How to Get Out of Twitter Jail

PDF download Download Article
Easily avoid a suspension on X with this user-friendly guide
PDF download Download Article

Twitter Jail is a slang phrase used to describe anyone who has been suspended or shadowbanned on X, formerly known as Twitter. [1] Suspensions can stem from violating X's activity limits, or violating X's rules and terms of service. This wikiHow guide will help you remain in good standing on X, and get out of Twitter jail should you find yourself there.

Things You Should Know

  • Avoid Twitter Jail by following X's activity limits. Do not tweet more than 2400 times a day, and do not send more than 500 DMs in a day.
  • If you are placed in Twitter Jail due to exceeding X's activity limits, simply be patient and wait several hours until the suspension has been lifted.
  • If you believe you have been suspended unnecessarily, you can file an appeal with X.
Section 1 of 4:

Understanding X/Twitter Limits

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes retweets and links. If you exceed this limit, you will be in Twitter Jail until the new 24 hour period begins.
    • This limit is broken down semi-hourly, so users should avoid tweeting more than 100 times within an hour.
    • Repeated violation of this limit could lead to a larger suspension.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you exceed the limit, you will be in Twitter Jail until the next day.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the X platform system finds you retweeting the same links or phrases over and over, you can be sent to Twitter Jail.
    • Limit the amount of links you use in your tweets. Only tweeting outside links is a red flag for a spam account, and can put you in Twitter Jail.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The site refers to this as “aggressive following" and may flag even lesser behavior as jail-worthy.
    • Once your account is following a total of 5000 other users, you can only follow additional accounts in accordance with account-specific ratios laid out by X. [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Exceeding this limit could land you in Twitter Jail.
    • Violating this limit or any other could cause X to view your account as spam, resulting in an increased suspension.
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Understanding X/Twitter Rules

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To protect its users, X has established several safety-related rules. Violating any of these could lead to a long-term or permanent suspension:
    • Use of Violent Speech
    • Affiliating With Violent or Hateful Entities
    • Child Sexual Exploitation
    • Abuse/Harassment
    • Hateful Conduct
    • Perpetrating Real-life Violent Attacks
    • Promotion or Encouragement of Suicide/Self-Harm
    • Sharing Excessively Gory or Sexually Violent Content
    • Soliciting or Distributing Illegal or Regulated Goods
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    X's Privacy rules protect other users from being compromised or endangered by your behavior. X may also suspend your account to protect you if they believe you are the subject of a privacy attack. Avoid the following:
    • Sharing Other People's Private Information
    • Non-Consensual Nudity
    • Account Compromise
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    X's Authenticity rules ensure fair and equal use of the social media site. Violating any of these could lead to a long-term or permanent suspension.
    • Platform Manipulation and Spam
    • Civic Integrity
    • Misleading and Deceptive Identities
    • Synthetic and Manipulated Media
    • Violating Copyright and Trademark [3]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Getting Out of Twitter Jail

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    X generally communicates to its users whether or not they have been suspended. You will see an Account suspended message on your profile page, with a short description explaining the specific term(s) you have violated.
    • You may also receive an email with similar information. If your suspension is specific to a tweet, the email will include that tweet.
    • If you are told that you have violated an X rule, but do not agree with this assessment, you can file an appeal .
      • Before doing so, click here to read the full description of each rule.
    • If your account has been identified as spam, X may ask you to confirm your email address and phone number upon signing in.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Ignore-a-Guy-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Ignore-a-Guy-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Ignore-a-Guy-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Ignore-a-Guy-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you receive the suspension error message when you are trying to tweet, message or retweet after being very active, you are most likely in temporary Twitter Jail.
    • Read the limits section above to see how long you are likely to have an inactive account.
    • After several hours or a day, you can try to tweet again, and it should go through.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Think-Clearly-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Think-Clearly-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Think-Clearly-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Think-Clearly-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    X also has API limits. In other words, they limit the interactions between applications and software more than direct interaction with the X platform website.
    • Many people find it easier to end up in Twitter Jail if they are using a third-party X client, a blog, a phone app and a computer.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If taking protective measures against Twitter Jail doesn't set you free, you may have to file an appeal. You can appeal any violation, although if your account has been accused of abusive behavior, it may be difficult to overturn X’s decision.
    • If X believes they have associated you with spam incorrectly they will likely reinstate your account and apologize.
    • It may take several hours for the account to return to normal. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Managing Your Tweets

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    X has set what they believe are reasonable limits for personal tweeting.
    • Dial back your tweeting for a week, to see if your results actually improve as you are more discerning.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you do not want to limit your tweets or follows, then make a second or third free X account.
    • Try to associate the accounts to each other, so that it will be easy to gain followers who are familiar with your first account.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose whether you want to use the desktop website, mobile app, or a third-party X client.
    • Reducing your X clients will help you to remain within API limits and keep you out of Twitter Jail.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many X users may connect their account to their blog, website, or third-party social media management app to automatically post links to their writing. If you want to post links to your blog yourself, unlink your website from your X account. This gives you greater control over the amount of tweets that go out in relation to your work.
    • If you do not want to tweet new content yourself, then linking your accounts can still be the best option.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Out-of-Twitter-Jail-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you consistently communicate with a good friend or colleague via X DMs, consider having that conversation elsewhere.
    • Direct messaging limits may be easy to reach if you are using them for work or important conversations.
    • Reach out via email or phone to save time with work conversations or networking.
    6. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What triggers Twitter shadowbanning?
    Naveh Ben Dror
    Social Media Security Expert
    Naveh Ben Dror is a Social Media Security Expert and the CEO of Spikerz based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Naveh and his team provide social media protection for content creators, businesses, and enterprises. His professional background is in international brand marketing and e-commerce. Naveh received both his Bachelor of Law and MBA from Reichman University.
    Naveh Ben Dror
    Social Media Security Expert
    Expert Answer
    Shadow banning on Twitter (X.com) can be triggered by various actions that violate the platform's rules and guidelines. Examples include engaging in abusive behavior such as harassment, hate speech, or threats towards other users. Additionally, repeatedly violating Twitter's policies on spamming, such as sending a high volume of unsolicited messages or posting duplicate content, can lead to shadow banning. Using automated tools or bots to artificially amplify engagement, manipulate trends, or spread misinformation may also result in shadow banning. Furthermore, posting or sharing content that contains violence, adult material, or copyrighted material without permission can trigger punitive measures, including shadow banning. It's important to follow Twitter's community standards to avoid being shadow-banned and maintain a positive experience for yourself and other users.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    I reached the Twitter DM limit. How long do I have to wait until I can DM someone again?
    Community Answer
    You must wait until 12 AM of that day. You should be able to DM someone by the next day.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 20
  • Question
    My Twitter account says there may have been suspicious activity and I have to reset my password, but even when I reset it, I get the same prompt and cannot log in. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If you're using a mobile device, try switching your password on a computer. It worked when that happened to me.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 25 Helpful 13
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find People on Twitter
      How to
      Defeat a Twitter Addiction
      How to Contact Twitter: Email, Support Tickets, Forms, & More
      Easy Ways to Unlock or Unsuspend Your Twitter Account
      3 Quick Ways to Sign Out of Your Twitter (X) Account
      How to See All Comments on a Tweet
      Am I Shadowbanned on Twitter? Here's How to Check
      How to View Twitter Without an Account
      2 Simple Ways to Make a New Twitter Account
      3 Easy Ways to Completely Delete All of Your Tweets
      How to Search Tweets from a Specific User
      How Do You Remove a Follower from Twitter?
      How to
      Send a Private Message on Twitter
      How to Delete an Old Twitter Account You Can't Access (Deactivate Without a Login)
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about using social media, check out our in-depth interview with Naveh Ben Dror .

      References

      1. ↑ http://schott.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/twitter-jail/?_r=0
      2. ↑ https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-limits#
      3. ↑ https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-rules
      4. ↑ http://inspiretothrive.com/2013/06/twitter-jail/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 339,410 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Kim Hunter

        Aug 14, 2018

        "I had no idea Twitter had set tweet limits. "
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement