A virtual prison — is this the future of censorship?
Once upon a time, I was placed in Facebook Jail (FB Jail for short) and it sucked. I use Facebook often not only to talk to friends but because I have Facebook Pages I use for business.
Luckily, I got out of Facebook Jail and I believe I ended up in Facebook Jail because I was “spamming” (we’ll cover this later).
In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about Facebook jail as well as some things I’ve learned about Facebook Jail and some tips I recommend to avoid it and to get out.
If you’re more of a visual learner, be sure to check out the YouTube Video we made on this topic:
We’ll be covering the following topics in this guide:
What is Facebook Jail?
Facebook Jail is a term used to describe when a user is banned, blocked from accessing their account, or from posting on Facebook. It is not an actual jail.
In 2016, Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced backlash after the presidential election for not policing and monitoring their content enough.
With Facebook being a place where there is a strong dissemination of information, some true and some false, they needed a way to further monitor the information put on their platform.
This is one of the reasons “Facebook jail” was implemented.
How to Avoid Facebook Jail?
The best way to avoid Facebook jail, even in its most minor form is to understand Facebook’s Terms and Conditions.
But being realistic, who reads through the whole terms and conditions? With that being said, here is a quick summary of things you should not do:
1. Don’t spam post creations back to back
This means creating too many posts in a short amount of time or posting the same content over and over again.
Posting creations back to back or repeatedly in a short amount of time is one of the common reasons why Facebook may flag your account as spammy or inappropriate. This practice is often seen as disruptive and annoying to other users, and it can result in a lower engagement rate for your content.
2. Don’t comment on too many posts in a short amount of time
Just like spamming post creations, commenting on too many posts in a short amount of time can also result in being placed in Facebook jail.
3. Don’t send too many friend requests in a short amount of time
If you’re sending out friend requests like they’re hotcakes, you might find yourself in Facebook jail. So take it easy on the friend requests!
4. Don’t create too many multiple accounts
If you’re caught creating too many Facebook accounts, you might be placed in Facebook jail. So if you want to have more than one account, make sure they’re both in compliance with Facebook’s Terms and Conditions.
5. Don’t use too many hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people, but using too many of them can result in being placed in Facebook jail. So use them sparingly!
6. Don’t use abusive or hate speech
This should go without saying, but being abusive or using hate speech on Facebook will definitely result in being placed in Facebook jail.
7. Don’t post nudity or other graphic content
Again, this should go without saying, but posting nudity or other graphic content is a surefire way to get yourself placed in Facebook jail. So keep it clean!
8. Don’t promote any illegal products, services, or schemes
Trying to promote any illegal products, services, or schemes is a surefire way to get yourself placed in Facebook jail. So just don’t do it!
9. Avoid being politically correct all the time (this one is a little tricky)
We live in a day and age where everyone has an opinion and we can see that opinion written out on a screen 24/7.
If you’re not careful, being too politically correct or voicing your opinion too strongly on Facebook can result in being placed in Facebook jail. So tread carefully!
10. Don’t spam join Facebook groups
This one is a little trickier because there are times when you might want to join a lot of groups at once (for example, if you’re moving to a new city and you want to find groups in that city).
But if you’re spamming a group joining, you might find yourself in Facebook jail. So just be careful!
11. Don’t spam add or tag people in posts or pictures
Tagging people in posts or pictures is a great way to get their attention, but if you’re doing it too much, you might find yourself in Facebook jail. So just be mindful of how often you’re tagging people!
12. Don’t post spam videos or images such as giveaways
Posting spam videos or images such as giveaways is a surefire way to get yourself placed in Facebook jail. So just don’t do it!
13. Don’t use automated software or scripts to post content
If you’re caught using automated software or scripts to post content, you will be placed in Facebook jail.
14. Don’t use fake accounts or profiles
This should go without saying, but using fake accounts or profiles is a surefire way to get yourself placed in Facebook jail.
Banned From Facebook for No Reason?
Being banned from Facebook can be a frustrating experience. After all, it’s one of the biggest social media platforms in the world with billions of users. But sometimes, people can find themselves banned from Facebook for no apparent reason.
In most cases, this is simply a case of being caught up in one of Facebook’s automated systems.
For example, if you’re suspected of spamming or engaging in other abusive behavior, you may be banned without any human intervention.
However, it’s also possible to appeal these bans. In most cases, you may simply need to provide more information to Facebook’s customer service team.
But in other cases, you may just need to wait it out. Whatever the case may be, being banned from Facebook can be a major inconvenience. But with a little persistence, you should be able to get back on the platform in no time.
Why Are People Put in Facebook Jail?
People are often put in Facebook jail due to performing certain actions or exhibiting certain behaviors on the platform that do not comply with the platform’s guidelines.
There are a number of reasons why someone might be placed in Facebook jail, such as posting spam, abusive comments, or graphic content.
However, it can also be caused by simply violating one of Facebook’s ever-changing rules.
Here are seven common reasons people end up in Facebook jail.
7 Reasons People End up in Facebook Jail
1. Spamming
When it comes to spamming, it can apply to different things such as posting too quickly or sending out too many friend requests.
Posting Too Quickly
You can get flagged for posting too quickly and often. This means posting back-to-back posts one after the other especially if it’s the same information.
The reason this can lead to a flagging from Facebook is that this is how bots often act. To avoid this, just leave some time between each post.
Too Many Friend Requests
The other form of spamming is from sending too many friend requests.
If you send too many friend requests, Facebook could see this as a bad thing because once again, this is how bots behave.
Sending out lots of friend requests, especially to people you may not know, can lead to a visit to Facebook jail. The same applies to sending out too many Facebook group requests.
2. Inappropriate and Explicit Content
The second reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to posting inappropriate or explicit content.
Posting images that are sexually suggestive or nudity on Facebook goes against the community guidelines and standards.
Also avoid posting content regarding self-harm, hate speech, or threats to avoid a trip to Facebook jail.
3. Posting Flagged Images or Videos
The third reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to posting flagged images or videos.
If Facebook has marked or flagged certain images due to spam or for violating the terms, and you post them in your own posts, this can lead to Facebook flagging you — which can lead to a trip to Facebook jail.
4. Logging into Multiple Accounts at the Same Time
The fourth reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to logging into multiple accounts at the same time.
If you log in to Facebook using different accounts at the same time, this can trigger a flag from Facebook and can lead to a trip to Facebook jail.
The reason for this is that this is how bots often behave. It’s recommended that you just use one account on a single device and if you need to have two accounts open at the same time you use a different device.
5. Automated Software
The fifth reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to using automated software.
Using automated software on the platform is a no-no.
Most automated software is programmed to automatically like or comment on posts.
With that being said, if you also do these actions manually such as liking or commenting on posts very quickly and in masses, Facebook might think you are either botting or using automated software.
In either case, both call for a trip to Facebook jail.
6. Fake Accounts
The 6th reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to using fake or imposter accounts.
If Facebook notices you using a fake account due to multiple people reporting your account, then it’s a trip to Facebook jail for you.
7. Fraud Payments
The 7th reason people end up in Facebook jail is due to suspicious payments.
If you make a payment using a fraudulent card, Facebook will ban your account and off to Facebook jail you will go.
What Does Facebook Jail Look Like?
If you’re in Facebook jail, you will know because you will notice certain new restrictions on your account.
You may or may not receive an email or notification from Facebook and it is only when you try to perform certain actions that you will get a notification.
How to Tell if Someone is in Facebook Jail?
Being in Facebook Jail means that the user is restricted from certain actions on Facebook such as posting new status updates, comments, messages, etc.
So the easiest way to tell if someone is in Facebook Jail, is if all of a sudden that person stops being active on Facebook (especially if they used to be very active).
If this is your friend, you may want to text them just to see if everything is all right and they will most likely let you know that they are either taking a break from Facebook or they have been placed in “jail.”
With that being said, let’s say you are the one who ends up in jail, so how do you know if you’re in Facebook Jail?
How do You Know If You’re In Facebook Jail?
So how can you tell if you’ve been placed in Facebook jail? One surefire way is to try and post something and find that you’re unable to. If you’re still able to browse Facebook but your posts are not appearing, it’s likely that you’ve been placed in a limited state.
In some cases, you may also see a message from Facebook informing you that your account has been temporarily blocked. If you think you’ve been unjustly placed in Facebook jail, you can try reaching out to Facebook’s support team.
However, getting out of FB jail is not always easy, so it’s best to avoid being put there in the first place!
Here’s an overview of how to tell you’re in Facebook Jail.
1. Not being able to post on your timeline, on other pages, or on groups
The most common symptom of Facebook jail is not being able to post anything on your timeline, on other people’s timelines, in groups, or on Pages that you manage.
2. Not being able to “like” other’s posts or pictures
Another common symptom is not being able to like or react to other people’s posts. This sucks because you can’t even engage in the basic act of Facebooking.
3. Your messages are disappearing
If you’re messaging people and your messages are mysteriously disappearing, it’s likely that you’ve been placed in FB jail. It’s also possible that the person you’re messaging has blocked you, but if you’re seeing a message that says the person is unavailable, it’s more likely that you’re the one who’s been blocked.
4. You can’t create new events
If you try to create a new event and find that you’re unable to, it’s likely that you’ve been placed in Facebook jail.
This is especially frustrating if you’re trying to plan something like a birthday party or a get-together.
5. You can’t add new friends
If you try to add a new friend and find that you’re unable to, it’s likely that you’ve been placed in Facebook jail. This is especially frustrating if you’re trying to expand your network or meet new people.
6. Not being able to comment on other’s posts or pictures
This is similar to not being able to “like”, but you also can’t leave comments on other people’s posts.
7. Being blocked from accessing your own page or account
This can be a major pain especially if you run Facebook groups and if you use Facebook as a part of your business — especially if you didn’t know you did anything wrong.
With that being said, how do you avoid Facebook jail?
How to Protect Your Account From Facebook Jail
Outside of avoiding these actions, some additional steps to protect your account include:
1. Completing your Facebook profile
Make sure you fill out your profile details so that it is a complete profile.
Check out your page and make sure all the details in the “About” section are filled out and accurate.
2. Verify account via mobile
Verify your account via mobile by adding your phone number to your account. This will show Facebook that you are a real person and not a fake or bot account.
How Do You Get Out of Facebook Jail?
So okay, you’re in Facebook jail maybe by accident or because you did violate some of their guidelines — how do you get out of it? When it comes to getting out of Facebook jail, there are three options.
1. Serve Your Sentence
The first way to get out of Facebook jail is to just “serve” your sentence. In other words, just wait it out.
If you are in Facebook jail, as mentioned, you will receive a notification if you try to post on your timeline or anything of the sort that will say your actions are restricted.
Within the notification, it should also state how long you will be restricted.
If you are only in “Facebook jail” for a day or two then it might be best just to wait it out. But let’s say you committed a serious “felony,” and have to be in Facebook jail for a while — then what are your options?
2. Appeal
The second way to get out of Facebook jail is to file an appeal.
If you know for a fact that you did nothing wrong, then you can select the “This is a mistake” option in the notification and file for an appeal.
You will receive the result of your appeal via email.
3. Create New Account
The third way to get out of Facebook jail is to create a new account.
This option should be the last resort and only be used if you are in Facebook jail permanently/you are blocked.
This may not be ideal especially if you are running a Facebook group for your business, however, you must have really broken the guidelines to end up in this situation so just chalk it up to a learning experience.
With that being said, if you are in this situation, just make sure to follow the Facebook terms and rules next time to avoid any future hassles.
How to Appeal Facebook Jail?
Being in Facebook jail is no fun. Your account is restricted, which means you can’t do a lot of the things you’re used to doing on the site. If you’ve been wondering how to appeal Facebook jail, here are a few tips.
Contact Facebook Directly
First, try contacting Facebook directly. The best way to do this is through the Help Center. You can also try reaching out to a friend who works at Facebook if you have one.
Follow the Terms of Service
Second, be sure to follow the Terms of Service. If you’ve been violating the rules, that’s probably why you’re in Facebook jail in the first place. So, read over the Terms of Service and make sure you’re following them.
Appeal to Friends and Followers
Third, appeal to your friends and followers. Let them know that you’re in Facebook jail and ask them to help you out by liking and sharing your posts. This will help show Facebook that you’re not a troublemaker and that they should lift the restrictions on your account.
Following these tips should help you get out of Facebook jail and back to posting as usual.
How Long Does Facebook Jail Last?
How long you have to “serve” your Facebook jail sentence depends on the type of blocking you received.
You can either be temporarily or permanently placed in Facebook jail. In other words, temporarily blocked or permanently blocked.
1. Temporarily
If you have been placed in Facebook jail temporarily then you will receive a notification on when your account will be unlocked.
Being temporarily blocked is the lowest level offense when it comes to Facebook jail and these don’t last long, maybe just a day or two.
It is always changing though, so just pay attention to the date it says in the notification when you try to perform a blocked action such as posting on your timeline or commenting on a post.
2. Permanently
When it comes to being permanently blocked, it is a more serious and “permanent” situation.
In a less severe form of a permanent block, you may only have some features of the account blocked permanently such as commenting and liking on posts but you could still access other features.
In the most severe form of a permanent block, then this means a complete ban on your Facebook account. It’s a life sentence in Facebook jail.
How to Emotionally Handle Being in Facebook Jail?
Being in Facebook jail can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially if you rely on the platform for social connections or business purposes.
I wanted to provide some ways to emotionally handle and deal with this potentially stressful time in your life
Take a Break
Being forced to stop using a platform provides an opportunity for a mental break from the platform.
Remember that there was a way of living before social media. It was a pretty good way of living as well!
It’s okay to take a break from social media and step away from the platform for a while. This can help you avoid the stress and frustration of not being able to access your account, and it can also give you time to reflect on your social media habits.
Connect with Friends and Family Outside of Facebook
While Facebook can be a great way to stay connected with loved ones, it’s important to remember that there are other ways to stay in touch.
Reach out to friends and family members through other channels, such as phone calls or email, to maintain your relationships while you’re unable to access your account.
Seek Support if You Need It
If being in Facebook jail is causing you significant emotional distress, don’t hesitate to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
It’s important to take care of your emotional well-being during this challenging time.
FAQ About Facebook Jail
What happens when you are in Facebook Jail?
Essentially, Facebook cuts off your access to all of its features and keeps you in a small space where you can’t interact with other users.
How do I know if I am on Facebook Jail?
If you are on Facebook Jail, you will receive the error message “You Can’t Log In Right Now.” This means your account temporarily is locked down until you give additional information about yourself. This will typically happen when too many people report an action of yours. You might find that this happens after posting questionable material or sending out bulk messages.
How long does Facebook bans last?
Facebook bans last anywhere from a few hours to about three months, depending on your past track record and which offense you committed. Some people may even be banned for life if this isn’t their first time being warned.
What words get you banned on Facebook?
There are a lot of things that can get you banned on Facebook, but one of the most interesting things is swearing, hate speech, talks of nudity, and talks of violence.
Final Remarks
We hope you enjoyed this guide on Facebook jail and learned something new about it!
If you want to learn more about Facebook-related topics, also check out our article on the Metaverse.
Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate runs his own professional photography business called Nate Torres Photography. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.