- Run the X / Twitter check and copy your results.
- Screenshot every notice, with the date visible.
- Write your appeal with the appeal letter generator.
Step by step
Check for labels on your posts
Open your recent posts. If any show a notice that visibility is limited for breaking X's rules, open it. Labelled posts usually have a link to appeal the label.
Appeal a locked or limited account
If you see a locked-account screen, follow its steps first. Often you just verify a phone number or delete a post. For anything else, use the account appeal form in the X Help Center (help.x.com) and search for "appeal".
Report a suspected search or reply restriction
There's no specific form for a shadow ban. Use the Help Center's account issues form and attach your dated evidence: search screenshots from a logged-out window and reply-visibility screenshots from a friend.
Wait, then test again
Many search restrictions on X lift by themselves within days to a few weeks. Rerun the X check every few days and keep logging the results.
If your appeal is rejected
EU users can ask for a statement of reasons and use the internal complaint system or a certified out-of-court dispute body under the Digital Services Act. See your rights.
- Be specific. Name the post, the date and the rule, and say why it doesn't apply.
- Stay calm. A human may read it. Polite, factual appeals do better than angry ones.
- One issue per appeal. Several problems in one message are hard to process.
- Don't spam appeals. Sending the same appeal over and over can slow things down.
- Don't create a new account to get around a restriction. On most platforms that breaks the rules and makes things worse.
Platforms change their menus and policies often. These steps reflect how they worked when we last reviewed them. This is general information, not legal advice.