Nowadays, Grindr is the most popular social network for male-identifying GBTQ+ community members who want to connect. Unfortunately, many Grindr users fail to adhere to the app’s policies, resulting in their accounts being suspended or permanently banned.
In most cases, you can appeal your suspension by contacting Grindr directly, but it isn’t always that easy. If your Grindr account is banned, here are a few reasons why that might be the case (and what you can do about it).
RELATED: Twitter freaks out over Apple’s Grindr & Scruff “Ban”
Why Did Grindr Suspend My Account?
Grindr protocols exist for a reason – mainly, to provide users with a safe space to connect. If you suddenly can’t access your Grindr profile, chances are you might have violated any of the following guidelines.
Harassment
The number one policy break on the Grindr app is harassment. Harassment can span any untoward behaviors such as:
- Insulting other users directly or on forums
- Falsely reporting other accounts out of spite
- Threatening others
- Creating new accounts to connect with users who have blocked you
You can also get locked out of your Grindr account for using hate speech and promoting discrimination. Accounts that post graphic content such as depictions of self-harm may also get banned.
Pornography
While users can exchange explicit photographs with consent through private channels, Grindr does not allow sexual content on public forums. Pirating and sharing professionally filmed pornography is also considered an offense – you can only share personal photos.
Illegal Activity
Other than the offenses above, Grindr can also suspend your account for the following illegal activities:
- Drug abuse (selling and buying)
- Fraudulent activity
- Solicitation
Spamming Or Advertising
Using your Grindr account for anything other than connecting with others can result in a device ban. Unacceptable activities include advertising a product or service and sending spam mail to other users.
Impersonation
As with any dating app, using another person’s information and photographs can result in a ban on your Grindr account. In such cases, other users can report your profile as fake. However, this ban is usually temporary, and you can often appeal your case to create a new account.
Applying As A Minor
You cannot use Grindr if you are underage, as its content is designed exclusively for adults. Furthermore, those who suspect others as minors are obligated to report those Grindr users. In some cases, underage profiles might even involve the authorities.
How To Bypass The Grindr Ban
If you are locked out of the Grindr app and want to appeal your suspension, here are a few tips on how to circumvent the Grindr ban.
Ban Appeals
One way to recover your Grindr data is to send an appeal letter to Grindr itself. Here are the steps you can take to contact Grindr directly:
- Access the Grindr Help Center.
- Select Ban Appeal from the given options.
- Fill out the form and attach any necessary documents.
- Submit the form and await a response.
Moderators typically review appeals within two weeks. If you do not get a response from Grindr within that time, you can submit a demand letter.
Best Grindr Alternatives
If you prefer not to use a VPN or Grindr doesn’t respond for any specific reason, you can always give other online dating alternatives a shot. Here is a list of our favorite iOS and Android male-to-male dating apps.
Scruff
Scruff isn’t just a hook-up app – many a user have discovered their future spouses on it, and there’s a very good chance you might, too! The app is known for its Scruff Match feature that links you up to other single users who are looking to get into a relationship.
Hornet
Sometimes referred to as the “better version of Grindr,” Hornet is one of the largest gay dating sites in the world with over 30 million active accounts. Although not specifically designed for MSMs, the app caters to bisexual, gay, transgender, and queer individuals who want to share tips and stories online or connect with others in the community.
Jack’d
Jack’d is famed for being an incredibly diverse space specific to gay and bisexual men who want to meet up with friends and future partners. In addition, its pro version is more affordable than most other apps and allows users to safely share intimate photos and videos.
Hinge
Hinge is very similar to Tinder or Bumble in that it isn’t MSM-specific. What sets it apart from its competitors is its personality-revealing prompts that help account holders match up with like-minded dates. Hinge is especially unique in that its eventual goal is to get members to “delete the app for good” with its Nobel Prize-winning algorithm.
The Bottom Line
There are many reasons you or other Grindr users might get banned from the app. For example, you might have committed a policy infraction or live in a place where you can’t create an account. The good news is that there are many ways you can recover your profile.
If you find yourself locked out of your account, we hope this guide on how to get unbanned from Grindr helps!
RELATED: Grindr Data Pinpoints Tops
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Heywood Jablowme
Apparently there are a lot of Queerty readers who get banned from Grindr for harassment, spamming, impersonation, or illegal activity and “need” to get back on it? Queerty is so helpful!
bivector
Why would you write this? If somebody is psycho enough to earn a Grindr ban, some real world socializing until they move or buy a new phone will do them some good. Give them (and everyone else) time for some therapy and self reflection.
Openminded
My thoughts exactly. I guess we can expect a tutorial on “How to cheat on your Taxes” next week.
Hank31
Getting banned from Grindr is like getting expelled from a sewer.
BoylesqueBubble
Dan, this is important why? You get paid to write this stupid garbage?
TheAbsoluteTRUTH
Waste of an article, i report the endless meth T dealers on grindr constantly who get banned and all it takes is a new e-mail, they make it sound hard to get back on which it isn’t. I actually found humor in one tina dealers profile saying stop reporting me if not interested move on. Uh NO you community killing dirtbag I’m sorry not sorry u have to keep creating profiles to continue killing your community u scumbag
Chrisk
Back in my using days I’d of felt different. Let us have our fun!! A dealer was providing a service. If he didn’t do it then the user would just find someone else.
Dealers selling meth can be very triggering to many recovered users. There’s a very strong sex/drug connection to it that’s practically inescapable. By getting them kicked off you’re saving allot of relapses and ruined lives.
winemaker
I just can’t stop laughing about all the prohibitions and BS you have to go through just for what’s basically a hookup. Having said that, really if you’re into meeting real men who for the most part don’t have time for this kind of kindergarten like nonsense, try some of the old fashioned means of meeting real men, for example, the gym, interest groups where you share common interests, church etc. and as they say the limits for meeting hopefully quality men are virtually endless. In such places there’s a chance you might have some things in common and you can meet one on one instead of on a screen where sadly, lots of phonies and creeps make these encounters chancy thus wasting valuable time and emotions.. Meeting guys through day to day life, wow, what a strange concept.
Invader7
I haven’t been “banned” from Gridnr or any other app. I’ve deleted my profiles on quite a few, because the same tired, time wasting anal orifices mucked up said apps for everyone. I was so over the kindergarten / childish BS . And quite a number of the BS’ers are meth users..which is a MAJOR turn off. Those losers / users / abusive negative wastoids are so spun out on the drug and they’re HORRIBLE lays ..They just lay there and expect the other guy to do ALL the work , another MAJOR turn off. I could go abck on those apps ( as a social experiment ) and the same BORING jerks would still be lurking in the shadows… On 2 apps the same guy was trying to scam people out of $$$.. Wasn’t too bright though. Got him banned & PROSECUTED on FEDERAL charges…