How to unlock a restricted Coinbase account? (Support Guide)

Understanding Account Restrictions on Coinbase

1. Coinbase may restrict access to an account when suspicious activity is detected, such as unusual login locations, rapid transaction patterns, or mismatched identity information.

2. Regulatory compliance requirements often trigger restrictions—especially if Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation is outdated, incomplete, or fails verification checks.

3. Violations of Coinbase’s User Agreement, including attempts to circumvent geolocation controls or using unauthorized third-party tools, can result in immediate restriction.

4. Unverified email addresses or phone numbers linked to the account may cause limited functionality, preventing withdrawals or trades until re-verification completes.

5. A history of chargebacks, disputes, or flagged fiat deposits may prompt automated review systems to impose temporary holds pending manual investigation.

Required Documentation for Verification

1. A government-issued photo ID—such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card—is mandatory, with all text legible and edges fully visible.

2. Proof of residence issued within the last 90 days—utility bills, bank statements, or official tax documents accepted, provided they display the user’s full name and current address.

3. Selfie verification requires real-time capture showing the user holding their ID next to their face, with eyes open and no obstructions like sunglasses or masks.

4. For business accounts, additional filings are necessary—including articles of incorporation, EIN confirmation letters, and authorized signatory identification.

5. If the account involves high-value transactions, Coinbase may request source-of-funds documentation, such as employment letters, investment statements, or sale agreements.

Navigating the Support Portal

1. Log into coinbase.com using a verified browser and device—avoid incognito mode or VPN connections during the appeal process.

2. Access the Help Center directly from the footer menu and search “account restricted” to locate the dedicated resolution pathway.

3. Submit a support ticket under the category “Account Access & Security”, selecting subcategory “Restricted Account Appeal”.

4. Upload all requested documents in PDF or JPG format, ensuring file sizes remain under 10 MB and filenames contain no special characters.

5. Monitor the inbox associated with the Coinbase account for automated status updates—responses typically arrive within 48–72 business hours.

Common Causes of Delayed Resolution

1. Submission of blurry, cropped, or expired identification documents triggers automatic rejection without human review.

2. Mismatched names between KYC records and bank account details—especially in cases involving marriage name changes or cultural naming conventions—require notarized affidavits.

3. Repeated submission of identical documents without addressing prior feedback extends processing time significantly.

4. Use of virtual phone numbers or temporary email services during initial registration prevents SMS-based authentication retries.

5. Concurrent logins from multiple jurisdictions within a 24-hour window may activate fraud prevention protocols that override standard escalation paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I withdraw funds while my account is restricted?Withdrawals are disabled during active restriction periods. No movement of crypto or fiat occurs until verification clears.

Q: Does contacting Coinbase via Twitter or Reddit expedite resolution?No official support is provided through public social media channels. Only tickets submitted via the authenticated Help Center receive case tracking and escalation rights.

Q: What happens if my ID photo is rejected three times?The system locks further uploads for 72 hours. Users must wait before resubmitting with corrected files meeting all clarity and format guidelines.

Q: Are hardware wallet connections affected by account restrictions?Hardware wallet interactions remain functional for self-custody operations, but transfers to or from the Coinbase platform are suspended until restriction removal.