Why Is My Facebook Account Restricted? How To Fix It Fast

It’s frustrating when your Facebook account gets restricted without warning. A login from a new device or a failed payment can trigger it instantly. Whether it’s your personal profile or ad account, knowing why your Facebook account was restricted is the first step to fixing it. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What it means when your Facebook account is restricted
• Why Facebook might restrict your account
• Appealing your restriction
• Tips for avoiding future restrictions
• When to make a new Facebook advertising account

Let’s start by discussing what it means to get your account restricted.

What does it mean when a Facebook account is restricted?

A Facebook account is restricted when Meta blocks certain actions because of policy issues or suspicious behavior. This can affect things like posting, ad delivery, or page access, depending on what was flagged.

There are different types of restrictions for various parts of the platform. These include:

• Personal profile: Facebook may block you from commenting, messaging, or even logging in.
  
  
• Ad account: Meta might stop you from running or editing ads and could pause your existing campaigns.
  
  
• Business Manager: Facebook can limit your access or restrict specific assets linked to your account.
  
  
• Facebook page: You might lose the ability to post content, view insights, or use monetization tools.

What’s the difference between a restricted and disabled account?

The difference between a restricted and disabled account comes down to access. A restricted account still works, but certain actions are blocked. You might be able to log in, but you can’t run ads, post, or manage pages, depending on the type of restriction.

A disabled account, on the other hand, is completely shut down. You can’t log in, access assets, or request permissions until Facebook reactivates it.

Why is your Facebook account restricted?

Facebook restricts accounts when something in your activity triggers a security or policy flag. This can happen even if you didn’t break any rules intentionally.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Suspicious activity or IP address changes: Logging in from a new location or unknown device can trigger a temporary restriction.
  
  
• Payment method issues or chargebacks: Declined cards, expired billing info, or chargebacks can cause Facebook to limit your ad account.
  
  
• Policy violations: Even an old ad that violated Meta’s policies can lead to new restrictions.
  
  
• Low trust score: If your ads get hidden, reported, or rated poorly, it can lower your credibility in Meta’s system.
  
  
• Automation-like behavior: Using bots or browser extensions that act on your behalf might trigger automated blocks.

In many cases, the restriction is triggered by Meta’s automated systems, not a manual review. That’s why even experienced advertisers sometimes get flagged.

Can my Facebook account be restricted with no violations?

Yes, Facebook can restrict your account even if you didn’t violate any policies. Most restrictions come from automated systems that flag unusual activity. These systems aren’t perfect and sometimes produce false positives.

Here are a few ways that can happen:

• False positives from automated systems: Meta uses machine learning to detect threats, but it can mistakenly restrict accounts that are actually safe.
  
  
• Login or behavior anomalies: Logging in from a new device, switching locations too often, or rapid activity changes can trigger security protocols.
  
  
• Connected to a banned user: If your Business Manager is tied to someone who violated Facebook’s terms, Facebook may also restrict your account, even if your history is clean.

Additionally, many marketers have shared stories on Reddit and Meta forums about being restricted without a clear reason. You usually need to appeal these cases, which can sometimes take days or weeks to resolve.

How to check if your Facebook account is restricted

If your Facebook account or ad performance suddenly drops, it’s a good idea to check for restrictions. Meta typically sends in-app alerts or emails for major issues, but smaller problems can slip through without a clear warning. Here’s where to look:

• Use the Account Quality tool: Go to Facebook’s Account Quality page to see if your profile, ad account, or Business Manager has any flags.
  
  
• Check Business Settings: In Facebook Business Manager, click on Account Status under settings. This page shows whether your ad accounts or pages have any restrictions.
  
  
• Review email alerts and notifications: Facebook may send alerts about disapproved ads, policy issues, or account reviews, either via email or inside your account dashboard.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Ads are paused automatically
  
  
• Campaigns get disapproved without clear reasons
  
  
• You see warnings inside Business Manager about account quality or access issues

These signs usually mean Meta has placed some kind of restriction, even if it hasn’t been officially labeled yet.

How to request a review or appeal a Facebook restriction

If your account was restricted by mistake or due to a fixable issue, you can submit a review request through Meta’s platform. 

Keep in mind that not all restrictions are eligible for review. If that’s the case, your best move is usually to fix the root issue or start fresh (we’ll cover that later in the article).

Here’s how to request a review:

1. Go to the Account Quality page.
   
   
2. Find the flagged asset: Whether it’s your ad account, Business Manager, or page, click into the section with the restriction notice.
   
   
3. Click “Request Review”: If your account is eligible for appeal, this option will appear. Follow the prompts.
   
   
4. Submit required documentation: This could include a government ID, business verification documents, or payment method proof, depending on the case.
   
   
5. Wait for a response: Most reviews take a few business days, but some can take a week or even longer if you have a complex case.

Before you hit submit, it helps to know what Meta expects in a review request. Here are a few dos and don'ts to follow when appealing:

• Do keep your message clear and professional
  
  
• Do explain what happened and what you fixed (if anything)
  
  
• Don’t send multiple appeals, it can slow down the process
  
  
• Don’t use aggressive language or spam the support inbox

If you're stuck, you can also try Meta’s official contact channels:

• Facebook Business Help Center
  
  
• Meta’s Support Inbox

How to unrestrict your Facebook account (if eligible)

If Facebook gives you a chance to fix the issue, take it quickly. Some restrictions will be lifted within 24 hours once the core problem is solved.

Here’s what to do:

• Resolve policy violations: Use the Account Quality tool or Ad Manager to find the flagged content. Remove or fix the ads, posts, or payment method that caused the issue.
  
  
• Remove suspicious admins: Check your Business Manager roles. If someone with past violations is listed, take them off to avoid being penalized by association.
  
  
• Submit business verification: If requested, upload proof of your business. This usually includes your legal name, address, and documents like a utility bill or tax letter.
  
  
• Be prepared to wait: Meta reviews your account after you make changes, and that process often takes a few days. If they don’t lift the restriction, you’ll need to create a new Business Manager to move forward.

How long do Facebook restrictions last?

Facebook restrictions can last anywhere from a few hours to permanently, depending on what triggered them and whether you take action.

Here are the typical timelines:

• Temporary restrictions: These often last 24 to 72 hours. They’re common after login issues, minor ad violations, or suspicious behavior.
  
  
• Conditional restrictions: These stay in place until you fix the problem or submit a successful appeal. That might mean updating a payment method, removing a flagged ad, or verifying your business.
  
  
• Permanent restrictions: If you’ve had repeated violations or your account was linked to a banned user, the restriction might not be lifted at all.

How to avoid future Facebook restrictions

Once your account is back up, your next goal is to keep it that way. Facebook’s systems track patterns over time, so prevention matters more than fixing things later.

Here’s how to reduce your chances of getting restricted again:

• Follow Facebook’s Ad Policies: Review Meta’s policy page regularly. Ads that slip through once can still get flagged later.
  
  
• Use verified payment methods: Avoid prepaid cards or shared billing info. Stick to a stable, verified payment source tied to your business name.
  
  
• Keep your login patterns consistent: Logging in from multiple countries or devices within hours can flag your account. Stick to known IPs and browsers when possible.
  
  
• Rotate creatives regularly: Repeating the same ad for too long can lead to negative feedback and a drop in CTR for Facebook ads. Keep things fresh with new visuals, copy, and formats.
  
  
• Be selective with access: Don’t add freelancers or agencies unless you trust them. One bad actor can link your account to another that’s already banned.

When to create a new Facebook advertising account 

Sometimes the cleanest option is to start fresh. If your account is permanently restricted or keeps getting blocked even after appeals, creating a new ad account might be the only way forward.

Here’s when it makes sense:

• Your original account is permanently banned
  
• You’ve faced repeated restrictions with no clear fix
  
• Your Business Manager is tied to restricted users or assets

However, starting over comes with risks. You run the risk of:

• Getting in trouble for ban evasion: Facebook may detect the new account and block it if you reuse the same IP, billing info, or domain.
  
  
• Data loss: You’ll lose historical data, audiences, and any performance learnings tied to the old account.
  
  
• Domain blacklisting: If your website URL is flagged, ads pointing to it might still get rejected in the new account.

If you still want to risk it, here’s how you can set up a new account safely:

1. Create a new Business Manager with a verified domain and clean billing details
   
2. Use a different IP address and browser profile. You may need a VPN for this
3. Add only verified admins and team members. Avoid adding people you don’t trust
4. Verify the business before running new campaigns

Once you're live, rebuild your credibility by starting with low-risk ads. Use tools like Bestever to track performance and avoid creative mistakes that hurt your trust score.

How Bestever can help you optimize your creatives

We’ve covered why your Facebook account might be restricted, how to fix it, and what steps to take if it happens again. But if your ads keep getting flagged or your performance takes a dive, the problem might not be your account; it might be your creative.

Bestever is a creative analysis and ad intelligence platform. It helps you improve your ads using real post-launch data, so you can avoid the quality issues that lead to restrictions in the first place.

Here’s how: 

• Analyze your ads' effectiveness: Bestever’s Ad Analysis Dashboard gives you instant feedback on each ad’s visual impact, brand fit, adherence to ad sizes, and engagement potential. It’ll even break down each element in detail. 
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• Get suggestions to improve every frame: If an ad isn’t hitting the mark, ask Bestever to tell you what’s wrong and get instant, actionable suggestions on what to do to fix it. No more guessing or wasting time, your team can start fixing those issues asap. 
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• Understand your audience: Bestever analyzes your website, ad account, and creative history to identify the people most likely to engage. It also helps you shape messaging that aligns with Facebook advertising rules and resonates with the right segments.
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• Rapid asset generation: Fetch AI-generated images, stock photos, and video clips that all fit your brand voice. Then you can share the creatives with your team to create multiple ad variations more quickly.
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• Instant feedback loop: Know immediately why an ad variant underperforms, then pivot before wasting your budget.

Ready to optimize your ads using performance data? Let our team show you how Bestever can help you fix creative issues before they get your Facebook account restricted.

Try a demo of Bestever for free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create a new account if my Facebook ad account is restricted?

Yes, you can create a new account, but it comes with risks. Facebook may flag the new account if it shares the same billing info, IP address, or domain as the restricted one. If you go this route, set up a clean Business Manager, verify your business, and avoid linking it to anything tied to the old account.

What’s the fastest way to get a Facebook account unrestricted?

The fastest way to get an unrestricted Facebook account is to resolve the issue and request a review immediately. Use the Account Quality tool to find the problem, fix it (such as removing flagged ads or updating payment info), then submit a clear appeal with any needed documents.

Can I appeal a Facebook ad restriction more than once?

Yes, you can appeal more than once, but you should only do it if something has changed. If your first appeal fails, fix the issue, gather new information (like proof of identity or payment), then submit again with a clear explanation.

Why does Facebook restrict ad accounts so often?

Facebook restricts ad accounts often because its automated systems scan for anything that could affect user safety or platform integrity. Sudden changes in ad targeting, poor engagement rates, or suspicious behavior like automation tools can trigger a block. Even minor policy issues, like incorrect ad size or missing disclosures, can lead to restrictions.

How do I avoid getting flagged by Facebook’s automated systems?

To avoid getting flagged, keep your account behavior consistent. Avoid logging in from multiple IP addresses, rotate your creatives to prevent fatigue, and make sure your ads follow Facebook’s rules. Running regular ad audits helps catch potential violations early and reduces the chance of getting blocked.

Is it better to verify my business before running ads?

Yes, it’s better to verify your business before you launch campaigns. Verification gives Facebook more confidence in your account, which can improve trust and reduce the risk of restrictions. It also helps unlock more features, including ad automation tools and broader ad targeting options.

What’s the best way to monitor ad performance and compliance?

The best way to monitor ad performance and compliance is to combine Meta’s Facebook reporting tools with a creative analytics platform like Bestever. Bestever breaks down ad targeting, creative performance, and ad size compliance so you can catch issues before they lead to restrictions.