Are you seeing “You’re almost there! To help us fight spam, please complete this verification step”. or “Validation Failed, please try again” on Grindr?
Sometimes it’s followed by “Something went wrong. Tap to retry”. Other times, you’re met with a blank white screen. This is how to fix the spam verification error on Grindr!
Why Does the Spam Verification Error Happen on Grindr?
The Grindr spam verification process during sign-up is meant to detect bots and scammers. Usually, it involves a CAPTCHA challenge or sending a one-time SMS code.
Note: This problem is different from “Registration Error” on Grindr, although both can appear during sign-up.
Several things can trigger this problem, and knowing which one applies to you is the key to fixing it:
- Grindr-side issues, like temporary outages, server overloads, outdated app versions, etc.
- Suspicious behavior, such as continuously deleting and recreating accounts, reinstalling the app, or attempting multiple sign-ups in a short period.
- Network issues, including unstable internet connections, public Wi-Fi with content filters, or IP addresses blocked for security reasons.
- Past Grindr bans, which cause your device and account to be blacklisted.
- Reaching the limit of five accounts per number, which can block new sign-ups.
This Grindr problem is frustrating, but there are ways to get around it. Try out these 8 steps to solve it (they’ve helped many users fix the Spam Verification issue!):
1. Restart and Update the Grindr App
Force quit Grindr completely, then update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
If you’re on Android, clear Grindr’s cache and data (called Offload App on iPhone):
- Go to Settings ➡️ Apps ➡️ Grindr ➡️ Storage ➡️ Clear Cache
On iPhone, uninstall and reinstall the app to clear cached data automatically. After doing this, restart your device and try signing up again.
2. Sign In With Google, Apple, or Facebook
Use a third-party login instead of signing up with your email and password. On the sign-up screen, choose “Sign in with Google”, “Sign in with Apple”, or “Sign in with Facebook”.
Create a new Google or Apple account specifically for Grindr to solve the spam verification screen entirely and proceed with registration.
If you don’t have a new account, consider making one because this method works for many people. Results with Facebook can vary, but it’s worth trying if other options fail.
3. Change Your Internet Connection
Sometimes, the verification screen doesn’t load because of your network. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice versa. Public Wi-Fi often causes problems because it can block Grindr’s verification pages.
If you’re using a VPN, turn it off and sign up again. VPNs can make your connection appear suspicious or route you through countries where Grindr is blocked.
However, if you live in a country where Grindr is censored, a VPN might be necessary. So, connect to a country where Grindr works normally, and then attempt registration.
4. Use a New Phone Number for Grindr
If Grindr won’t send you a verification code, your number might be blocked. In this case, sign up with a new phone number.
- A second SIM card.
- A paid real number service, such as DatingZest, which provides numbers specifically for dating app verification.
Grindr often doesn’t verify free public phone numbers and SMS sites because they are used by spammers, so avoid them.
You don’t need to give out your real phone number, but once your Grindr account is linked to a new number, you’ll need access for future verifications or account recovery.
5. Turn Off Ad Blockers or Network Filters
If you see a blank white screen during sign-up, check whether you’re using ad blockers, private DNS services, or parental controls.
These tools can block the scripts or pages that Grindr needs to verify you. Turn them off temporarily and try the sign-up process again.
6. Wait 24h Before Retrying
Sometimes, Grindr’s anti-spam system locks you out temporarily if you attempt to sign up too many times in a short period.
Wait for 24 to 48 hours before retrying. Don’t reuse your email or number after deleting an account; Grindr recommends waiting at least one day before signing up again to avoid getting blocked.
Alternatively, if servers are down, wait until they’re back up to use the app again. Periodically check Grindr’s status!
7. Do a Factory Reset or Use a Different Device
If you’ve been banned at the device level, nothing else may work until you change your phone because Grindr can recognise device identifiers. Try out a factory reset:
- On iPhone, erase your device and set it up as new (don’t restore backups).
- On Android, do a factory reset and use a new Google account afterward.
Alternative: Borrow someone else’s phone, create the account there, and then log in on your own device. Be cautious, though, because even logging in with a new account might trigger another block.
Tip: Although not a Match Group app, Grindr, too, retains data for up to 2 years. Don’t reuse old info (e.g., photos, usernames, or bios), or your new account might get re-banned instantly.
8. Contact Grindr Support
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t sign up, it’s time to reach out to Grindr Support. Provide as many details as possible, including:
- The type of device and operating system you’re using.
- Screenshots of any error messages.
- A list of troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
Sometimes, support will confirm that your profile or device has been flagged for spam. In some cases, they have manually fixed such mistakes. It’s not always quick, but it’s the only way back onto the app.
Is the Spam Verification Error a Grindr Ban?
Not always, but a Spam Verification issue and a ban could be related on Grindr.
If you’ve deleted accounts repeatedly or tried creating too many accounts in a short time, Grindr may temporarily block your device or IP to prevent abuse.
If your previous account was banned, trying to sign up again with the same device or number often triggers this error, too.
Check your email for any ban notifications from Grindr. If you’re unsure whether you’re banned, try signing up with a new number through a service like DatingZest.
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