Those trying to find the WhatsApp app on the Windows Phone Store via their Windows Phone devices will get the message, "We couldn't find a match. Try a different spelling or search term." Notably, the popular cross-platform instant messaging service is still listed on the Web interface of the Windows Phone Store; though the listing notes, "This app is no longer published."
It's worth mentioning that existing WhatsApp users on Windows Phone devices have no trouble in accessing the app and can continue to use the app on their devices.
(Also see: How to Block a Contact on WhatsApp)
Windows Phone Central received a response from WhatsApp detailing the reasons for pulling down the app from the Windows Phone Store, saying, "Unfortunately due to technical issues, we have chosen to un-publish WhatsApp Messenger on the Windows Phone platform. We are working closely with Microsoft to resolve the issues and hope to return to the store shortly. We apologize to our users for the temporary inconvenience."
There is no word on when the WhatsApp app for Windows Phone will be re-published with the fixes for the technical issues. WhatsApp for Windows Phone was released in 2011. A recent report suggested that WhatsApp is focusing on increasing its active user base from the current 500 million to one billion in a year.
(Also see: How to Hide Last Seen on WhatsApp)
Last month, WhatsApp announced that it crossed 500 million active users, out of which it added 50 million since February, when the company's acquisition by Facebook was revealed.
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