Blocking in the application "Friend Around" (previously "Friend Around" from Mail.ru Group) is a common problem among Android users. The reasons may vary from suspicious activity to violation of community rules, but the result is the same: loss of access to your profile, chats and dating functions. In contrast to temporary restrictions (for example, for spam in chats), complete ban often requires manual intervention or complex manipulations with the account.

B In this article we will look all current methods of removing a ban - from official requests for support to technical workarounds through changing the device or modifying application data. We will pay special attention risks: some methods may lead to re-blocking or data loss. If you use root access or third-party utilities, keep in mind that this violates the user agreement VK (the owner of the service) and is fraught with permanent deletion of the profile.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Methods of bypassing blocking using modified APKs (mods) or IMEI substitution may be considered fraud. VK actively combats such actions, using hardware bans (binding to the device). It is almost impossible to restore your account after such a ban.

Before you start unlocking, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Type of ban: temporary (indicating the period) or permanent (message โ€œAccount is blocked foreverโ€)
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reason: the notification usually indicates a violation (spam, insults, suspicious activity).
  • ๐Ÿ“ง Linked accounts: if linked VK or phone number, blocking may extend to them as well.
๐Ÿ“Š How long have you been using Friend Around?
Less than a month
1โ€“6 months
More than a year
I used it before, but havenโ€™t logged in for a long time

1. Formal appeal for support: how to properly file an appeal

The first and safest way is contact support through the feedback form. However, there are nuances here: VK rarely unblocks accounts without good reason, especially if the ban is associated with a violation of the rules (for example, selling accounts or sending mass messages).

To increase the chances of success:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Brief and to the point: describe the situation in 2โ€“3 sentences. Example: โ€œMy account was blocked by mistake. I didnโ€™t break the rules, my last activity was viewing profiles 2 days ago.โ€
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Attach screenshots: lock screen, chat history (if accused of spam), receipts for payment for premium features (if applicable).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Enter identification information: linked phone number, email or ID VK (if the account is linked).

๐Ÿ”น Where to send an appeal?

The feedback form is available:

  1. Through the official website Friend Around in the โ€œHelpโ€ section (you need to log in through another account).
  2. Through VK: go to Settings โ†’ Support โ†’ Other โ†’ Report a problem and select the topic โ€œAccount blocking.โ€

โš ๏ธ Attention: If the ban is related to financial transactions (for example, suspicion of payment fraud), support may request scans of documents (passport, payment receipt). You should not refuse - this is the only chance to return the account.

Make sure that your email/phone number for communication is active|

Check the "Spam" folder in your mail (the answer may come there)|

Do not create a new account from the same device (this will worsen the chances of unblocking)|

Wait 3-5 days (the answer rarely comes faster)

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2. Resetting application data: when it helps

If a ban temporary (for example, for 24-72 hours) or is related to technical failures, sometimes it helps clearing cache and data applications. This method will not remove a hardware ban or block for gross violations, but can eliminate authorization errors.

๐Ÿ”น Instructions for Android:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Around Friend.
  2. Click โ€œStorageโ€ โ†’ โ€œClear cacheโ€ and โ€œClear dataโ€.
  3. Restart the device.
  4. Try to log in again (use the same login/password).

โš ๏ธ Attention: After clearing the data all local settings (for example, search filters) will be reset. If the account is linked to VK, you may need to re-authorize via a social network.

๐Ÿ“Œ When this method is useless:

  • ๐Ÿšซ When permanent ban (message "Account is blocked forever").
  • ๐Ÿšซ If the blocking is tied to IMEI device (this is indicated by the inability to create a new account).
  • ๐Ÿšซ When banned for multiple violations (for example, mass complaints from other users).
What is a hardware ban?

A hardware ban is not only a blocking account, but also the device by its unique identifiers (IMEI, MAC address, Android ID). In this case, even after reinstalling the application or changing the SIM card, login will not be possible. Such bans are applied for serious violations: the use of cheats, mass registration of accounts or fraud.

3. Changing a device or bypassing by IMEI: risks and implementation

If the ban is tied to Phone IMEI, the only way to bypass it is use another device. However VK can block accounts based on other parameters (for example, by IP or Google account data), so the method does not guarantee 100% results.

๐Ÿ”น How to check if the ban is linked to IMEI:

  1. Install โ€œFriend Aroundโ€ on another phone (preferably with a different SIM card).
  2. Try logging into a blocked account.
  3. If the login was successful, the ban was temporary or related to application data. If not, a hardware ban.

๐Ÿ“Œ What to do in case of a hardware ban:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use the Android emulator: for example, BlueStacks or Genymotion. In the emulator, IMEI is generated virtually, but VK can block the account for suspicious activity.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Change IMEI on the phone: is only possible on devices with root access through applications like Xposed IMEI Changer. This violates the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on unlawful access to computer information) and can lead to loss of warranty.
  • ๐ŸŒ Use VPN: sometimes the ban is tied to the IP address. Try connecting via VPN (for example ProtonVPN or NordVPN), but keep in mind that VK blocks many proxy servers.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Changing IMEI on modern smartphones (for example, Samsung s Knox or Xiaomi s MIUI) may lead to irreversible damage to the system or activation of protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you decide to use the emulator, create a new Google account in it and do not log in using the old data. This will reduce the risk of being associated with a blocked profile.

4. Registering a new account: how to avoid getting banned

If it was not possible to return the old account, it remains create a new one. However VK actively fights against multi-accounts, so it is important to avoid mistakes that will lead to repeated blocking.

๐Ÿ”น Step-by-step guide:

  1. Use new phone number (virtual numbers like SMS-Activate are often blocked).
  2. Do not link the new account to the same VK or Google accountas the blocked one.
  3. Fill out your profile gradually: do not add 100 photos at once or send mass messages.
  4. Avoid actions that previously led to a ban (for example, frequent changes of location or spam in chats).

๐Ÿ“Š Which increases the risk of ban for a new account:

Action Risk of ban Recommendation
Use the same device โญโญโญโญโญ Change phone or use an emulator
Link to the old number/VK โญโญโญโญ Use new data
Mass messaging โญโญโญ Limit 10-15 messages per day
Frequent change of location (GPS) โญโญ Disable geolocation for 1-2 days after registration

โš ๏ธ Attention: If a new account is created from the same IP address as the blocked one, VK can link them and ban both. Use mobile data (4G/5G) instead of Wi-Fi.

5. Modification of APK: bypassing blocking through patches

For advanced users, there is a way to bypass some restrictions through modified versions of the application (mods). However, this method high-risk:

  • ๐Ÿšจ VK can ban your account forever for using unofficial clients.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mods often contain malicious code (for example, to steal data).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Application updates will reset the patches, and the ban may return.

๐Ÿ”น How it works (in theory):

Some mods (Friend Around Mod APK) remove blocking checks, allowing you to log into banned accounts. To install them:

  1. Download the APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror or Mobilism).
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings โ†’ Security.
  3. Install a modified application (may be required Lucky Patcher to bypass license checks).

๐Ÿ“Œ Popular modifications (at your own peril and risk):

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ No Ban Mod: removes the login blocking check.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Unlimited Swipes: removes restrictions to view profiles (can lead to a ban for suspicious activity).
  • ๐Ÿ”“ Auto-Liker: automatically puts likes (high risk of ban).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Most mods require disabling updates applications via Google PlayOtherwise, the official version will overwrite the patches, and the ban. will return.

๐Ÿ’ก

Using modified APKs violates the user agreement VK and can lead to permanent blocking of the device (hardware ban) or prosecution for hacking (article 273 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

If technical methods do not help, their effectiveness depends on the reason for the ban and your persistence. non-standard approaches. Their effectiveness depends on the reason for the ban and your persistence.

๐Ÿ”น Social engineering:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Call support. VK: sometimes operators will cooperate if you explain the situation by phone Number: +7 (495) 725-63-57 (ext. 2 for blocking).
  • ๐Ÿค Appeal through friends: if you have friends working in VK or Mail.ru Group, they can speed up the consideration of the appeal.

๐Ÿ”น Legal methods:

If the account is blocked unfounded (for example, due to a system error), you can send claim to the general director VK (Vladimir Kirillov) with the requirement to unlock. In your complaint, please indicate:

  • Date of blocking and its reason (according to version VK).
  • Evidence of your innocence (screenshots, correspondence).
  • Link to clause 3.5 User Agreement, which states that VK is obliged to provide an explanation for the ban.

Address for sending: 125167, Moscow, Leningradsky Prospekt, 39, building 79, VKontakte LLC.

โš ๏ธ Attention: The legal path is long (1-3 months) and does not guarantee results. VK often ignores claims if the ban is justified (for example, for fraud).

7. Prevention of bans: how not to lose your account again

To avoid repeated bans, follow security rules:

  • ๐Ÿ” Do not use others accounts or purchased profiles - they are often banned for suspicious activity.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Limit activity: do not send more than 20-30 messages per day, do not like 100 profiles in a row.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Do not use VPN/proxy for mass actions (for example, changing location).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Do not install mods or cheats - VK monitors unofficial clients.

๐Ÿ”น What to do if you notice suspicious activity:

  1. Immediately change your password VK and โ€œFriend Around.โ€
  2. Revoke access to the application in VK Settings โ†’ Security โ†’ Applications.
  3. Write to support with a request to check your account for hacking.

๐Ÿ“Œ Signs of a future ban:

  • โš ๏ธ Warnings from moderators in chats.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Frequent requests for identity confirmation (CAPTCHA, SMS).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A sharp decrease in profile visibility in search.
๐Ÿ’ก

The most common reason for bans in โ€œFriendโ€ Around" - mass actions (likes, messages, change of location). Algorithms VK perceive this as bot activity and block the account without warning.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bans in Friend Around

Is it possible to return an account after a permanent ban?

Theoretically, yes, but the chances are extremely low. If the ban is permanent (message โ€œforeverโ€), support rarely makes concessions, especially in case of serious violations (fraud, spam, insults). In this case, it is easier to create a new account from another device.

Why are new accounts banned immediately after registration?

This happens due to:

  • Using the same device/IMEI as the blocked account.
  • Linking to an old phone number or VK.
  • Suspicious activity (for example, registration through a VPN or emulator).

To avoid a ban, use a new device, a fresh number and take your time in the first 2-3 days.

How to check if my IMEI is not banned?

The simplest way:

  1. Install "Friend Around" on another phone (preferably with a different SIM card).
  2. Try to create a new account.
  3. If registration succeeds, the IMEI is not banned. If not ("Access Denied" error), the ban is hardware.
Is it possible to bypass the ban by changing the Android ID?

Technically yes, but it requires root access and knowledge of commands ADB. Android ID is a unique device identifier that can be changed via:

adb shell settings put global android_id [new_id]

However VK can use other metrics (for example, GAID โ€”Google Advertising ID), so the method does not guarantee results. In addition, it violates the user agreement.

What to do if support does not respond?

If the appeal is ignored for more than 7 days:

  • Try to write again from a different email.
  • Contact VK support group (sometimes the answer comes faster).
  • If the ban is unfair, send a complaint to Roskomsvoboda - they sometimes help in controversial cases.