In this post, we will explore the legal techniques you can use to recover inaccessible cryptocurrencies from dormant centralised exchange accounts. I understand how easy it is to lose access to an account due to outdated credentials, outdated to current Know Your Customer guidelines, or account inactivity.
The good news is, your funds can still be recoverable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can recover your assets in a safe and compliant manner, tailored to the year 2025.
What is a “locked” or “abandoned” CEX account?
A locked account on a cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) is one which is temporarily or permanently restricted due to reasons like multiple unsuccessful logins, disabled 2FA, lapsed or incomplete KYC verification, flagged activity, or compliance audits.
An abandoned account, however, is one that remains unused by the user for a significant period of time, which is usually a month or year, and may be marked as dormant by the exchange.
Such accounts may require extra verification steps or be marked for potential surrender under certain conditions set forth in the terms of service. For both, the recovery process is manual and will be automated in 2025.
“How to Recover Locked Crypto from Abandoned CEX Accounts With Binance As Example
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
Visit Binance Support
Go to the Binance Support Center and click on “Submit a Request.”
Select Issue Type
Choose:
Account Access > I can’t log in > Lost 2FA / Account Locked
Provide Identification
Upload:
- A government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license)
- A selfie holding the ID and a paper showing today’s date
- The email address linked to your Binance account
- Any transaction proof (wallet deposit addresses, transaction hashes, or screenshots)
Complete KYC Reverification
Binance will likely ask you to go through a full KYC process again using facial verification (via webcam or app).
Wait for Review
This can take a few days to a week. Be sure to monitor your email and Binance support dashboard.
Why Your Account Is Locked or Abandoned
Reasons for Account Lock:
- Too Many Failed Logins: Incorrect password or 2FA entry for several times.
- Inaccessible 2FA: You cannot access your authenticator or mobile app.
- KYC Incompletion: Your verification is either outdated or not completed.
- Account Regulatory Blocks: Withdrawals, changes in your account’s IP, and transactions that are deemed suspicious.
- Blocked Transactions: You might be in a country that’s newly sanctioned or on restricted terms.
Abandonment of Account:
- Account Dormancy: You haven’t interacted for months or years.
- Lost Phone and Email: A registered contact that is now obsolete and not monitored.
- KYC Notification Oversight: Notifications to update and provide recent identity documents deemed irrelevant.
- Triggers Account Marking as Dormant: Action flags placed on inactive accounts by the Exchange.
Contact Customer Support Proactively
Use Official Channels Always visit the support portal or app of the exchange. Stay away from recovery services.
Submit a Support Ticket Furnish the registered email, username, and issue summary, 2FA lost, KYC is outdated, etc.
Append Proof of Identity ID documents include a government-issued ID with a selfie dated and transactional records.
Maintain Professionalism Be calm, state your willingness to complete KYC to verify ownership.
Be Patient Expect responses to emails in 2 to 10 days. If needing reminders, do so respectfully.
Pro Tips (2025-Specific)
Keep KYC Updated Ensure that you have KYC re-verification set reminders for 12 month intervals with your exchange accounts.
Secure Your 2FA Backups Keep backup codes protected (offline or in a password manager)—this guard against permanent lockouts.
Save Transaction Receipts Regularly screenshot or export portions of your transaction history as a proactive measure for proof of ownership.
Know Regional Rules Your access to platforms could be limited due to geo-restricted laws such as MiCA in EU or VDA in India.
Use Blockchain Explorers Services like Etherscan or Blockchair may assist you in proving past withdrawals and wallet linkage to your account.
Avoid “Recovery Services” Scams Official channels or verified legal aides should be your only recourse for assistance—never disclose your seed phrase or private keys.
Back Up Emails and Logs Safeguarding notable emails like confirmation codes or login notification messages will help you retain access to your accounts.
Don’t Rely on CEXs Alone Decentralized platforms and cold wallets will serve as superior storage options—CEXs should only be used for trading.
Conclusion
In summary, restored access to forgotten or inaccessible cryptocurrency stored in CEX accounts in 2025 is achievable methodically. Exercise patience, gather necessary documentation, and adhere to the platform’s prescribed methods.
Legal or regulatory escalation follows if recovery assistance is unresponsive. Most vital, ensure best practices are used to fortify your account and prevent future access issues. Your assets haven’t vanished; they are simply inaccessible for the time being.
FAQ
Why is my CEX account locked?
Common reasons: failed logins, lost 2FA, incomplete KYC, or suspicious activity.
What makes an account “abandoned”?
Long-term inactivity (months or years), outdated contact info, or unverified identity documents.
Can I still recover old funds?
Yes—if you can prove ownership and complete the exchange’s recovery/KYC process.
