> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/blocking/account-on-linked-devices-is-restricted-and-the-message-status-is-failed.md).

# Account on linked devices is restricted and the message status is "failed"

#### Where you'll see it

* A banner on the "New chat" screen: *"Your account on linked devices is restricted right now — You can't start new chats right now."* Clicking **"Show details"** opens a popup with a countdown (e.g. "4 days") and an explanation of what still works.
* The label **"Your account is restricted"** next to contacts you haven't messaged before.
* A similar notice at the bottom of the chat window when trying to message a restricted contact.

<figure><img src="/files/lqVZvchlOxhkqEslsPpD" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/bKmR30wx9NkedUlWzjTy" alt="" width="212"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/UyWesegl7V559OHPOB6A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### What's blocked and what isn't

* Messaging in recent, active chats works as usual — both on your phone and through the API/WhatsApp Web
* The restriction applies to **new contacts** and to **old contacts you haven't been in touch with for a while** — WhatsApp treats a stale conversation the same as a new one, even if a chat history exists.
* It applies **only to linked devices** (WhatsApp Web / API). Your primary mobile app is not affected.  You can message anyone from your phone with no restrictions.

#### What happens to a blocked message sent through the API

Sending isn't rejected right away. The message first gets a `"pending"` status, then later changes to `"failed"` — reported both via webhook and through the Get message method. The message never reaches the recipient.

#### Important detail

If a restricted contact **messages you first**, the conversation immediately becomes "active" again and you can reply and message them normally — the restriction is lifted for that specific chat.

#### What to do

* Stop messaging new or cold contacts while the restriction is active.
* Just wait — the restriction lifts automatically once the countdown ends;&#x20;
* Existing chats keep working the whole time.
* To lower the risk of this happening again, see [How to not get Banned?](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/blocking/how-to-not-get-banned)\ <br>

#### **Check restriction status via API**

Сheck whether your account is currently restricted with:\
[Get reachout\_timelock](https://whapi.readme.io/reference/getreachouttimelock)

`GET https://gate.whapi.cloud/business/limits/reachout_timelock`

Example response:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```json
{
  "is_restricted": true,
  "restricted_until": 1785962719,
  "restriction_type": "restrict_all_companions"
}
```

{% endcode %}

`restricted_until` shows when the restriction lifts. When there's no restriction:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```json
{ "is_restricted": false,
  "restricted_until": null, 
  "restriction_type": "default"
}
```

{% endcode %}