diff --git a/crates/api/src/community/add_mod.rs b/crates/api/src/community/add_mod.rs
index 4b65a4b10..9d9abf097 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/community/add_mod.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/community/add_mod.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   community::{AddModToCommunity, AddModToCommunityResponse},
   context::LemmyContext,
   send_activity::{ActivityChannel, SendActivityData},
-  utils::{check_community_mod_action, check_is_higher_mod},
+  utils::{check_community_mod_action, check_is_higher_mod_or_admin},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ pub async fn add_mod_to_community(
 
   // If its a mod removal, also check that you're a higher mod.
   if !data.added {
-    check_is_higher_mod(
+    check_is_higher_mod_or_admin(
       &mut context.pool(),
       &local_user_view,
       community_id,
diff --git a/crates/api/src/community/ban.rs b/crates/api/src/community/ban.rs
index e6425c1ab..eb4021aef 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/community/ban.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/community/ban.rs
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   utils::{
     check_community_mod_action,
     check_expire_time,
-    check_is_higher_mod,
+    check_is_higher_mod_or_admin,
     remove_user_data_in_community,
   },
 };
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ pub async fn ban_from_community(
   )
   .await?;
 
-  check_is_higher_mod(
+  check_is_higher_mod_or_admin(
     &mut context.pool(),
     &local_user_view,
     data.community_id,