What does a block mean?

Ablock is a measure used to protectWikipedia from possible improper activity in breach ofeditorial policies. It prevents users fromediting,renaming, creating, or otherwise contributing to pages on Wikipedia, either across Wikipedia oron certain pages. Blocks can apply to a user account, anIP address, or a range of IP addresses that is deemed responsible for or related to problematic activity. The reason for your block may be found in your block log.

1. Problem with your editing or Wikipedia behavior (under any account or IP address) - your account or a connected IP has been used in a problematic way or there is a concern about your editing.
2. Problem with your username - yourusername was unsuitable and has been blocked; you need to choose another before continuing.
3. Unintended triggering of anti-vandalism systems (known as "collateral damage") - yourIP address unfortunately happens to match an IP address used by a blocked account. Ask for further information and/or request unblocking. Anadministrator orCheckUser will investigate and consider whether it is likely this has happened.
4. Using a VPN or other anonymizing proxy service - you are using aVPN or another service that usesproxies. These can be blocked for any period of time to protect site security. Please disconnect from the service before trying to edit Wikipedia again. You may need to reconfigure proxy settings on your computer or router. If you need to use an open proxy or VPN to access Wikipedia (for example, you are inmainland China where Wikipedia is blocked by theGreat Firewall), requestIP block exemption. If you are not using a proxy service, then follow the instructions below to send an appeal.
5. Apple users (e.g. Mac, iPad, iPhone) - if you are using Safari, please check if you have enablediCloud Private Relay anddisable it for Wikipedia prior to editing. iCloud Private Relay is considered an open proxy by Wikipedia. Alternatively, you can edit via the Wikipedia app on iPad or iPhone.

What do I do now?

• If instructions are given in the block message, follow them.
• If you have an account, ensure you are logged in. If you have never edited Wikipedia before and/or do not have an account, you may need to create one. This will normally allow you to edit despite the block on your IP address. If you are currently blocked from creating an account, and cannot create one elsewhere in the foreseeable future, consider requesting one atWikipedia:Request an account. Requests to unblock your IP addresseven if you are innocent will generallynot be granted. We apologize for the inconvenience, but you must log in using an account in order to edit. This is necessary to prevent abusive users who may be using a similar IP address to yours.
• If you wish toappeal the block, or you believe you have been blocked by mistake, please see the following section.

You mayappeal the block by visitingthis page and following the instructions. If you do not wish to use the unblock wizard, you mayclick this link to file an appeal. If you are partially blocked, you may also file an appeal on theadministrators' noticeboard. Youmust state a reason for this, and the block can then be discussed. Ourguide to appealing blocks might help you write your unblock request.

Please note: While the block may be upsetting or unexpected, abuse of appeal processes, repeatedly using the unblock template when denied,personal attacks, orimpolite conduct may lead to the removal of your ability to edit your talk page and/or the widening of existing blocks.

Other methods of appeal

If you see any guides to appeal in either the block message or your talk page, follow them.

Before contacting us, please make sure that your situation has not already been addressed by the above sections.Your talk page may also contain further details related to your block orIP address, and we strongly advise that you review it before contacting us. If you still need help, you can submit a request to theUnblock Ticket Request System at the link below.

Even though requests sent to the Unblock Request Ticket System are viewable only byadministrators and trusted volunteers, underno circumstances should you send us your account's password or reveal it to anyone else even if asked to.

This system is only for the purpose of reviewing blocks. Requests to edit articles on your behalf will be disregarded. Correspondence containinglegal threats,personal attacks orrudeness are likely to be ignored and may result in the lengthening of pre-existing blocks and/or temporary ban from using this system.