Suspended X (formerly Twitter) Account? Here’s What To Do Next

So, your X (formerly Twitter) account is suspended. Why? And now what? 

X typically flags accounts for repeated violations or suspicious activity on the platform. If X suspects your account has been hacked or compromised, it may lock or limit the account until you can verify its authenticity. Your account may be temporarily or permanently suspended if you engage in offensive, prohibited behaviors.

Suppose your X account is locked, limited, or suspended. In that case, you can take some simple steps to get it again, including using one of the best virtual private networks (VPNs) to avoid getting locked out while in a new location. In this article, learn why your account may have been suspended, what to expect in getting the suspension removed, and how to reinstate your X account.

Determine why the X (Twitter) account is suspended

X's automated systems moderate the platform, searching for accounts that violate the site's terms of service. If an account violates Twitter’s rules, it may be suspended.

The severity of the suspension depends on the violation. Some accounts may be locked or limited due to suspicious activities. An account suspension is usually reserved for repeat offenders or violations of a specific policy that pose a risk to the platform or users. There are three common types of suspensions, so if your X account is suspended, it likely falls under one of these categories:

• Read-only mode: Read-only mode temporarily limits the account’s ability to tweet, retweet, or like messages. The user can only read tweets on their timeline and respond to direct messages from followers.
• Account verification: X may require account holders to verify information with an email address or phone number.
• Permanent suspension: Reserved for serious offenders, a permanent suspension will completely delete an account from public view and prohibit the user from creating other accounts.

If your account is permanently suspended, you should deactivate it. Inactive accounts pose a security risk, and deactivating your suspended account can help you stay safe on social media.

You will be notified of your account status when you log in to X, and the reason for suspension may be unclear. There are a variety of reasons an account may be suspended, but here are some of the most common:

• Spam: Most account suspensions are because the accounts are spammy or fake. Fake accounts introduce security threats to everyone on the platform, spreading spam or malware.
• Account security at risk: If X suspects an account has been hacked or compromised, it will suspend the account until it can be restored.
• Abusive tweets or behaviors: Sending threats or impersonating other accounts is a sure way to suspend an X account. Violent threats, wishes of harm, incitement, or glorification of violence fall under this category and will almost always result in a suspended X account. Similarly, X has a zero-tolerance policy toward any material or content that features or promotes child sexual exploitation. Violators of this offense can expect immediate and permanent suspension.

Verify your X (Twitter) account

If X thinks your account is suspicious, it'll lock or limit it until you can verify your identity. If you can verify your information, you can generally lift the suspension with a few quick clicks.

When you log in, you’ll see a message stating your account is locked or limited due to suspicious activity. Follow the prompts to verify your phone number or email address. Once you verify your information, change your password as soon as possible to limit the chances of your account being hacked.

Take a look at your privacy settings as well. X's default privacy settings let anyone interact with and see your tweets. If you want to restrict who sees your tweets, you’ll need to make those adjustments.

Secure your X (Twitter) account

Consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection. In addition to providing your password, you’ll be prompted to enter a security key. This additional safety measure helps ensure that you, and only you, can access your account.

To access 2FA within the platform, users need an X Premium subscription, a paid monthly opt-in that enables SMS two-factor authentication. However, if you don’t want to pay for X Premium, you can secure your account with an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or LastPass Authenticator.

File an appeal for mistaken suspensions

When you log in, you may see messages that your account is locked in response to spammy or abusive behavior. If verifying your account information doesn’t remove the suspension and you feel your account has been mistakenly suspended, you will need to file an appeal.

First, log in to the suspended account. Then, open a new browser and file an appeal. You may need to provide proof of identification by photo if your account has been flagged for impersonation. Follow the instructions to remove the suspension on your Twitter account.

In your appeal claim, you’ll be asked for an explanation. Be as descriptive as possible about why your posts don’t violate X.s policies. If your account was hacked and you aren’t responsible for the content posted or messaged from your compromised account, explain that explicitly in your appeal and demonstrate that your account is now back in your control. Lastly, be polite and respectful to help ensure a timely decision to unsuspend your X account.

Correct violations and avoid further suspensions

Take the necessary corrective measures if your account has been flagged as locked or suspended. Delete the post or content quickly. After taking corrective steps, review X's rules, regulations, and Terms of Service to avoid further suspension.

In addition to making sure you’re up to date with the latest policies, familiarize yourself with some activities that typically flag your account as suspicious. Inauthentic behavior, such as large quantity follows, excessive direct messages, and following and unfollowing users in bulk, are all examples of bot behavior and may flag your account as suspicious. Similarly, following unrelated accounts by automated means or using third-party programs to boost your followers may result in a locked account.

Avoid posting duplicate content, and familiarize yourself with X's activity limits to keep your account in good standing:

• Direct messages: 500 direct messages per day
• Posts: 2,400 posts daily. These are broken down into semi-hourly intervals, so strive for less than 100 posts per hour. Keep in mind reposting is considered a post.
• Email account changes: 4 per hour
• Follows: The daily follow limit is 400 followers per day. Once an account reaches 5,000 followers, X implements a ratio-based following limit specific to each account.

Use a VPN to unblock X (Twitter)

A sudden change in location, or multiple location changes, can be a red flag of suspicious activity and lead to a locked X account. If you’re traveling frequently, your account could be flagged. Depending on what countries you visit, you might also run into geo-restrictions. You can avoid both these problems by using a VPN when you travel.

A VPN, or virtual private network, is used to create a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. Every time you get online, your network gives you an IP address that identifies the country, state, city, or zip code in which you’re located. 

A VPN changes your network’s restrictions, allowing you to access X, even if you’re on a network that blocks social media sites (schools or workplaces) or in a country that restricts X's content.

How to use a VPN with Twitter

Using a VPN to unblock Twitter or ensure your Twitter account isn't locked while you travel is fairly simple. We'll use NordVPN as an example here:

1. Sign up for a VPN service like NordVPN. Pro tip: You'll pay less monthly if you opt for a longer subscription.

2. Download the VPN app to your device. Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android —  NordVPN also has apps for Linux and devices like smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles.

3. Open the NordVPN app. You'll see a list of countries where VPN servers are available.

4. Click the country where you want to connect (or click Quick Connect in the top-right corner of the NordVPN app). 

5. NordVPN is now masking your IP address to make it look like you're in the country where the VPN server is located.

Why should you use a VPN?

Along with unblocking access to X and other social media sites, VPNs provide a number of other benefits. A reliable VPN service can:

• Unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms
• Prevent your internet service provider (ISP) from throttling your bandwidth
• Provide protection for those in risky positions, like journalists and whistleblowers
• Stop advertisers from gathering data about you and tracking you across the internet
• Block hackers from accessing your device and data on public Wi-Fi

Best X (Twitter) VPNs

If you aren’t using a VPN, you may want to consider some of these options to enhance your online privacy. Whether you’re looking for the best VPS for iPhones or Android VPNs, these are our X VPN recommendations:

• NordVPN: NordVPN provides fast internet connections, international streaming content, and no data leaks. In addition to the standard benefits of a VPN, NordVPN also offers additional features like ad-blockers and malware protection.
  
  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
• Surfshark: Surfshark allows connection to unlimited devices and boasts a high network of servers, which means you’re more likely to access the internet in restricted areas.
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN has all of the privacy protection of other VPNs, but also supports more streaming services than its competitors. With many server locations, you’ll likely find the region you’re looking for when searching for content.
  
  ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review
• IPVanish: This affordable VPN also offers connection to unlimited devices and the option to connect to the fastest available server. IPVanish offers the most options for customer service help, like call, live chat, and email.
  
  Get IPVanish | Read Our IPVanish Review
• Private Internet Access (PIA): With servers in 84 countries and every state in the U.S., PIA is an affordable VPN with international connectivity.
  
  Get PIA | Read Our PIA Review

What to look for in the best X (Twitter) VPNs

There are tons of great VPN services to choose from, but some outdo the rest with features like:

• Kill switch: This cuts off your internet if your VPN connection is disrupted, ensuring your information doesn't leak.
• Split tunneling: If you use apps or sites that don't play nice with a VPN, split tunneling allows you to bypass the VPN connection while still encrypting all other connections.
• Fast protocols: Look for VPNs with fast and secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Some, like NordVPN (NordLynx) and ExpressVPN (Lightway), use their own protocols.
• No logs: Ensure your new VPN doesn't log any user data, and check for a recent audit by a third party like Deloitte to verify the no-logs policy is upheld.
• Compatibility: Most VPNs are compatible with common operating systems and browsers like Chrome and Firefox. If you use uncommon operating systems or browsers, like Linux or Safari, check to see if the VPN works with them first.
• Free trials: Most VPNs don't offer a free trial, but many do offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is a great way to test the VPN app to make sure it works for your needs—if it doesn't, you'll get a refund.
• Obfuscated servers: Some VPN servers have IP addresses that identify them as VPNs. Obfuscated servers have IP addresses that look normal and hide your VPN usage.

Tips to avoid X (Twitter) suspension

X strives to facilitate a platform for safe public expression. Behaviors such as harassment, bullying, and violence diminish that expression and are therefore banned. The Terms of Service encourage all users to participate in public dialogue, and any speech that threatens that dialogue is subject to removal.

Posting illegal content, spamming other users, using fake information, running a bot, and impersonating other users are quick ways to land your account in suspension. Be aware and follow X's community guidelines and rules to prevent your account from getting locked or permanently suspended.

X (Twitter) suspension FAQ

Bottom line

X can be a curated, engaging platform for users to express themselves and their ideas and interact with and connect with other users. Still, it’s subject to moderation and users following the rules and regulations. 

If your X account is locked or suspended — mistakenly or otherwise — there are ways to remedy the situation. Use safe social media practices and a VPN to keep your account from being flagged while traveling.

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Author Details

Courtney Daybell

About the Author

Courtney Daybell brings over 15 years of experience in print journalism and holds a B.A. in Communications from Brigham Young University. Her focus has shifted to cyber security, where she specializes in topics such as identity theft protection, password managers, antivirus software, and more.

Mary James