How to Fix “Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked”: A Detailed Guide
Error messages stating, “Your IP has been temporarily blocked”, can be very disheartening when trying to access important websites and services. These types of incidents typically arise when websites block IPs due to suspicious activity or policy violations – however, there are various solutions you can employ quickly in order to unblock it again.
Key Takeaway
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Sometimes your IP address can be temporarily blocked by websites and online services if they detect suspicious or abusive activity from your device – like sending too many requests in too short a period – which they view as potentially suspicious behavior from you.
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Protecting websites or services against malicious attacks such as denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks which overload servers and interfere with regular functioning is of utmost importance.
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To remedy an error like this one, it’s necessary to identify its source and take appropriate measures against it. These may include changing your IP address, clearing browser cache and cookies, using VPN/proxy services such as HMA! or Private Internet Access VPN or Proxy service, and/or contacting the website/service provider or waiting for the timer to expire before taking further actions.
What Causes the “Temporarily Blocked IP” Error?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes your IP to be blocked in the first place. Here are some of the most common triggers for IP blocking:
- Too many failed login attempts: If you enter the wrong password multiple times when trying to log into an account, the service may block your IP temporarily as a security measure.
- Spamming or suspicious behavior: If a website detects your IP engaging in spammy activities like sending mass unsolicited emails, it may get blocked.
- TOS violations: Violating a website or service’s Terms of Service agreement through abusive behavior, illegal content posting, etc. can lead to an IP ban.
- Regional blocking: Websites and services sometimes block IPs from certain countries/regions due to compliance issues.
- Shared IP triggers: If someone else on your shared network gets blocked for shady behavior, your own IP may get blocked too.
- Automated tools: Using bots, scrapers, or other automated methods to access websites frequently results in IP blocks.
- Security irregularities: Your IP could get blocked if your device is infected with malware engaged in malicious activities.
IP Blocks are typically implemented as temporary measures by websites and services to counter threats, policy violations, and regional restrictions.
How to Fix “Temporarily Blocked IP Address”
If you encounter the “your IP has been temporarily blocked” error message, here are some of the best ways to get it unblocked quickly:
1. Wait It Out
For minor infractions, IP blocks tend to be short-lived. Depending on the service’s policies, getting your IP unblocked can take as little as 24 hours.
So before trying anything else, simply wait a day and try accessing the website/service again. There’s a good chance the block would have expired by then.
2. Renew/Change Your IP
One way to bypass an IP block is to simply renew your IP address. On most home networks, this can be achieved by resetting your modem or router.
Unplug your modem/router, leave it offline for a few minutes, then restart it. This forces your ISP to issue you a new IP address. Now try accessing the blocked service again.
Alternatively, you can release and renew your device’s current IP address instead of resetting the router:
- Windows: Open the Command Prompt and type
ipconfig /releasefollowed byipconfig /renew. - Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP and click Renew DHCP Lease.
- iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the ‘i’ icon next to your network > Disable Auto-Join > Rejoin the Network.
- Android: Turn on Airplane Mode for a few seconds, then turn it off.
These steps fetch a new IP for your device from the ISP’s pool of addresses. With the refreshed IP, you may be able to bypass the block.
3. Use a VPN
A reliable way to unblock your IP is to mask it altogether with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN assigns you an encrypted virtual IP address, hiding your real public IP.
To the blocking service, it will seem like you are accessing the internet from the VPN server’s location instead of your own. This allows you to bypass IP-based blocks effortlessly.
There are many good VPN services out there, both free and paid. For a blocked IP, a paid option may prove more reliable. Once set up, connect to a VPN server in a different region, and you should be able to access the website or service that blocked you.
4. Try a Web Proxy
Similar to a VPN, web proxies also conceal your real IP address from websites. Using a proxy service essentially routes your web traffic through an intermediary proxy server before accessing the target site.
To use a web proxy for unblocking an IP, simply find a reliable proxy service and input the blocked website’s URL into the proxy. This fools the target site into thinking the traffic is coming from the proxy instead of your blocked IP.
Some popular web proxies include Hidester, Proxysite, and HideMyAss. While free proxies work, paid options are faster and more secure.
5. Use the TOR Browser
The TOR browser is a modified version of Firefox that automatically routes your traffic through the TOR anonymity network. It encrypts and bounces your connections through multiple TOR nodes, preventing sites from tracing your IP back to you.
Thanks to this layered encryption, you can use the TOR browser to access websites and services that have blocked your IP.
The TOR browser bundle can be downloaded for free from the TOR project website. While relatively slow, it is one of the most private and censorship-resistant ways to unblock restricted sites and content.
6. Try a Different Internet Connection
If the blocking only applies to your current IP address, using an alternate internet connection with a different IP can easily circumvent it.
For instance, if you got blocked while on your home Wi-Fi, try accessing the service with your mobile data. Or visit from a friend’s house or a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
As long as the new connection assigns you a fresh IP, you should be able to bypass the temporary block.
7. Contact Support to Appeal the Ban
If nothing else works, get in touch with the support team of the blocking service directly. Many companies are open to unblocking users if contacted politely.
Explain your situation and request they review your block. Be cooperative and assure them you won’t repeat any activities that violate their policies. If the block was accidental or malicious, they may lift it after verifying your case.
Some services like Cloudflare also have automated IP delisting request forms you can use. Make your case clear and provide any evidence needed to prove you don’t intend harm.
Prevent Your IP From Getting Blocked Again
Once you regain access after an IP ban, it’s wise to take steps that prevent repeat blocks in the future:
- Use strong passwords: Weak passwords that are easy to crack will only lead to more blocks due to login anomalies. Use long, complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Avoid spam/abuse: Refrain from bulk emailing, making excessive requests, scraping content, or other spammy activities that may trigger blocks.
- Stay up-to-date: Keep your devices and software updated to avoid getting blocked due to security issues. Malware and unpatched bugs often lead to blocks.
- Don’t share accounts: Never share logins with others, as any blocks resulting from their actions affect you too. Similarly, forbid others on your network from misconduct that could block your IP.
- Use VPNs selectively: Although VPNs help evade blocks, some services forbid them in their policies. Only use reputable VPNs selectively to avoid a permaban.
- Verify site policies: Carefully check a website or service’s terms of use before accessing it to avoid activities that violate policies and cause blocking.
By being mindful of your online behavior and securing your accounts, you can avoid repeat IP blocks in the future.
FAQs About Fixing Temporarily Blocked IPs
Is it illegal to bypass an IP block?
Technically no, but it may violate the blocking service’s policies. If your IP was blocked for solid reasons per a site’s TOS, attempting to circumvent it could lead to harsher action against your account. Tread carefully.
My IP is blocked on one Wi-Fi network but not others. Why?
This indicates the network owner, like your company or college, may have bl*cklisted your IP specifically. This could be due to excessive bandwidth usage or other prohibited network activity linked to your device.
I’m blocked despite using a VPN. How is this possible?
Some services have gotten wise to the use of VPNs to bypass regional blocks and bans. They can employ advanced blocking based on VPN usage patterns and other signals that give away your real identity.
How can someone else get my IP address blocked?
If you are on a shared connection, any blocks resulting from your housemates, public Wi-Fi users, etc. end up affecting your IP as well. Their actions could trigger a block that impacts your ability to access certain sites.
Is it possible to get permanently IP banned?
Yes, services can permanently bl*cklist IPs linked to severe abuse, illegal activities, or repeat offenses at their discretion. Permanent IP bans are difficult to overturn and require appealing directly to the company.
Conclusion
Arriving at a website to discover that “your IP has been temporarily blocked” errors is extremely frustrating; however, there are multiple methods you can employ in order to restore access and unblock your IP.
To rectify an error message, first, identify its source before taking steps to stop it – whether this means changing IP addresses, clearing browser cache and cookies, using VPN/proxy services, or notifying website/service providers as soon as a block has expired or waiting until expiry occurs.
