POF doesn’t always explain why it bans users — and that’s what makes it frustrating.
You could get banned for breaking the rules, but also for something as simple as using a flagged word or getting mass-reported by mistake.
Some common reasons include:
- Inappropriate messages or profile content
- Spammy behavior (copy-paste messages, too many likes)
- Getting reported by other users
Once banned, your account is usually gone for good. But the good news? There are ways back in — and we’ll break down exactly what works (and what doesn’t).
Can You Appeal the Ban?
Yes — but you only get one chance, so make it count.
If your POF account was removed and you believe it was a mistake, POF offers an official appeal form here. It’s the only direct way to request a review. But there are rules:
- You have to appeal within 6 months of being banned
- You only get one submission
- If you send multiple appeals, POF may ignore them entirely
POF reviews appeals manually, and responses (if any) usually take a few days. If they don’t reply within a week, you can assume the appeal was denied or ignored.
What to include in your appeal:
- A clear, respectful message
- The email or phone number linked to your account
- A brief explanation (don’t write a novel — keep it focused)
- If you think the ban was a mistake, say that
- If you did something wrong, acknowledge it and show that you understand the rules now
Here’s a basic example to guide you:
“Hi POF team, I believe my account was banned by mistake. I’ve reviewed the community guidelines and I’m not aware of any violations. If I made an error, I sincerely apologize. I’d appreciate a chance to correct things and continue using the platform responsibly. Thank you for your time.”
The tone matters. You don’t need to beg, but avoid blaming or getting emotional. Just stay professional.
Other ways that you can get results:
- POF Instagram: You can send a calm DM explaining their case and got a real response
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): If you were banned unfairly and ignored, you can file a complaint against Match Group (POF’s parent company). In some cases, were given permission to create a new account using the same information
What not to do:
- Don’t send angry or emotional messages — it won’t help
- Don’t flood their support inbox with follow-ups
- Don’t lie or try to guilt them — keep it honest
If your appeal works, great — you’re back. If not, you’ll need to take a different route (we’ll cover that next). Either way, the appeal is your first and best move — so do it right.
How to Get Back After a Ban – Start Fresh
If your appeal didn’t work — or you didn’t bother trying — your only real option is to create a completely new account.
But here’s the catch:
POF bans are usually tied to more than just your email. They can also flag your phone number, device, and possibly even your IP address. So if you try to make a new account using any of the same details, you’ll likely get banned again — sometimes instantly.
To avoid that, you need to wipe the slate clean. Here's exactly how.
Step 1: Use a New Phone Number
POF requires phone verification for all accounts. Once your number is banned, you can’t reuse it.
You must use a different number.
Here are your options:
- Use a second SIM card (if you have one)
- Borrow a number from someone you trust
- Buy a new number from a paid service like DatingZest.
🔒 POF rejects most free VOIP numbers (like TextNow or Google Voice). Don’t waste time with those — they usually don’t work.
DatingZest is a service specifically built to help users get verified on dating apps like POF by providing clean, accepted phone numbers
Step 2: Create a New Email Address
Your old email is permanently banned — don’t try using it again.
Use Gmail, Outlook, or ProtonMail to make a clean, fresh email address just for POF.
Pro tip: Make sure your email and phone number don’t resemble your old ones. Avoid anything that might tip off POF’s system.
Step 3: Change Your Profile Details
Don’t recycle your old profile. Update everything:
- Use a new username
- Write a different bio
- Upload new photos (this matters!)
Avoid using the exact same phrases or layouts in your bio — even small similarities could get flagged
There's a myth that some believe POF uses photo recognition to detect reused images from banned accounts. Don’t risk it. Take new photos or use ones you’ve never uploaded before.
Step 4: Avoid Detection from Devices and IP
POF can track devices — especially through its app. If you got banned using the app, creating a new account on the same phone may fail.
Here’s how to avoid that:
On Android:
- Uninstall the app
- Clear app data/cache
- Reset your Google Advertising ID
- Or better yet, use a different Android phone or an Android emulator (like Bluestacks)
On iPhone:
- POF might flag your device permanently
- Try signing up via Safari in private mode
- If that fails, borrow another iOS device to register
- Avoid restoring backups if you factory reset
On Desktop:
- Clear cookies + use incognito mode
- Use a different browser than before
- Restart your router to change your IP (if dynamic)
- Optional: use a VPN for a new IP
And getting banned again within minutes if they reuse any banned details — POF’s system is fast and unforgiving
What Doesn’t Work (Avoid These)
If you're trying to get back on POF, these common mistakes will shut you down fast:
- Reusing Your Old Phone Number
Doesn’t matter if you change your email or device — if the number was banned, it’ll trigger the ban again.
- Using Free VoIP Numbers
TextNow, Google Voice, and similar apps don’t work. POF blocks most VoIP numbers.
Use a real mobile number or a paid service like DatingZest.
- Using the Same Device Without Resetting
POF can track your device. If you create a new account on the same phone (especially via the app), you might get banned instantly.
Clear all app data or use a different device/browser.
- Paying to Unlock Your Account
POF won’t unban you just because you subscribed. You’ll lose your money and stay banned.
Never pay after the ban — only if your new account is safe.
- Copying Your Old Profile
Reusing your old bio, username, or photos is risky. POF may flag you for ban evasion.
Keep it clean, new, and untraceable.
What You Can Do Now
You’re not stuck — there’s a clear way forward.
If your appeal didn’t work, you’ve got the tools to start fresh the right way. New number, new email, clean setup. It works — as long as you don’t cut corners.
Treat this as a second chance. Take your time, stay within the rules, and avoid the mistakes that got you banned in the first place.
And if POF still isn’t worth it? There are plenty of other apps. What matters is you’re back in control.
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