Safety · 2026-11-08
ChatGPT users report sudden account bans without warning
Some people, including paying Pro subscribers, lost access to their ChatGPT accounts without any warning and along with them their chat histories.
What happened
ChatGPT users have started complaining about accounts being suddenly blocked. Some of them are paying for the Pro subscription, which costs $200 a month. Some received no warning at all. Along with access to the chatbot, they lost the ability to view their conversations and work materials.
One Pro subscriber said the account simply stopped working. Instead of the usual login, an account_deactivated error appeared. The user received no email with an explanation.
Possible cause and OpenAI's response
The user suspected the cause might be logging into ChatGPT and Codex through VPN servers in different countries. He says he used the account himself and protected it with a physical security key. This is only his theory; there is no official explanation.
An OpenAI support representative suggested filing an appeal. OpenAI did not discuss such cases publicly on the forum and did not give a specific reason for the ban. Other users also complain that appeals are rejected quickly and access to saved materials is not restored.
Background
Earlier, OpenAI introduced limits on how many paid ChatGPT accounts can be used from one device, and on how many subscriptions can be paid with one bank card. As a result, people may lose access to some accounts even after paying.
To reduce the risk, it is worth using one account from a specific device, not switching VPN servers in different countries, and not keeping important texts and work materials only in a single chat.
Useful from the source
- OpenAI community thread on the account_deactivated error — A discussion on the official OpenAI forum where a user describes his ban with the account_deactivated error.
Sources: 🔗 DOU/dev.ua