How to Recover a Locked Tinder Account

Can a locked account be recovered?

According to Tinder's official regulations, a locked account cannot be recovered, but there are exceptions. However, Tinder is often very strict with account blocking rules. Locked accounts cannot be recovered, but you still have a chance to recover your account if you appeal. When you log into an app or website and receive a notification that you have violated the terms of use, it means your account has been locked.

If you have Tinder Gold or Tinder Plus and you signed up for the service using your Apple ID or Google Play Store account, visit this page to cancel your subscription and avoid being charged.

If you signed up for Tinder Gold or Tinder Plus with a credit card or on the Tinder website, the service will cancel itself.

Can I file a complaint if my Tinder account is locked?

Yes, this is the only way to recover your account. Although Tinder claims there is no appeal process for locked accounts, you can actually visit the appeals page here. Select 'Trouble with account login' and select 'Can't login, my account was banned'. Enter your account information and state why you think Tinder mistakenly locked your account. Maybe they will restore your account.

If there is a misunderstanding between you and another user, you need to clarify. You can write 'I know one of my matches got upset, but they misinterpreted what I wrote. Can you take a look and please unban me?' (I know one of my matches was upset, but they misunderstood my message. Please review this situation and restore my account).

If you don't understand why your account was locked, ask Tinder to review your account. You can write 'I don't think I've violated any rules? Was this a mistake? Can you review my activity to see what the problem is?' (I don't think I'm violating Tinder's rules. Is this a mistake? Please review my activity and let me know the reason).

End the explanation with a brief and sincere promise that you won't do it again. If your request is reviewed by a friendly staff member, he or she may be able to restore your account.

How to continue using Tinder when your account is locked

Uninstall the app and remove links to any social media accounts. Tinder stores your IP address, phone number, Wi-Fi, and SIM card information. If your account is locked and you reuse this information for a new account, Tinder will still lock that account. First, uninstall the app on your phone. If you've linked your Facebook or Instagram account to Tinder, unlink these social media sites by logging into your account and accessing your privacy settings.

It's best to use a new phone and SIM card before downloading the app (if possible). This is an effective way to help you avoid being discovered as a member whose account has been locked.

Restoring your phone's factory settings is an effective way when you can't use your new device.

If you're on a computer, use incognito mode or use a VPN to hide your IP address.

Register a new account with a new phone number or email address. The simplest way to do this is to sign up for a free Google Voice number. However, you can still use the phone number of a friend or relative. If you have multiple phones, you can use a different phone number. Sign up for a new Tinder account using a different email address.

Create a profile with new information and photos. Do not reuse information from old profiles, as Tinder often uses image search to identify members whose accounts have been locked. Create a new profile with different photos and information from your old profile. Thus, you can continue to use the application.

Do not sign up for Tinder Gold or Tinder Plus using a credit or payment card that you used on a locked account.

You should also increase the age of the new profile by 1 (for example, if you are 22, choose age 23), and change/add a character in the name (for example, if your name is Eric or Sarah, change to Erik or Sara) to avoid being detected.

Tips to help you avoid having your account locked

Does not violate Tinder's community guidelines. Tinder only locks the accounts of users who violate their guidelines. If you follow the regulations, you will not encounter this situation. Please adhere to the following principles:

Do not share nude photos or share sexually explicit content.

Do not harass, bully, insult or threaten anyone.

Don't talk about divisive topics (including racism, distortion, anti-establishment, fabrication, etc.)

Introduce services or send multiple links to other websites.

Do not share copyrighted content or content created by others.

Do not use third-party software, such as automatic swiping programs.

Always use incognito mode or a new device and avoid using Wi-Fi. To maintain a new account, you need to avoid using old photos, old content, connecting to home Wi-Fi without a VPN or incognito mode, or logging in from an old device. If Tinder doesn't detect that you created a new account, you're fine.

Note, most users whose accounts have been locked will have their new accounts locked. Tinder seems to be very adept at detecting users who have had their accounts locked, so you may have to repeat this process at some point.

Switch to another dating app

Try Bumble, Hinge or Grindr if your account keeps getting locked. Tinder is super popular dating app, but it's not the only option on the market! If you want to meet new people, try other options. The apps are free, and there's a paid service if you want the equivalent of Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold.

Bumble is a dating app that only allows women to text first in each match.

Hinge is an application quite similar to Tinder, but aimed at serious relationships.

Grindr is a dating app for the LGBTQ+ community.

Other options include Coffee Meets Bagel, HER, Plenty of Fish, eHarmony and OkCupid.

Marvin Fry

Update 13 November 2023