ChatGPT account bans are a common frustration for many users. Essentially, this occurs when OpenAI’s risk control system detects abnormal account activities or violations of service terms. Below, we analyze the common causes of bans and corresponding solutions, prevention methods, combined with real-world cases.

I. Core Reasons for Account Bans

(I) Payment-Related Issues

This is the most frequent cause of bans for Plus accounts, especially when virtual cards or automatic renewal settings are improperly configured. Firstly, failing to unbind a virtual card or disable automatic renewal after recharging can lead to failed deductions in the following month, which the system classifies as malicious arrears. Secondly, subscribing to the membership via Apple App Store gift cards with a non-US Apple ID or an inconsistent regional network triggers dual risk control from both Apple and OpenAI, resulting in a violation judgment. Additionally, recharging with untrusted “black cards” also triggers bans due to abnormal payment channels.

(II) Abnormal Network Environment

OpenAI has strict requirements for the stability and regional compliance of login IPs. Frequently switching VPN nodes, especially across countries/regions, is deemed account theft or malicious behavior. Furthermore, using non-compliant regional nodes (e.g., Hong Kong nodes, where OpenAI has not launched services), public network IPs for login, or logging into multiple accounts from the same IP may all trigger risk control. This issue is particularly prominent for domestic users due to the uniqueness of their network environment.

(III) Account and Registration Issues

Firstly, registering with non-mainstream email services like Outlook (a Microsoft email) increases ban risks significantly compared to Gmail, as such emails are marked as high-risk by the risk control system. Secondly, purchasing shared accounts or pre-made accounts—often used by multiple people with inconsistent registration information (email, phone number, IP)—easily triggers abnormal detection. Thirdly, creating multiple accounts per user violates OpenAI’s service terms, leading to mass bans if detected.

(IV) Violations of Community Guidelines and Abuse

Accounts that violate platform rules are immediately banned with a very low appeal success rate. Specific violations include: requesting pornographic, hate speech, violent, or other inappropriate content; spreading spam or malicious harassment; infringing on intellectual property rights by sharing copyrighted materials; and engaging in fraud, phishing, or other illegal activities. Some users may also be falsely flagged for abuse when testing the system’s boundaries with sensitive content.

(V) Inconsistent Registration Information

Inconsistent regions among the email, phone verification code, and login IP is a hidden cause of bans. For example, registering with a domestic email, verifying with an overseas phone number, and logging in via a domestic IP leads the system to judge the registration information as fraudulent, triggering risk control.

II. Solutions After Account Ban

(I) Attempt Official Appeal (Only for False Bans or Critical Accounts)

If the account contains important data and no violations were committed, appeal to OpenAI officially by sending an English email to [email protected]. The email should include the account username and registered email, explain the account’s importance, claim potential account theft, commit to future compliance with rules, and outline security measures taken (e.g., password reset, two-factor authentication). Note that appeal success rates are low, but it offers a slim chance of account recovery.

(II) Register a New Account (Most Direct and Effective Method)

If the appeal fails, register a new account while avoiding previous violations: prioritize Gmail for registration (authorized login reduces verification risks); use a stable, compliant regional node (e.g., US dedicated line) for the network, maintaining the same IP during registration and subsequent logins to avoid switching; use browser incognito mode to reduce association risks from caches; ensure the phone verification region matches the IP, using legitimate overseas phone verification services.

(III) Resolve Pending Payment Issues

For bans due to failed deductions, first confirm the payment status with the virtual card provider or bank, settling any outstanding balances promptly. To request a refund, submit an application via OpenAI’s official help center (help.openai.com/en/); partial monthly subscription fees may be recoverable. When reactivating Plus membership, prioritize legitimate virtual card platforms supporting Alipay recharge (e.g., WildCard) and disable automatic renewal immediately after activation.

III. Long-Term Precautions to Avoid Bans

Preventing risks in advance is more effective than post-remediation, with the core principle of maintaining “compliant and consistent” account behavior.

Stable Network Environment: Prioritize NovProxy residential IPs. Sourced from real household networks, these IPs feature clear attribution and high stability, significantly reducing the risk of being flagged as abnormal by OpenAI’s risk control system—making them more suitable for ChatGPT than regular VPN nodes.

Select a fixed, compliant regional residential IP (e.g., US, Canada, or other OpenAI-supported regions), maintaining a unique and stable IP to avoid cross-regional node switching. Meanwhile, reject free VPN plugins (some pose risks of stealing conversation data, injecting malicious scripts, or causing IP contamination) and avoid logging in via public networks.

When switching devices, log out on the original device first, then log in on the new device using the same NovProxy residential IP to ensure network consistency.

Standardized Payment Operations: After activating Plus membership, disable automatic renewal in account settings (Path: Click avatar after login → My Plan → Manage My Subscription → Cancel Plan) to avoid failed deduction risks. Reject gift cards or black cards for recharging, opting for legitimate virtual cards or internationally accepted credit cards.

Maintain Account Independence: Do not share accounts with others or log into multiple accounts from the same IP. Ensure consistency in the region of registration information (email, phone number, IP), avoiding non-mainstream emails and untrusted verification channels.

Comply with Community Guidelines: Do not request sensitive or non-compliant content, spread spam, or engage in illegal activities via ChatGPT to avoid repeated violations of platform rules.

Enhance Account Security: Set complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly check login records, resetting the password and logging out of other devices immediately if unauthorized access is detected.

Note that OpenAI’s risk control rules are dynamically adjusted, and false bans may occur occasionally. For long-term work-related use of ChatGPT, register via legitimate channels and strictly adhere to platform rules to minimize ban risks at the source.