The Chrome browser solution for You've been BLOCKED message

[SewlyButtons]

This has happened to me several times now. Immediately after sending a message I get the "You have been BLOCKED" message.
I use chrome to access one of my shops. It's in chrome I've had the blocked problem.
Sooooo.... I have these instructions for how to resolve the issue memorized now. Hopefully this will help someone else.
(I'm using a laptop with Windows 10... in case that matters)

On your computer, in Chrome.
At the top right where the 3 vertical dots are, click Settings .
Click Privacy and security.
Click Third-party cookies. ...
Click See all site data and permissions.
At the top right in the search box, search for etsy  (it was the first in the list for me so I didn't need to search for it).
To the right of the site (etsy), click Delete .
To confirm, click Delete.
Restart your computer and sign back in to etsy

[ChillwolfArt]

Thank You for this. I use Chrome (desktop computer, Windows 10). So far I've not had an issue, but you never know. At night, I do clear cache and cookies.

[SewlyButtons]

@ChillwolfArt 
I have never cleared cache and cookies before (probably should... but I don't). That may be why you haven't had the problem yet.

What's bizarre is that when that message pops up it's AFTER I send a message to someone or reply to a message. So somehow the issue seems to be linked to the etsy messaging system... but how? Color me clueless!

[StitchRoundabout]

@SewlyButtons:  I have found that most of the glitches on Etsy can be resolved by clearing your cache, closing your browser, and then restarting your computer.

As far as this current glitch, it has happened to me twice today, and each time was when I was sending a message too.  The first time was as I was typing it, and the second was right after I sent it.

Your husband's idea about Etsy needing to revisit their security settings is highly alarming.  There's been a dramatic increase of successful hacking attempts into the most sophisticated networks (internationally) this year especially, so if Etsy's security settings aren't up to scratch, it puts our bank accounts and identities at risk.  In fact, based on that, I wonder if these blocks might actually be due to a hacking attempt into Etsy's system.

[CanningCrafts]

I've not had this issue yet, but I'm kinda wondering why there would be a need to restart the computer? When I have similar issues on other websites, I just delete the cookies. Sometimes I don't even need to close the browser & reopen it. Maybe it's a PC versus Mac thing? It is curious that so many shops are having this same issue right now. I'm not sure Etsy has addressed it even?

[SewlyButtons]

Yeah, I tried without restarting my computer and was still blocked. Maybe it will work for some without a restart. Whatever works, you know?

I was just talking to my husband about this. He said it sounds like etsy either has (inappropriately), or needs to, revisit their security settings. He may be on to something (he's my unpaid in-house tech expert)

[CanningCrafts]

lol, Etsy needs to revisit a lot of the things they do! 

[ChillwolfArt]

@SewlyButtons  I do think your husband is right. People have had no problem until recently. Then you see Threads about this very thing.

[NanaLetha]

@SewlyButtons  Clear your browser history 

[TheToyBox]

This happened to me today for the first time. It seemed like it was a problem with my browser (Microsoft Edge) and I almost downloaded Chrome but decided to wait as that sounded scary...delete "S" mode that my laptop came with then completely download Windows again. I decided to shut down and let things cool off and luckily things were back to normal when I logged back in. whew. I'm sorry to hear that others had this problem but glad in a way that it wasn't me and/or my equipment. 

[GroundZeroCreations]

I have my browser settings to clear all cookies every time I close the browser. 

[SugarTaffySoap]

@SewlyButtons  Thanks for the info. 

[StinsonPaperCompany]

I just had the same problem with Firefox and had to go to Edge to finish what I was doing.

[TBQSC]

Wondering ... is this ongoing issue only affecting those using Win 10 ... or are there some Win 11 users affected too?

[SewlyButtons]

@TBQSC 

That's a really good question!!

- Which browser?
- What version of Windows?
- Windows or Mac (seems I've seen some that aren't on Windows experiencing the same thing)
- What exactly was one doing when the BLOCKED message popped up (so far it would seem it's happening associated with some action when using etsy Message)

And, so far, at least speaking for myself, this is ONLY happening with etsy

[CatsBeadKitsandMore]

I use chrome, rarely clear my cookies/cache and have never had a problem. I've used chrome for 15 years or so. Are you sure you didn't pick up a bug/virus?

windows 10, chrome

[TBQSC]

Other things to check ...

• Ensure everything is up to date ... operating system / browsers / search engines!
• Disable all browser add-ons & toolbars!
• Reset your password, frequently!

[GreyGhostDesigns3D]

You are the Greatest!!! You saved the day! Worked for me ty ty!

[PrairieSilverSupplys]

I tried your fix but I don’t have the option of checking 3rd party cookies. 
I am on google chrome. 

[TCCreatesNow]

Thanks for this! I'm following it just in case. 

[ThePurplePuppy]

For those who asked: I have a friend who uses win 11  (I use win10). She sent me a message today and immediately we BOTH were blocked--This is the first time it happened for either one of us so it can happen both SENDING or RECEIVING a message. And yes, I am not a techie but I think it is an Etsy coding problem

[ChillwolfArt]

@ThePurplePuppy  "I am not a techie but I think it is an Etsy coding problem." 

I agree. Earlier I posted that I have not had this issue (so far); desktop computer, Chrome, Windows 10 (I clear cache, cookies and shut down computer nightly). I had some Messages today, which I responded to. And I sent a couple of Messages (pertaining to Orders). Again, there was no problem.

But all of this is making me consider something. Twice now, I would say within the last couple weeks, when I Signed In, I'd receive a spinning wheel with a brief blurb of text, "Verifying your device". I've never seen this blurb of text before. I always use the same device, and I don't deviate from that.  So I wonder if the "Blocked" issue and "Verifying your device" is more than just a coincidence (due to whatever is going on), and I don't believe in coincidences. It would be nice if Etsy would address this for those having trouble. I'm not a techie person, but I do think it looks like a problem on their end.  

[TBQSC]

The verification has been happening for quite a while now (several months?) ... I don't remember when I first saw it, but am glad Etsy is doing this!  Perhaps the ones who are getting blocked have not gone through the verification process yet? 

[ThePurplePuppy]

@TBQSC 

I do not think that is the problem. I think it is some kind of coding problem having to do with messaging.  As you are not really "blocked" (well, yes, you are).

I found something very interesting to do with this. When this happens---Anytime one tries to open the messaging link on your dashboard OR go to your shop front you get the "blocked" page. You can still access the forum--and if you are looking at "listings,", "Stats". etc anything ELSE on your dashboard you can go there--but --like I said if you go to the front page or the message center you are blocked.  I just tried this as I had several tabs open to different "pages" on Etsy.

ETA:  I also had an incognito window open and I see nothing has been blocked there--nothing at all and it has happened to me 3 times here--both are Firefox, win10 so shouldn't they act in tandem?  Either both "blocked" or neither. I received my friends message in both --and if that caused it shouldn't it have caused it in both--Both are Firefox, win10. I am not a techie--wish someone who knows this stuff would step in.

[MySquirrelHouse99]

This worked for me.. I got the blocked message, followed your instructions and all is good.

Many thanks for posting....