It is one of the fastest and simplest ways to find someone to carry out tasks, find a roommate, someone to sit your dog with while you’re away, someone to sell your old junk to, or even a job.

With its minimal and old-school interface, Craigslist is quite simple, and anyone with a smartphone or PC and internet can access the site.

To top that all off, the site is entirely free to use in most areas. The only exception is New York, where it charges for apartment listings, and other big cities, where it charges for job listings.

As much as Craigslist has all these great benefits, like any other site, it might sometimes face technical issues that cause it not to work or to work in a way that it is not supposed to.

In this article, we’ll explain various problems with Craigslist that might be causing it not to work, as well as some quick and easy fixes to get you back online in no time.

Some of the most commonly faced issues with Craigslist are:

• Craigslist always crashing
• The app is not opening
• Craigslist does not load or start
• The “You have been blocked from posting on Craigslist” error
• Why Craigslist flags your account
• Craigslist doesn’t load since there is no internet connection
• Craigslist login does not work
• The app consumes too much battery on your smartphone
• Craigslist is causing errors
• It loads very slowly
• Craigslist keeps hanging
• Craigslist is not responding

Although this might not be the complete list of problems that users encounter when using the Craigslist app or web page, these are the most common. Knowing how to fix them might be useful if you encounter issues other than those listed above.

Here are some of the reasons why you might be experiencing these issues and how to troubleshoot and fix them:

1. Outdated device or app software

This is the most common and obvious reason why you might be experiencing issues with your Craigslist app.

For apps to keep running smoothly, it is important to check and ensure that your device’s OS and the Craiglist app are up to date.

Follow the manufacturer’s update instructions depending on the device you are using. 

Your device will then restart and should be ready to use after that.

To update Craigslist:

• Launch the App Store or Google Play Store
• Search for Craigslist
• Click on it and select Update.

2. Free up space on your device

Running low on storage space on your device is one of the most common issues that cause apps and other functions to either malfunction or not work.

Because of how many other apps, files, and media we have stored on our devices, it is no surprise your device keeps asking you to free up space.

Clearing these apps’ files and data frees up space and allows apps to run smoothly.

To clear some space on your device, follow these simple steps:

• Open Settings, then click on Apps
• Tap on the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen. More options should pop up.
• Click on ‘Sort by size.’

Now you can see which apps are taking up the most space and get rid of the ones you no longer need or could do without.

You can free up more space by clearing out excess media. For example, open your files and gallery, select the items you no longer need or have backed up elsewhere and delete them to free up more space.

3. Reinstall the app

Downloading an app from the wrong location or downloading a troubled app can cause this crashing problem.

To resolve this, uninstall the app, then wait a few minutes before reinstalling it.

Make sure that you are downloading your apps from authorized and trusted sources. Otherwise, you might end up downloading problematic apps or viruses disguised as apps onto your device, which becomes a new issue for you to deal with.

4. Optimize your internet connection

An internet connection that is slow or unstable can be a leading cause for an app crashing or malfunctioning.

With this issue, you will commonly see a notice on your screen saying, sorry, something went wrong or something similar. Optimizing your internet connection is an easy fix for this problem.

You can fix this issue by following this simple three-step method:

1. Switch off your Wi-Fi router or mobile data for a few minutes
2. Please turn off your smartphone for a few minutes and turn it on again
3. Switch back on your Wi-Fi router or mobile data

If this still does not fix your problem, you should probably try connecting to a different network provider, and if that still does not resolve the issue, don’t worry.

There are still a couple of other measures you can take.

5. Clear the app’s data and cache

Clearing your app’s cache is a good way to wipe out any of the app’s unused data that is taking up space that your device could otherwise be using. It is pretty quick and easy to resolve this issue on your phone or tablet.

In the ‘Apps’ section of your settings, you should receive a dropdown list of all your apps on your device. For example, select the Craigslist app, then click on ‘Storage’ and then ‘Clear data’ or ‘Clear cache,’ and then ‘OK.’

Once this is done, open the app from the home page. It should be able to run smoothly now.

6. Factory reset your device

Use this method only as a last resort. This is because once you factory reset your phone, all the data, downloaded apps, and settings are erased, becoming brand new, as the name suggests.

If you must factory reset your device, ensure all your important data is backed up on a hard drive or an online cloud, so you can still access them afterward.

It is simple to factory reset your device by following the straightforward instructions in your device settings.

Once your phone or tablet has finished factory resetting, it will restart, and your device is ready to be set up.

You will have to sign in to your accounts and repeatedly download the apps you had. Download the Craigslist app and sign in with your credentials

If you are having trouble accessing the website due to a technical error on Craigslist’s end, there should be a solution to the issue on the ‘Help’ section of the page.

Alternatively, if you are unsure whether the problem is on your end or the site, you can use a web service that lets you know the site’s status. You can easily find a wide range of such sites on your browser.

If the issue is genuine with the site, you will have to wait it out while they fix it before you can go back to viewing and posting ads. This, however, should not take too long.

It might also help to run diagnostics on the app if you are using it on a computer, telling you precisely what has gone wrong and how to go about it.

Related Guides

• Fix IP blocked on Craigslist
• Craigslist ad flagged immediately?

The post Is Craigslist not working? Troubleshooting guide appeared first on AppDrum.

However, users are sometimes unable to use the platform due to their IP address being banned from the forum. Luckily, there are a number of solutions that can help you restore access when your IP is blocked on Craigslist. Below, we have compiled all the information about the problem, from what causes it, to how you can fix it and start using craigslist again.

What can’t you access Craigslist?

There are several reasons why Craigslist can ban your IP causing you to lose access to the site:

1. Overposting and/or spamming

The biggest sin you can commit on Craigslist is spamming. This can be due to a deliberate action such as posting spam content, or unintentionally, say for example, by posting too many ads over a short time period. Both of these actions, if flagged by Craigslist systems or admins will usually result in an IP ban.

2. Promoting or offering illegal content

Violation of terms of service is another common reason for IP being blocked on Craigslist. Therefore, you should avoid posting ads with illegal content such as drugs, guns, pornography, sex trafficking ads, and other inappropriate or prohibited content.

3. Location mismatch when posting

Another reason for an IP block is if your IP location is not matching with your post’s selected location. For example, if you are in the UK but posting in the U.S the craigslist system might flag your post and block your account and IP address.

4. Excessive scraping of data

Scrapping phone and email data too quickly, for example, using the software is another reason why craigslist can deny you access. Such as an attempt is frowned upon as it is considered to be the illegal acquisition of other user’s personal information.

5. IP address spamming due to public Wi-Fi use

Your IP block can also due to someone else’s fault. This usually occurs when you are using a public connection, and when one or more person in the network is spamming. To prevent such actions, Craigslist usually bans all IP addresses associated with the network, causing you to lose access even if you were not in the wrong.

How to bypass Craigslist’s IP block?

Below is a look at some of the top solutions for unblocking IP address on Craigslist.

1. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is a fast solution for bypassing Craigslist IP ban. It gets rid of data that could have spammed the platform while removing any tracking information used to ban your IP.

2. Use a proxy or VPN software

The best way to bypass an IP ban is to use a proxy or VPN software. Both of these tools provide you with a different IP address, thus allowing you to easily overcome the ban. A VPN also helps to mask your online activity, which is a great solution for posting without being blocked by Craigslist.

3. Use a different account from a different device

Lastly, if everything else fails or is not possible, you can try using a different Craigslist account and device for posting and viewing ads. And since there are very few account opening requirements (just an email address) you don’t have to worry much about being inconvenienced.

Having your IP blocked on Craigslist can be a frustrating experience, especially when the ban can occur sometimes without you being in the wrong. Luckily, there are several solutions you can use to fix the problem. The above are some of the ways in which you can circumvent a Craigslist IP ban and restore your access to the platform.

The post Fix IP Blocked on Craigslist appeared first on AppDrum.

With just a simple post, you can reach thousands of people in your local area, and even potentially millions more across the world.

However, Craigslist has one major drawback that can make advertising there a nightmare – your ads being flagged.

The problem is so extreme in some cases your craigslist ad is flagged immediately once you post it.

The result of this is that your message does not reach the intended audience, and sometimes, you can even go for days without realizing that the advert is no longer active.

But fear not! Below, we have compiled all the information about the problem, and several solutions that can help you to avoid it when posting an advert.

Why does my craigslist ad keep getting flagged?

To better avoid craigslist flagging, it is important to understand why your post can be selected for removal. Here are several reasons:

• You are posting an ad immediately after opening your account: For some reason, new accounts can’t post ads sometimes. In this case, your ad is removed immediately after posting. You’ll have to wait for about 12-24 hours before posting an ad for it to go live.
• You are violating craigslist terms of service (TOS):  For example, adverts advertising or soliciting for prohibited goods and services such as weapons, drugs, endangered animals, child pornography, sex, and other items are against the terms of service and will be removed immediately once they are identified.
• Your ad is considered spam: Craigslist can also penalize you for posting ads in a way that is deemed to be spammy, for example, too many ads or ads with spam links.
• The Craigslist community flags your ad for removal: If your ad(s) receive too many complaints from other users, they will be immediately removed, even if they were not against the TOS.

For example, users have complained of competitors flagging their posts to gain an unfair advantage.

Another common reason why your Craigslist ad is flagged immediately is when users troll your ads, causing them to be removed.

How to post on craigslist without getting flagged

Despite the prevalence of the problem, it is possible to stop craigslist flagging when posting your ad.

Below is a look at some tips on how you can post your advert successfully:

1. Make sure your ad content is not against TOS

To avoid the Craigslist moderation system, you should ensure that your adverts do not contain any inappropriate content. This will give you a better chance of reaching your audience.

Here is the Craigslist TOS if you haven’t read it yet.

2. Post content that is relevant and interesting

Like other online users, Craigslist users are easily annoyed by content that is not relevant or boring, which can lead to them trolling your ads.

To avoid this, ensure that you post adverts that are relevant and contain all the important information for your audience (and any other person viewing them).

3. Avoid using language or words that are too “salesy”

Spammy language will usually be spotted by the Craigslist admin, and if not, the users will definitely flag it.

To avoid such situations, ensure that you use “appropriate” language that offers information to the readers.

4. Don’t post too many ads within a short period

Too many ads from the same IP address and within a short time can be taken as an attempt to spam the forum.

Therefore, if you have to post several ads, ensure that they are spread out over a period, and if possible, use different accounts for the posting.

Related: Craigslist IP ban – How to fix

5. Don’t post repetitive ads

Craigslist has different sections where you can post your ad, depending on what it is about. Unfortunately, some people abuse this feature by posting the same ad in several different sections.

This leads to users seeing the ads repeatedly on their web pages, something that can be very annoying; and consequently, cause your ad to be flagged for removal.

Was your Craigslist ad flagged immediately after posting? There are several reasons why it could have been removed. Luckily, with the above tips, you can avoid a future scenario and repost your flagged advert successfully.

Related:

• Cancel Angie’s List through e-mail or phone

The post Craigslist ad flagged immediately? Why and how to fix appeared first on AppDrum.