Amazon Account Locked? Here are 5 Ways to Unlock it!

When your Amazon account is locked, you can sometimes still log in but you are unable to make any purchases. As soon as you reach the checkout point, a message stating “Account on hold temporarily” or “Account Locked” will appear.

This is not only an issue for those who buy products from Amazon but for Amazon sellers as well. If your account gets blocked, you won’t receive any new orders until it is unlocked by Amazon again.

Why Amazon Locked My Account?

Amazon bans, holds, or locks accounts mainly for providing incorrect information, like a false shipping address or a fake name. However, there are several other reasons as well, including using a VPN, overusing gift cards, or returning too many products.

• Too many orders from a new account: Amazon’s anti-fraud system keeps an eye on every new account and checks if that user is making an unusually high number of orders just after making the account. If yes, then Amazon locks the account. Therefore, it is recommended to make no more than 30 orders daily at the start.
• Returning a high number of products: Returning a high number of products costs Amazon in shipping payments, so making too many returns is considered a red flag by them. Users receive a warning first, but if they don’t desist, their account gets locked.
• Using a different IP address on your account: Using your account at a different location or using a VPN will make Amazon think that you no longer have control over your account and that it has been hacked. As a result, Amazon will lock it.
• Unusual over-using of gift cards: Gift cards are commonly used for many scams and frauds. So, if you have made a new account, avoid overbuying or over-using gift cards at the start.
• Providing wrong information: If the user provides a false billing address, false shipping address, fake name, or other wrong details, their account will be locked by Amazon.

How can I Unlock My Amazon Account?

Amazon bans accounts to limit unauthorized transactions, reduce fraud, and save others from scams. But if you haven’t done any of this, your account recovery should not take long.

For this, you’ll have to contact Amazon support either via chat, phone, or email. Moreover, you can upload your documents directly to Amazon to let them know that this is indeed your account.

Before moving on to the actual steps, let’s look at how these solutions can help you recover your account.

1. Contact Amazon via Chat: Amazon’s live chat should be your first priority to report this issue. They might ask you to submit some documents like your Amazon account number, a bank statement with your debit or credit card, gift card receipts, or your current shipping address proof.
2. Contact Amazon via Call: If you’re unable to explain the problem on chat, take the call option. Again, you’ll have to provide the customer support representative with the details that they ask for. After analyzing everything, they will suggest the steps for you to unlock your account.
3. Contact Amazon via Email: Write a detailed but to-the-point email and attach your necessary documents for proof. It can take Amazon up to 2 days or more to reply, so be patient. Your account will either get unlocked or they will suggest some more steps that you need to take.
4. Contact Amazon via Twitter: Amazon’s Twitter support usually replies quickly if you send them a DM explaining your problem. Let them know that your account has been locked, and they’ll guide you further on what to do.
5. Upload Your Documents to Amazon Directly: This method works if you’re able to at least sign in to your account. Here, you’ll be sending your documents as proof directly to Amazon instead of via email or chat. Afterward, Amazon will review them and hopefully unlock your account.

1. Contact Amazon via Chat

1. Log in to your locked account if you can otherwise create a new one.
2. Click on Accounts & Lists.
3. Select the Customer Service tab.

4. Click on Something else.

5. Select I need more help.

6. Select Start chatting now under Chat with us.

7. Explain the issue in detail.
8. Submit any document or verification details if requested.

If your information is correct, then your Amazon account won’t remain locked for long. It can unlock in as little as 24 hours.

2. Contact Amazon via Call

1. Click on the Accounts & List.
2. Go to Customer Service > Something else > I need more help.
3. Click on Request call now under Request a phone call.

4. Enter your phone number.
5. Select Call me now.

6. Amazon will call you shortly.
7. Explain the problem and provide relevant details that they ask for.
8. Lastly, follow the instructions suggested by them.

Alternatively, you can call Amazon directly at the following 24/7 customer service numbers:

• For US customers: (888) 280-4331
• For International customers: +1 (206) 922-0880

3. Contact Amazon via Email

There’s no email option on the customer service page, apart from chat or call. However, Amazon has multiple email addresses that deal with these account locks or other issues.

If an email already came from Amazon showing your account has been locked, then either follow the instructions they gave or send a reply to that email.

Otherwise, here are four email addresses you should send your email to:

• cs-reply@amazon.com
• address-verifiation@amazon.com
• dave@amazon.com
• jeff@amazon.com

4. Contact Amazon via Twitter

Amazon’s Twitter customer service is pretty fast and efficient. However, you do not need to make a tweet but rather send them a DM and they will reply in under a day.

They can give you some instructions or a link to the site that you need to follow. Once you do what they say, your Amazon account won’t be locked for much longer.

5. Upload Your Documents to Amazon Directly

1. Sign in to Amazon.
2. Add a product to your cart.
3. Now try to make a purchase.
4. The “Account on hold” message should show up.
5. Fill in the billing details.
6. Attach your billing statement or Gift card proof of purchase.

7. Submit the information.
8. Amazon will contact you shortly, and the hold on your account will be lifted if all the information is correct.

Go through these methods and see which one resolves the issue for you. If you’re still facing any problems, let us know in the comments below and we’ll suggest some additional steps.