You’re all set to finally unlock Tinder Gold and see who’s liked you. You tap Buy, wait for the spinning wheel…and suddenly a cryptic message pops up: Error 40036.
Let’s break down what Tinder error 40036 really means, why it happens, and (most importantly) how you can fix it so you can get back to swiping.
What Exactly is Tinder “Error 40036” and Why Does It Happen?
While Tinder doesn’t publicly explain every code, there’s broad agreement that Error 40036 means Tinder can’t process your payment.
Sometimes it’s your payment info, but other times it’s Tinder’s servers, your internet connection, or even a hidden flag on your account. Let’s unravel why it happens.
1. Credit Card Issues 💳
One of the biggest triggers for error 40036 is problems with your credit card. Tinder’s payment system is extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest slip-up can block a transaction.
- Location mismatch: Using your card in a different country or state can trigger fraud alerts.
- Typos: A single wrong digit in your ZIP code or card number can halt your payment.
- Unsupported card type: Just like phone numbers, not all cards work for Tinder’s subscriptions, especially prepaid or gift cards.
- Duplicate payment info: If your card or Apple ID was used on a previous Tinder account, Tinder may block it to avoid duplicate subscriptions.
You may even get an “Oops! Something went wrong.” message alongside error 40036, adding to the confusion.
2. Account Ban or Shadowban 🚫
Another reason for error 40036 is if Tinder has banned or shadowbanned your account.
→ A ban is straightforward: if Tinder bans your account, it often stores your payment details and blocks them from being used again. This prevents banned users from simply creating new accounts with the same card.
→ A shadowban is sneakier. Tinder keeps your account accessible (you can still swipe and chat), but nobody new sees your profile. Matches vanish, likes dry up, and any attempt to pay might trigger error 40036.
3. Internet Connectivity Issues 🌐
A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt the payment process, causing Tinder’s servers to miss your transaction. Things to try:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Turn off any VPNs, as many dating apps flag VPN users as suspicious.
- Restart your router or contact your internet provider if your connection is unreliable.
4. Tinder Server Issues 🛠️
Finally, the problem might not be yours at all. Tinder’s own servers sometimes go down, leaving error 40036 in their wake. Like any app, Tinder can have technical outages that block purchases.
💡 Tip: Check DownDetector to see if other users are reporting Tinder problems before troubleshooting further.
…So, How to Fix Error 40036 on Tinder?
1. Verify Your Credit Card Details
Start by making sure your credit card info is absolutely perfect. Double-check the card number, expiration date, CVC/CVV code, billing address and ZIP/postal code, and the name.
Even a tiny mismatch can block your payment. Also, confirm that your card supports recurring payments if you’re trying to subscribe to Tinder Gold, Plus, or Platinum. Some prepaid and gift cards don’t work for subscriptions.
2. Try a Different Payment Method
If your card keeps failing, try switching it up. This is often the fastest fix. These are the alternatives that often work:
- Another credit or debit card
- PayPal (available on Android and iOS in many regions)
- Tinder eGift Cards
- Google Play or Apple balance
- A friend’s card, if they’re willing to help
3. Remove Old Tinder Accounts Linked to Your Card
If you’ve ever had another Tinder account, old payment links might be blocking your purchase.
On iPhone, your Apple ID can only support one Tinder subscription at a time. If your Apple ID is tied to an old Tinder subscription, you may have to delete that old account entirely to make purchases on your new one.
On Android, similar conflicts happen if the same credit card has been used on multiple accounts.
To fix it, log into any old Tinder accounts, cancel active subscriptions, and delete old accounts linked to your payment method. Once those links are cleared, try purchasing again on your new account.
4. Update, Clear Cache, or Reinstall Tinder
Sometimes error 40036 comes from hidden software glitches, and you must reset your app to fix it:
- Delete Tinder from your device.
- Restart your phone.
- Reinstall Tinder from the App Store or Google Play.
- On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Tinder → Storage → Clear Cache and Clear Data for a complete reset.
- Make sure you’re running the latest app version.
5. Fix Your Internet Connection
A shaky connection can kill transactions. To rule it out, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa), disable any VPN or ad-blocker, and make sure your phone’s date and time are set correctly.
6. Wait 24 Hours and Try Again
If nothing else works, the problem may be on Tinder’s end. Waiting 24 hours magically fixes error 40036. In the meantime, take a break, catch up on Netflix, or call a friend, and try again later!
7. Contact Tinder Support
If error 40036 still won’t budge, it’s time to talk to Tinder support.
Submit a help request under the Billing & Payment section in Tinder’s Help Center, including details like your device type, screenshots of the error, and a list of everything you’ve tried.
Heads up: Tinder support often gives generic advice like “update your app” or “try a different card”. But it’s worth the effort, as sometimes support can escalate your case behind the scenes.
8. Create a New Tinder Account (Last Resort)
If you suspect your account is shadowbanned and payments are blocked, some users choose to start fresh entirely:
– Tinder stores device data, so you need to delete your current Tinder account, wait 24–48 hours, and create a new account with:
- A new, safe phone number (which you can get over at DatingZest!)
- A new email address
- New photos
- A different payment method
- Consider using a different device and Wi-Fi network.
Errors Related to “40036” You Might See
While wrestling with error 40036, you might encounter these siblings:
- Error 50000: A connectivity issue where Tinder can’t load your profile. Often fixed by clearing the cache, updating the app, or switching networks.
- Purchase Failed (iOS): Usually means your Apple ID is tied to another Tinder subscription. The fix: delete your old Tinder account.
- Couldn’t Complete Transaction: Your bank might have flagged the charge as fraud. Call your bank and ask them to approve Tinder charges.
Is Error 40036 an Indicator of Something Bigger?
Lots of people wonder if Tinder forces users to pay to get matches. It’s not technically an error, but it’s a real frustration.
Free users can match, but Tinder’s algorithm limits how visible your profile is. Their daily swipes are also limited, and free users can’t see who liked them unless they pay for Gold or Platinum.
So if you’re swiping endlessly and getting nowhere, it might not be error 40036: it might just be Tinder gently nudging you toward an upgrade.
But if you’re getting zero matches for weeks, especially after resetting your account multiple times, it could signal a shadowban.
In those cases, error 40036 might be part of a bigger problem where Tinder’s system has flagged your profile.
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