I took the Duolingo test but my account got blocked after I tried to explain my situation; what should I do?
Submit a formal appeal immediately through the Duolingo English Test website - you typically have 72 hours. Do not create a new account under any circumstances. If the appeal fails, book IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE right away to meet your application deadlines without delay.
A blocked Duolingo account is stressful, especially with application deadlines approaching. The most important thing to understand is that Duolingo's security system is largely automated and flags accounts based on behavioural patterns during or after the test. Trying to work around the block by contacting support through multiple channels or creating a new account will typically make things worse, not better.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Account Is Blocked
| Step | Action | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to your blocked Duolingo English Test account | Do not try to access via a new email or device |
| 2 | Locate the "Submit an Appeal" button next to your test status | This button only appears if an appeal is available for your case |
| 3 | Submit your appeal within 72 hours of the block notification | Missing this window may make the decision final |
| 4 | Clearly explain what happened in your appeal | Be specific and honest - vague explanations are rejected quickly |
| 5 | Attach supporting evidence if available | Internet outage logs, router screenshots, device failure documentation |
What to Include in Your Appeal and What to Avoid
| Include in Appeal | Avoid Doing |
|---|---|
| A clear, honest account of what happened during and after the test | Do not create a new Duolingo account - biometric matching will detect and ban it |
| Evidence of any technical issue (outage reports, router logs) | Do not purchase a new test under a different email or payment method |
| Confirmation that you have only one Duolingo account | Do not contact support through multiple channels simultaneously |
| If you accidentally made a duplicate account, state this explicitly | Do not delay booking a backup exam while waiting for appeal results |
| Polite, professional tone throughout | Do not argue or become confrontational in your appeal message |
My Advice
Submit the appeal as soon as possible and attach every piece of technical evidence you have. While you wait, immediately book a backup language test - IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are accepted by most universities that accept Duolingo. Duolingo's appeal decisions are often final, and waiting too long can cost you your application deadlines. Treat the backup exam as a parallel track, not a last resort. If the appeal succeeds, you can cancel the backup test; if it does not, you will still be on track for your applications.
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