Last Updated on December 20, 2024 
Jeffrey Hau
Could It Be That XiaoHongShu Is Banned In Your Country?
Before you start panicking over your banned account, take a moment to check if XiaoHongShu is even accessible in your country. Sometimes, the problem is not on you—it’s the platform being restricted in your region!
Countries/states that have banned XiaoHongShu as of the writing of this article include:
- India
- Taiwan (banned among public sector employees and government devices)
- The US States of Texas and Maryland
If XiaoHongShu is banned in the country or region you’re located in, you will simply not find it on your App Store or Google Play Store. If you have installed the app before or used a third-party APK to install it, you will also not be able to use it under the local Wi-Fi network or mobile data plans.
In this case, you can try using a VPN to access XiaoHongShu. A VPN lets you change your IP address to a country where the platform is available, helping you regain access.
If your country is not on the banned list but your account is still inaccessible, keep reading to learn why and how to solve it!
Types of Punishments on XiaoHongShu
Warnings
This usually happens when you commit a minor violation for the first time, like using an unsuitable keyword in your note. The platform will send you a warning notification and request that you amend or delete the note, then repost a corrected version.
Limited Reach (Shadowban)
This happens when your content violates the rules in a slightly more serious way. For instance, your XiaoHongShu note is detected as too promotional. While your note remains on the platform, the algorithm will hide it from most users, drastically limiting its reach. Essentially, your hard work goes to waste!
Post Taken Down
If your content involves illegal topics or serious violations—like misusing someone else’s intellectual property—the platform will remove your post immediately without prior notice. We’ll talk about violations later on in this article!
Account Muted
XiaoHongShu mutes accounts when it detects spam, harmful content, unauthorized promotions, or attempts to redirect users to external apps. For example, including an Instagram handle or WeChat ID in your note could get you muted.
While muted, you won’t be able to post new notes, comment on others’ notes, or send direct messages. The mute duration depends on the severity of the violation, ranging from 24 hours to over 30 days.
Banned Account
This is the harshest punishment for XiaoHongShu. For severe violations—like buying fake followers, spreading misinformation, or engaging in criminal activities—the platform will completely disable your account.
Once banned, you won’t be able to log in to your account from any new devices. Even if you’re already logged in, you’ll lose access to all platform content and its functions. Depending on the severity of the violation, the ban can last anywhere from 7 days to a permanent ban.
Reasons Why Your Account Might Be Banned on XiaoHongShu
Reason 1: You’ve Violated XiaoHongShu’s Rules & Regulations
XiaoHongShu keeps its users safe with two approaches: community rules and regulations, and community guidelines. The rules and regulations are mandatory—break them, and you will get banned.
On the other hand, the guidelines encourage everyone to foster a positive and respectful environment, making the platform enjoyable for all users.
The rules and guidelines on XiaoHongShu also serve to protect the platform’s benefits. For instance, one key rule is that users are prohibited from directing viewers to third-party platforms.
This helps maintain the platform’s ecosystem by keeping the traffic and engagement within XiaoHongShu.
Additionally, these rules safeguard users from harmful and fraudulent content. Accounts that post false or misleading information are banned to prevent safety concerns caused by fake news and uphold XiaoHongShu’s reputation as a trusted and safe space for all users.
Reason 2: You Used Banned Keywords & Keyphrases
XiaoHongShu is redefining itself as a social commerce platform where users shop. As a direct result, the rules and regulations focused on e-commerce and advertising are being enforced and emphasized as well.
XiaoHongShu has banned certain keywords and phrases in users’ notes, whether it’s attached to the visuals, captions, or descriptions of the note. This especially applies to words that can be misused for false or exaggerated advertising.
Some examples of banned keywords include:
- Words that show extremity. Examples include: ‘Best’, ‘Number 1’,’ Exclusive’,’ Cheapest’.
- Words that represent authorities. Examples include: ‘Recommended by Health Department’, and ‘Time-honored brand’.
- Words used for clickbaiting. Examples include: ‘Click to Redeem’, ‘Click for Surprises’, and ‘You Won A Prize’.
- Words to stimulate spending. Examples include: ‘Limited Edition’,’ Don’t Miss This Chance’, and ‘Flash Sale’.
- Words about health or beauty information. Examples include: ‘Cancer Prevention’, ‘Quick Weight Loss’, and ‘Brighter skin within a week’.
- Words about superstitious topics or not scientifically verified. Examples include: ‘Feng Shui’, and ‘Improve Your Luck’.
The consequences of using banned keywords on XiaoHongShu vary depending on the severity of the violation. First-time offenders usually get off with a warning notification, giving you a chance to amend your content.
However, repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties, like a shadowban that limits your post’s reach or even having the post taken down. For those who continue to offend these rules, the platform might pull the ultimatum of banning your account.
Reason 3: Political Content
XiaoHongShu operates under Chinese laws and regulations just like other Chinese platforms such as Douyin and Weibo. This means any content disapproved by the Chinese government is strictly prohibited.
According to XiaoHongShu’s community regulations, this includes material that conflicts with the Chinese government’s principles or content that could disrupt political stability by fueling disputes among citizens.
Keep in mind that political content is considered a serious violation of XiaoHongShu. Violating this rule can lead to your account being muted or even banned.
If you’re in China, you could also face legal consequences for such violations. To avoid trouble, steer clear of posting content that directly or indirectly touches on sensitive topics about the Chinese government, such as specific sensitive events or current political matters.
Besides, content that can harm the image and reputation of the Chinese government and Chinese political figures also results in an immediate account ban. Again, thread carefully in these waters!
Reason 4: Inappropriate or Illegal Content
Just like any other platform, XiaoHongShu strictly prohibits content that may cause harm to its users. Examples of inappropriate content include:
- Pornography & sexual innuendos: Even when posting about normal topics such as fashion or fitness, be cautious! If your outfits or actions featured in the post are detected as too revealing or sexual, you might also face certain penalties!
- Violence & Gore: Content that could incite cyberbullying or cause discomfort to viewers is strictly prohibited. Whether you’re sharing screenshots from your favorite horror movie or showing off your Halloween makeup, make sure to avoid posting visuals that could scare or disturb other users!
- Illegal Topics: Content about topics that offend Chinese laws or conflict with positive social values, such as gambling, prostitution, and drug use also lead to a banned account.
- Superstitious & Religious Content: The Chinese government banned superstitious beliefs to promote scientific thinking. Therefore, content about cults or beliefs not supported by scientific facts is also banned on XiaoHongShu. This includes topics such as Feng Shui or fortune telling.
- Content Misusing Intellectual Property: If your post includes watermarks from other creators or you’re reposting content made by others without crediting them, you’re violating XiaoHongShu’s focus on content originality. This can lead to penalties, including a potential ban, to protect intellectual property rights.
- Fake News: False information that may cause panic among the public, damage any individual’s reputation, or affect an individual’s rights and benefits is also banned on XiaoHongShu.
Reason 5: You Bought Fake Followers
XiaoHongShu encourages creators to focus on producing authentic, high-quality content to grow their followers naturally. This approach promotes fairness and rewards genuine effort within the creator community.
So, XiaoHongShu is definitely not okay with buying fake followers or likes from unauthorized parties. XiaoHongShu’s system is always on the lookout for accounts with unusual activity.
If your follower count doesn’t match your engagement rates, or you suddenly gain a suspiciously large number of followers overnight, the platform might flag your account for buying fake followers. This puts your account at risk of being banned!
If you want to extend your content’s reach to XiaoHongShu’s users, do it safely by paying for XiaoHongShu’s official paid promotion plans, ‘ShuTiao’ and ‘JuGuang’.
Reason 6: Your Account Got Reported By Other Users
Another reason your account might get banned is being reported by other users. XiaoHongShu doesn’t just rely on its system—it also allows users to report inappropriate content.
Once a report is submitted, the platform’s team reviews the content to verify the claim. If your post is found to violate the rules, you could face penalties, including a possible ban.
What To Do If Your XiaoHongShu Account Is Banned?
Don’t panic yet, it’s not the end of the world! There are still possible ways to recover your account. Here are some things you can try to have a chance of getting unbanned on XiaoHongShu:
Understand The Reason for The Ban
First things first, don’t panic! Check your account for any messages from XiaoHongShu. After banning an account, the platform will send a notification explaining why the ban happened. It will tell you which rules were violated and how long the ban will last.
Knowing why you got banned is important as it helps you decide what to do next, whether it is amending your content or contacting customer support.
Submit An Appeal to XiaoHongShu
This is the best and most reliable course of action you can take if your account gets banned. If XiaoHongShu bans your account, it also provides you the option to submit an appeal to request account recovery. Here are the steps to submit an appeal:
a. Prepare Materials for The Appeal
To prepare for your appeal, you should first collect and organize the evidence to support your case. This could include screenshots of your post, comments, or any material that can prove your point. Other than that, you should also draft a clear and concise explanation of the situation, describing what happened and why you believe the ban was a mistake. Remember to maintain a professional and sincere tone in your explanation, and avoid being aggressive!
b. Submitting Your Appeal
On your XiaoHongShu app, click on the sidebar icon on the top left corner of your screen. On the sidebar, select ‘Help Center’ (帮助与客服). On the Help Center page, select ‘Account Appeal （账号申诉）’. Under the list, select ‘Account is Banned （账号被封）’. On the page, submit your appeal draft and relevant evidence.
c. Wait for the Platform’s Review
Once your appeal is submitted, it will be reviewed by XiaoHongShu’s official employees. This review usually takes around 3 to 5 business days upon submission, so be patient and wait for the results.
d. Follow Up with XiaoHongShu’s Customer Support
If you haven’t received the results of your appeal after the expected duration, you can follow up with XiaoHongShu’s customer support staff, which is also accessible through the Help Center.
Create Another ‘Small Account’
If your appeal unfortunately failed, another approach you can take is to start over with a ‘small account’. This approach is quite rough– you are basically starting over with a new account.
To avoid getting flagged by XiaoHongShu’s system again, we recommend creating a new account on a different device or registering with a new phone number.
However, do learn from your previous mistakes and be extra cautious to follow the rules with your new account!
Get Help From Professional Agencies or Legal Experts
This is the final way to possibly recover your account. Certain agencies can help you to liaise with XiaoHongShu’s representatives professionally, hoping to recover your account.
If you believe the ban has infringed on your legal rights, you can also consider seeking legal assistance for further action. However, be sure to consult experienced legal experts to fully understand the potential risks and outcomes of pursuing legal action against the XiaoHongShu platform.
With our team’s deep knowledge and acclaimed experience with XiaoHongShu, PRIZM is ready to help you overcome any challenges faced with the platform.
Shadowban vs Account Ban - What’s The Difference?
As we mentioned before, being banned on XiaoHongShu comes in two forms: a shadowban and a complete account ban. Both types of bans affect your account in different ways, so it’s important to take note of this!
A shadowban usually is enforced on first-time and minor violations, such as repeated low-quality content or promotional content. During the shadowban period, the platform will block your content from other users, drastically reducing your content’s reach.
To know if your account is being shadowbanned, you can conduct an account analysis through the ‘Help Center’. The shadowban period usually lasts between 1 to 2 weeks, depending to the seriousness of the violation.
On the other hand, account bans are generally imposed for more serious violations or legal infractions on the platform.
For account bans, you will completely lose all access to the platform’s functions with that account, such as posting, commenting, and sending messages. Account bans on XiaoHongShu can range from a minimum of 7 days to permanent, depending on the severity of the violation.
Keep in mind that if your account has gotten permanently banned, the only chance for recovery is through submitting an appeal.
Let PRIZM Help You With Your XiaoHongShu Account
A banned account is one of the worst scenarios you can face on XiaoHongShu. However, don’t worry! Our team at PRIZM is dedicated to keeping your account safe, backed by our proven experience with the platform.
Ready to let your brand be on top of the XiaoHongShu game free from the worries of bans? Click the button below for a free consultation!
