Tinder is a great dating app but as with many other social networking apps, there is always a chance of getting banned.
Sometimes you might get a warning before you get banned while in other cases it can happen for no obvious reason.
That’s why it is not always easy to figure out if you did something wrong or if it is a problem with Tinder itself. Especially if you get an error code just before you get banned.
There are many reasons why people get banned on Tinder.
It might be that you posted something that goes against Tinder’s terms and conditions, maybe you offended someone and got reported or you tried to promote your OF and got banned for that.
However, mistakes happen on almost every social network and sometimes you can get banned even if you follow all the rules.
Usually, after you get banned on Tinder you will receive an email saying that you were banned and you will not be able to use Tinder anymore with your current Facebook and phone number.
This email might also explain why you got banned but in most cases, the explanation is pretty vague and not always enough to pinpoint what exactly you did wrong.
In any case, if you still want to be able to use Tinder after you get banned there are a few things that you can do to get around the Tinder ban.
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What is Shadow Ban on Tinder?
In some cases, you might get banned on Tinder without even realizing that you actually got banned.
Shadow bans happen on some social media platforms where you can access and use your account but you are not getting as much engagement as before.
Most networks don’t address shadow bans but based on many users’ reports shadow bans are definitely real.
The number one sign of a shadow ban is a decrease in the number of matches you are getting. The number of matches might often fall to zero. You can still see and swipe on other people but other people are not able to see you or your swipes.
You will usually get shadowbanned when you break Tinder policies or Tinder suspects that you might be using fake information or you are a bot. Usually, a shadowban gets lifted after a certain period of time but sometimes it takes months.
You may also get shadowbanned if you create a new Tinder account but use the same phone or email as on your previous banned account.
Another thing to keep in mind is the ELO score.
Initially, Tinder used this metric to describe your “desirability”. There were reports that Tinder stopped using it but it is possible that they might be using something similar instead.
If you are labeled as less “popular” you might be getting fewer matches because of less exposure.
This might feel like shadowban but it has nothing to do with you breaking any of the rules.
Read next: How To Keep a Conversation Going on Tinder?
7 Main Reasons Why Your Tinder Account Got Banned
1. You Used Fake Photos
This one is pretty obvious. If you are using someone’s photos, you will get banned.
2. You are Not 18 Yet
Some people fake their age when setting up their Tinder profile but then put their real age into their bio. Tinder can analyze the bio and detect if you are lying about your age.
3. Inappropriate Profile Pictures
What is considered to be inappropriate can be quite subjective but photos of you only wearing underwear and a bra can get you in trouble.
4. Swearing in Your Bio
Using offensive language can get you banned.
5. Discrimination
6. Using Tinder to Promote Yourself
If you are using Tinder to drive traffic to your blog, Instagram, or OF you can potentially get banned.
To avoid this don’t message a bunch of people with the same message asking them to join your OF or something similar.
Dating apps are becoming more advanced and can easily detect spammy messages. In addition, users can report you as well, which can get you banned even faster.
7. Sending Inappropriate or Offensive Messages
If someone feels offended by your message, they can report you and if enough people report you there is a high chance that you will get banned.
However, as we already discussed there is also a chance that you might get banned for no obvious reason at all which can make things even more confusing.
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How To Get Unbanned From Tinder?
Try to Appeal the Ban
The first thing you need to do after getting banned on Tinder is to try to appeal your ban.
When messaging Tinder about your ban be as polite as possible and explain in detail why you think that the ban was a mistake.
Unfortunately, this method is not always successful and sometimes it takes a long time to get unbanned.
Create a New Tinder Account
If you are not able to get your ban lifted, another option is to create a new Tinder account.
This means using a different phone number to activate your profile. New sim cards are usually cheap and you can get them for under $10. Alternatively, you can ask someone to borrow their phone to activate your account.
You will also need to use different Google or Apple ID to download Tinder. The same goes for your Facebook account if you used it to set up your Tinder.
If you used a phone to set up your initial profile, use your laptop instead and do it in incognito mode. Another idea is to use your older phone just for Tinder in case your current device is banned.
Also, avoid uploading the same photos as on your banned account.
There are also reports that Tinder might be using your IP to ban you so try to use a different network (use VPN or public wifi) when setting up your account.
The same goes for your credit card if you used it to pay for any services on your banned account.
Getting a new Tinder account takes time and it is always a good idea to try not to get banned in the first place.
Another option if you get banned from Tinder is to use a different dating app.
There are many other dating apps where you can meet singles besides Tinder. Some examples are Bumble, POF, Hinge, Zoosk, or even eHarmony if you are looking for something more serious.
Read next: Why Tinder is Not Working for You: Top 5 Problems and Solutions
