So, your Twitter account is suspended. Why? And now what? 

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

If your Twitter account is locked, limited, or suspended, you can take some simple steps to get your account active 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 Twitter account.

Determine why the Twitter account is suspended

Twitter’s automated systems moderate the platform, searching for accounts that violate the terms of service on the site. If an account goes against Twitter’s rules, the account may be subject to suspension.

The severity of the suspension depends on the violation. Some accounts may be locked or limited due to suspicious activities, while account suspension is usually reserved for repeat offenders or violations of a specific policy that poses a risk to the platform or users. There are three common types of Twitter suspensions, so if your Twitter 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: Twitter 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 a Twitter account from public view and prohibit the user from creating other accounts.

If your account is permanently suspended, you’ll want to deactivate your account. Inactive accounts pose a security risk, and deactivating your suspended Twitter account can help you stay safe on social media.

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

• 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 Twitter 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 a Twitter account. Violent threats, wishes of harm, incitement, or glorification of violence fall under this category and will almost always result in a suspended Twitter account. Similarly, Twitter 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 Twitter account

If Twitter thinks your account is suspicious, they’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 Twitter privacy settings as well. Twitter’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 go in and adjust privacy settings.

Secure your Twitter account

For an extra layer of protection, consider implementing two-factor authentication. 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 two-factor authentication within the platform, users need a Twitter Blue subscription, a paid monthly opt-in subscription that enables SMS two-factor authentication. However, if you don’t want to pay for Twitter Blue, you can secure your Twitter 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 photo proof of identification 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. In your explanation, be as descriptive as possible about why your tweets don’t violate Twitter’s policies. If your account was hacked and you aren’t responsible for the content tweeted 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 Twitter account.

Correct violations and avoid further suspensions

If your account has been flagged as locked or suspended, take the necessary corrective measures. Delete the tweet or content quickly. After taking corrective steps, review Twitter’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 tweeting duplicate content, and familiarize yourself with Twitter’s activity limits to keep your account in good standing:

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

Use a VPN to unblock Twitter

A sudden change in location, or multiple location changes, can be a red flag of suspicious activity and lead to a locked Twitter account. So if you’re traveling frequently, your Twitter 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, virtual private network, is used to create a secure, private network. Every time you connect to the internet, 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 Twitter, even if you’re on a network that blocks social media sites like Twitter (schools or workplaces) or in a country that restricts Twitter 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 per month if you opt for a longer subscription length.

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 you want to connect to (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 Twitter 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 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 Twitter 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 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 take the VPN app for a test run to make sure it works for your needs — if it doesn't, you'll get a refund.

Tips to avoid Twitter suspension

Twitter strives to facilitate a platform for safe public expression. Behaviors such as harassment, bullying, and violence diminish that expression and are therefore banned by Twitter. Twitter’s 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 Twitter suspension. Be aware and follow Twitter’s community guidelines and rules to prevent your account from getting locked or permanently suspended.

Twitter suspension FAQ

Bottom line

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

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

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Author Details

Courtney Daybell

About the Author

Courtney Daybell is a freelance writer interested in online privacy. She has written on technology, real estate, marketing, and more. Courtney has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Brigham Young University.