recovery assistance.
