Instagram is a popular social networking site that locks accounts occasionally to prevent malicious activity and improve the user experience. The notification “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” can be frustrating, but it’s important to know why it’s happening and what you can do about it.
If Instagram has locked your account, don’t worry— you’re in the right place. Let’s explore why your account might have been locked, and the solutions to get your Instagram account back to normal.
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Why is my Instagram Account Locked? What is Suspicious Activity?
If Instagram has locked your account, it is likely because they have found suspicious or unauthorized activity occurring within your account. The platform implements these safeguards to ensure the safety of its users and preserve their enjoyable experience.
The term “suspicious activity” is broad enough to include many actions that can cause alarm or set off automated systems to detect potential misuse or abuse. Here are some of the most common causes for Instagram account suspension:
1. Bot-Like Activity
Actions performed too rapidly, such as mass following or unfollowing, excessively liking and unliking posts, rapidly commenting on numerous posts, or posting the same comment repeatedly, can be flagged as bot behavior and lead to a temporary account lock.
In this case, it is best to wait for some time, usually 24 hours, and try logging in again. Ensure not to interact more than 500 times a day (including follows, unfollows, likes, etc). Plus, keep your comments under 30 for each day. This way, you can easily have the green light from Instagram’s bot-detection algorithm.
2. Use of Prohibited Third-Party Applications
Instagram doesn’t allow users to use any applications or automation tools developed by a third party that go against their Terms of Service. If your Instagram account is found to be using automated features provided by one of these applications, your account may be locked.
3. Phishing Attacks
If your Instagram account is hacked by hackers who successfully deceive you into exposing your login credentials, malicious users may get access to your account and engage in unauthorized behavior. In order to prevent any such intrusions, Instagram may disable the account.
4. Violating Community Guidelines
Accounts can be locked for violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines, which prohibit actions like spamming, harassing other users, and publishing anything that is deemed unsuitable or objectionable.
5. Inconsistent Login Behavior
Attempting to access your account from a new computer, browser, or IP address raises red flags. If Instagram’s security systems notice strange login patterns, the account may be locked to prevent further access.
How to Unlock a Locked Instagram Account
We understand that it can be extremely upsetting if your Instagram account has been locked temporarily or permanently. Fortunately, there are a few ways to unlock your locked Instagram account. In this section, we have compiled the most effective solutions that you can try. Make sure to try all of them.
Fix 1: Report the issue to Instagram
If your account has been locked due to suspicious activity you believe was not caused by your actions, report the issue to Instagram. Use the “Report a Problem” feature within the app or visit the Instagram Help Center to submit a report detailing the situation. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on your profile icon and click on the hamburger icon.
- From the list of options, click Report a problem. If you are using a mobile device, click Settings > Help > Report a Problem > Report a Problem (again).
- Describe your problem and explain that your account has been locked by mistake.
- Add screenshots if possible.
- Finally, click on Submit.
Fix 2: Follow Instagram’s Account Recovery Process
If your account remains locked, follow the account recovery process Instagram provides. This involves completing forms, providing necessary information, and following any instructions or verifications requested by Instagram. Here is a brief guide:
- Follow this link to the “My Instagram Account Was Deactivated” page.
- Fill out the form and enter the Instagram account’s email address.
- Explain to them that you did not intentionally break any rules by locking your account.
- After filling out the form, hit the “Send” button to send it out.
- You should receive a response from Instagram asking you to snap a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with a special code.
- Ensure the photo is clear, authentic, and unedited and that your face and the code are visible. Photos that don’t fit Instagram’s criteria are subject to rejection.
- A time lag exists between submitting the photo and Instagram processing your request.
- If Instagram accepts your request, you’ll be notified that your account is now accessible. The approval process can take a few days to a few weeks.
Prevent your Instagram Account From Getting Locked
Read Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service to get up to date on the site’s norms and policies. If you want to keep your account unlocked and your user experience positive, follow the rules. You can also try the following tips to protect your account from hackers.
Tip 1: Change your Account Password
You should immediately reset your password if you have any reason to believe someone has gained access to your Instagram account. Create a complex password with a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Tip 2: Revoke Access to Third-Party Apps
Check the list of apps with access to your Instagram and make sure it’s accurate. Delete any untrustworthy or unwanted programs. To do this, head to your Instagram settings, click “Apps and Websites,” and then disable access for any third-party programs you aren’t familiar with or don’t trust.
Tip 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enabling two-factor authentication will increase the safety of your Instagram account. This additional safety measure makes it compulsory to enter both a password and a verification number (given to your mobile device) before gaining access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Instagram ban last?
A temporary ban might last from a few hours to 24 hours to two days, depending on the seriousness and frequency of the infractions.
Does Instagram ban IP addresses?
In some cases, Instagram may ban the IP address associated with an account if there are repeated or severe violations of their Terms of Service or Community Guidelines.
What should I do if my request gets denied?
If your initial request is denied, you can submit a new appeal for consideration by a different panel of reviewers.
Can I create a new Instagram account if I’m banned?
Instagram allows users to create several accounts, but using the same or similar usernames can permanently ban you.
Final Words
Getting your Instagram account banned or locked can be extremely saddening. However, it is important to remember that Instagram has strict guidelines that must be followed. If you fail to follow these guidelines, your account might temporarily or permanently lock. Nevertheless, your account may also get locked due to a mistake. In this case, you can request Instagram to unlock your account. We hope this guide has helped you unlock your account and return to using Instagram. If you have any further questions, let us know.
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