A new issue is frustrating Tinder users: getting stuck in an endless CAPTCHA puzzle, unable to prove they’re human. The likely culprit? Shadowbanning.
But don’t worry—I’ll show you how to fix this problem once and for all.
Why Is Tinder’s CAPTCHA Glitching?
Tinder hasn’t officially addressed this issue, making it tricky to pinpoint the exact cause.
However, after digging through online reports, I’ve found a few possible explanations:
1. You’re Shadowbanned or Banned
The majority of users experiencing this issue are shadowbanned or have had their accounts banned before.
Tinder tracks users based on their phone numbers and other data, and if you’ve been flagged before, the platform may be blocking you from getting back in.
Essentially, Tinder is locking you out as a form of punishment.
2. It’s a Glitch
Some users have managed to bypass the CAPTCHA simply by retrying multiple times. This suggests there may be a technical issue—either on Tinder’s end or yours.
If you’re stuck, check your internet connection, clear your cache, or try switching devices to see if that helps.
Tinder errors like this one can sometimes be temporary, similar to the ‘Oops! Something went wrong’ issue.
3. Tinder Thinks You’re a Bot
Tinder uses automated systems to detect bot-like behavior. If your profile is missing key details, you’re using a VPN (which Tinder discourages), or you’ve been reported by multiple users, Tinder might suspect you’re not real.
Even if you’re human, too many reports could flag your account for review, keeping you stuck in verification.
If Tinder suspects unusual activity, your account might be under review.
How to Get Out of Tinder’s Puzzle Verification
Since Tinder hasn’t officially acknowledged this issue, we have to rely on possible solutions. The key is identifying the cause of your specific problem and applying the right fix.
To save time and effort, start with the simplest methods before moving on to more drastic measures.
1. Keep Trying Until It Works
Many users have managed to solve this issue by simply persisting. They tried completing the puzzle 3 to 4 times before it finally worked.
To be thorough, attempt it at least 10 times in case it’s just a temporary glitch on Tinder’s end. Keep going, even if the dice puzzle seems impossible, until you solve it correctly.
If that doesn’t work, Exit the app and wait 24 hours before trying again. If you've attempted verification too many times, Tinder may temporarily block you.
If the issue persists, get a new number and create a fresh Tinder account using DatingZest’s Tinder service—this will help you bypass the human puzzle completely and get back to swiping.
2. Check Your Internet Connection and Disable VPN
I have 2 hypotheses regarding the role your internet connection might be playing in the Tinder puzzle loop.
1. Poor Wi-Fi Connection
If your internet is unstable, Tinder may not properly register your puzzle attempts, causing it to keep throwing you back into verification.
To fix this:
- Check your Wi-Fi connection and make sure it’s stable.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connection.
- Switch to mobile data and try again.
- Use a different internet source, like a nearby café’s Wi-Fi.
2. You’re Using a VPN
VPNs can be useful if your IP is blacklisted, but Tinder actively discourages them. Since VPNs can interfere with Tinder’s verification processes, they might be causing the puzzle loop.
To stay on the safe side, disable any VPNs (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) before attempting the human verification puzzle..
3. Get the Puzzle Piece Wrong on Purpose
Some users have surprisingly bypassed the Tinder puzzle loop by intentionally getting the puzzle wrong a few times.
Why does this work? While we don’t have an exact answer, it could be because Tinder is forced to refresh the verification process instead of keeping you stuck in the same loop. Think of it as a wake-up call for Tinder’s system to register a different response.
If you’ve been repeatedly failing despite solving the puzzle correctly, try messing it up on purpose and see if that triggers a new verification prompt or lets you proceed.
4. Clear the Tinder App’s Cache and Data
Tinder’s cache stores temporary files, and if these get corrupted, they could be causing the verification issue. Clearing the cache can help refresh the app without deleting your account.
How to Clear Cache on Android:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Tinder → Storage.
- Tap “Clear Cache” (⚠️ Avoid “Clear Data” for now).
- Restart the app and try the puzzle again.
How to Offload Tinder on iPhone:
iOS doesn’t have a direct cache-clearing option, but you can offload the app:
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Tinder.
- Tap “Offload App” to remove temporary files while keeping your data.
- Reopen Tinder and try the verification again.
If clearing the cache doesn’t work, your last option is to delete Tinder completely and reinstall it. This will remove all app data, giving you a fresh start.
5. Submit a Request to Tinder
If all else fails, you can contact Tinder’s support team and ask them to review your issue.
How to Submit a Request:
- Go to Tinder’s Help Center (help.tinder.com)
- Under “What can we help with?”, select either:
- “Trouble with account login”
- “A Tinder feature isn’t working”
- Fill out the required details, including your email and a clear explanation of your issue.
- Mention that you’re stuck in the verification loop and can’t complete Tinder’s human puzzle.
- Submit your request and wait for Tinder’s response.
If Tinder support isn’t responding, here’s how users have successfully gotten unbanned from Tinder.
Tinder’s support team may take time to reply, but this is your best option if the issue is on their end.
6. The Last Resort: Create a New Tinder Account Using the DatingZest Service
If nothing else works, a hard reset might be your best option. This means completely wiping any trace of your old Tinder account and starting fresh—like getting unbanned and creating a brand-new profile.
How to Do a Hard Reset on Tinder:
- Delete your current Tinder account (if possible) and uninstall the app.
- Use a new phone or perform a factory reset on your existing device. Also, create a fresh App Store/Google Play account that isn’t linked to your old one.
- Switch to a different internet connection or mobile data provider if your old one was flagged.
- Sign up with a new number using DatingZest’s Tinder phone service. This ensures Tinder won’t detect your old account. Also, use a different email and new photos.
- Rebuild your profile carefully. Get photo-verified, write a more detailed bio, and avoid using the same images Tinder has already flagged.
Detect the Issue and Move On if Needed
If you’re stuck in Tinder’s verification process with no way out, consider whether it’s worth the effort.
Tinder might have unfairly flagged your account, but waiting indefinitely for a fix isn’t an option.
Chances are, one of these methods will work—I’m rooting for you.
— Liam
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