If you’ve just joined Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and encountered an error stating your permission to modify your profile picture is blocked due to “violating platform rules”—despite having a brand-new account—don’t panic.
This issue is common among new users and is often temporary or resolvable with a few steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot it:
Why This Happens
Xiaohongshu employs strict automated security checks to prevent spam or fake accounts. Even new users might trigger false flags due to:
- Fresh accounts needing verification.
- Suspicion of VPN/proxy usage (common for non-China users).
- System glitches or delayed account activation.
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Verify Your Account Status
- Go to Settings > Account Security.
- Ensure your account isn’t flagged for violations (new accounts rarely are, but check for warnings).
- If flagged, submit an appeal via Settings > Feedback (use Chinese or a translation tool for clarity).
2. Complete Profile Verification
Xiaohongshu prioritizes verified accounts:
- Bind a phone number (required for most features).
- Bind an email address (optional but recommended).
- Complete real-name authentication (if prompted).
3. Wait 24–48 Hours
New accounts often face temporary restrictions. Avoid repeated attempts to change your profile picture during this period, as it may worsen the flag.
4. Contact Xiaohongshu Support
- In the app: Profile > Settings > Feedback.
- Politely explain your situation (use translation tools if needed). Example:
“My new account cannot change profile picture. Error says ‘violation,’ but I have no content. Please help fix this. Thank you!”
5. Check for VPN/Proxy Usage
Xiaohongshu may block IP addresses from certain regions. If you’re using a VPN:
- Disable it temporarily.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection (avoid public networks).
6. Clear App Cache or Reinstall
- Clear cache: Go to your phone’s app settings > Xiaohongshu > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app to refresh permissions.
7. Create a New Account (Last Resort)
If the issue persists after 48 hours:
- Sign up with a different phone number/email.
- Complete verification immediately to avoid restrictions.
Prevent Future Issues
- Avoid uploading sensitive or copyrighted images.
- Gradually engage with content (like, comment, save posts) to build account credibility.
- Ensure your profile bio and posts comply with Xiaohongshu’s Community Guidelines.
Final Notes
Most users resolve this by waiting 1–2 days or verifying their accounts. If the problem continues, Xiaohongshu’s support team typically responds within 3–5 business days. Stay patient, and avoid actions that might trigger further security flags!
Need more help? Reply below with details of what you’ve tried, and the community can assist!
