What is a Tinder Shadowban?

by Ryan Hart | Updated on May 23, 2024 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re an active Tinder user, you’ve probably heard of the term “shadowban.” A shadowban is a punishment that Tinder imposes on users who violate their community guidelines.

It restricts your profile’s visibility, making it difficult for you to match with other users. If you’re not getting any matches on Tinder, it could be a sign that you’ve been shadowbanned.

Other signs include:

  • A sudden drop in the number of likes you receive.
  • An increase in the number of spam accounts that match with you.
  • The inability to see your profile when you search for it.

If you suspect that you’ve been shadowbanned, there are steps you can take to reset your account and regain your visibility on the app.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a Tinder shadowban is, how to recognize it, and how to reset your account.

Woman using Tinder app

What Does Shadow Banned Mean?

If you are experiencing issues with your Tinder account, such as not receiving matches or messages, you may have been shadowbanned.

A shadowban is a type of ban that hides your profile from other users without notifying you. This can happen if you violate Tinder’s community guidelines or terms of service.

When you are shadowbanned, your profile will still be visible to you, but other users will not be able to see it. This means that you will not receive any matches or messages, and your profile will not appear in other users' search results.

The shadowban can last indefinitely, and there is no way to lift it once it has been applied to your account.

To avoid being shadowbanned, following Tinder’s community guidelines and terms of service is important. These guidelines include:

  • Not using inappropriate language or behavior.
  • Not spamming other users.
  • Not using fake or misleading profile information.

If you suspect that you have been shadowbanned, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the issue.

The first step is to delete your account and create a new one. This will give you a fresh start and may help you avoid being shadow-banned again in the future.

You can also try contacting Tinder’s customer support team to see if they can help you lift the shadowban. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to do so, as the decision to shadowban an account is typically final.

Signs of a Shadowban

If you suspect that you have been shadowbanned on Tinder, there are some signs that you can look out for. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • No Likes or Lack of Matches: If you have been using Tinder for a while and suddenly notice that you are not getting any likes or matches, it could be a sign that you have been shadowbanned. However, keep in mind that this could also be due to other factors, such as changes in your profile or a decrease in active users in your area.
  • Matches Disappear: If you had matches before and they suddenly disappeared, it could be a sign that you have been shadowbanned. However, keep in mind that matches can also disappear for other reasons, such as if the other person unmatched you or deleted their account.
  • Likes Don’t Lead to Matches: If you are getting likes, but they are not leading to matches, it could be a sign that you have been shadowbanned. However, keep in mind that this could also be due to other factors, such as the other person not being active on the app or not being interested in your profile.
  • Messages Not Sending: If you are unable to send messages to your matches, it could be a sign that you have been shadowbanned. However, keep in mind that this could also be due to technical issues with the app or with your internet connection.
  • You Can’t See Who Liked or Matched with You: If you are unable to see who liked or matched with you, it could be a sign that you have been shadowbanned. However, keep in mind that this could also be due to changes in the app’s algorithm or settings.

However, it is important to note that these signs can also be due to other factors, so it is best to check with Tinder’s customer support to confirm whether or not you have been shadowbanned.

Reasons for a Shadowban

The dating service could place a shadowban on your account without warning if you do something wrong, like breaking Tinder’s community guidelines. Here are some of the possible reasons for a shadowban:

Violating Tinder’s Community Guidelines

Tinder has strict community guidelines that all users must follow. These guidelines are in place to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the app.

If you violate these guidelines, you could be shadowbanned. Some of the things that could get you shadowbanned include posting inappropriate pictures, using hate speech, or engaging in violent behavior.

Inappropriate Behavior

Inappropriate behavior is another reason why you might get shadowbanned on Tinder. This includes sending inappropriate messages to other users, using the app for solicitation or prostitution, or engaging in any other behavior that is not in line with Tinder’s terms of service.

If you receive a warning for inappropriate behavior and continue to engage in such behavior, you could be shadowbanned.

Spamming and Scamming

Spamming and scamming are also reasons why you might get shadowbanned on Tinder. This includes sending spam messages to other users, promoting products or services, or engaging in any other behavior that is meant to scam other users.

If you receive a warning for spamming or scamming and continue to engage in such behavior, you could be shadowbanned.

Impersonation and Misrepresentation

Impersonation and misrepresentation are also reasons why you might get shadowbanned on Tinder. This includes using someone else’s pictures or pretending to be someone that you’re not. If you receive a warning for impersonation or misrepresentation and continue to engage in such behavior, you could be shadowbanned.

How to Avoid a Shadowban

If you want to avoid being shadowbanned on Tinder, you can do a few things to maintain appropriate behavior and follow Tinder’s guidelines.

Maintaining Appropriate Behavior

To avoid being shadowbanned on Tinder, it’s important to maintain appropriate behavior. This means not engaging in any behavior that is considered inappropriate or offensive. Some examples of inappropriate behavior include:

  • Sending unsolicited explicit messages or photos
  • Harassing or bullying other users
  • Using hate speech or discriminatory language
  • Pretending to be someone you’re not

By maintaining appropriate behavior, you can avoid being flagged by other users and reported to Tinder, which could result in a shadowban.

Following Tinder’s Guidelines

Tinder has specific guidelines that all users are expected to follow. These guidelines cover everything from profile pictures to messaging etiquette. To avoid being shadowbanned on Tinder, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines and follow them closely.

Some of the most important guidelines to keep in mind include:

  • Only using appropriate profile pictures
  • Not using the app for commercial purposes
  • Not engaging in spam or scamming behavior
  • Not sharing personal information with other users

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your account stays in good standing and avoids being shadowbanned.

Avoid Spamming and Scamming

One of the most common reasons for a shadowban on Tinder is engaging in spamming or scamming behavior. This can include sending mass messages to multiple users, using fake profiles, or soliciting money or personal information from other users.

To avoid being shadowbanned for spamming or scamming, it’s important to avoid any behavior that could be perceived as spam or scamming. This means not sending mass messages, not using fake profiles, and not soliciting money or personal information from other users.

Resetting a Shadowbanned Account

If you suspect that your Tinder account has been shadowbanned, resetting your account may be the best course of action. Here are three methods you can use to reset your account and avoid getting shadowbanned again.

Deleting and Creating a New Account

One way to reset your account is to delete your old account and create a new one. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open Tinder and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap “Delete Account.”
  4. Confirm that you want to delete your account.
  5. Uninstall Tinder from your device.
  6. Create a new account with a new phone number, Facebook account, email address, and IP address.

Changing Associated Information

Another way to reset your account is to change the information associated with your account. This includes your phone number, Facebook account, email address, and IP address. Here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Get a new phone number and SIM card.
  2. Create a new Facebook account.
  3. Use a new email address.
  4. Change your IP address by using a VPN or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.

Using a New Device

If you have tried the above methods and are still having issues, you may want to try using a new device. In this way, you will be able to avoid any potential problems with your old device or IP address. Here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Uninstall Tinder from your old device.
  2. Get a new device or use a different device.
  3. Create a new account with a new phone number, Facebook account, email address, and IP address.

Remember that resetting your account is not a guarantee that you will avoid getting shadowbanned again. To avoid getting shadowbanned in the future, make sure to follow Tinder’s terms of service and guidelines.

Man using Tinder

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you are shadowbanned on Tinder?

When you are shadowbanned on Tinder, your profile becomes invisible to other users. This means that even if you swipe right on someone, they won’t be able to see your profile or match with you. You won’t receive any notifications or messages from Tinder about the shadowban, and you won’t be able to tell that you are shadowbanned unless you notice a sudden decrease in matches or activity on the app.

How to reset a Tinder account?

If you think you have been shadowbanned on Tinder, resetting your account is one way to try and fix the issue. To reset your account, go to your profile settings and select “Delete Account.” Once you have deleted your account, create a new one with a different email address and phone number. Keep in mind that resetting your account should be a last resort, and it’s important to address the underlying issues that led to the shadowban in the first place.

Can you be shadowbanned on Tinder and still get matches?

Yes, you can be shadowbanned on Tinder and still get matches. However, your matches won’t be able to see your profile or message you, so any matches you get will be essentially useless until the shadowban is lifted.

Why am I getting no matches on Tinder all of a sudden?

There could be a number of reasons why you are suddenly getting no matches on Tinder. It could be due to changes in the app’s algorithm, a decrease in your activity on the app, or even a shadow ban. If you suspect that you have been shadowbanned, try resetting your account or contacting Tinder support for more information.

Does Tinder shadowban go away?

Yes, Tinder shadowban can go away. However, the length of time it takes for the shadowban to be lifted can vary depending on the severity of the issue and how quickly Tinder support is able to resolve it.

How long does Tinder shadowban last?

There is no set time limit for how long a Tinder shadowban can last. Some users have reported being shadowbanned for a few days, while others have experienced the ban for several weeks or even months. The best way to get your account back to normal is to address the underlying issues and contact Tinder support for assistance.

About the Author:
Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a licensed insurance agent, writer, and former home designer. He is on a mission to help couples protect their homes in retirement with life insurance and annuities.

Want to connect with Ryan? Click here to get his FREE retirement planning newsletter

Plan Your Retirement in Just 3 Minutes a Day

The latest 401k, Medicare, and Social Security news — in your inbox — every morning.

Try the FREE newsletter