If you are reading this article, your Instagram account probably has been blocked and you cannot follow other users, like their posts or leave comments on them. If so, you see the message ‘Action Blocked’ whenever you want to perform one of these actions. However, it is totally different from ‘Instagram Suspension’ in which you cannot log into your account.

The question is, why does Instagram prevent its users from performing certain actions at certain times? How can you prevent being banned? And how to make your Instagram account unblocked? Here we will talk about this issue completely and answer two main questions:

  1. Why does Instagram block an account?
  2. How can you unblock your Instagram account ?
instagram action blocked tell us

Hence, if you have faced this problem, continue reading.

Common Instagram errors of action blocked

Why do I see “Try again later, we restrict certain activity”?

A number of users reported that they face the following errors when they want to follow, like, or insert comments on Instagram. This also happens when they are trying to send direct messages. If you have seen the same error, and you are wondering what to do next, follow this instruction.

Keep in mind that:

  • It is a type of warning and
  • There are ways to solve this issue

The only point is that Instagram has detected your activity as a bot.

Here are the common errors you might have seen:

1- “Try Again Later, We restrict certain activity to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”

2- “Try Again Later,We Limit How Often You Can Do Certain Things On Instagramto protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”

3- “Try Again Later,We Limit How Often You Can Do Certain Things On Instagram, like following people,to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”

4- “Action Blocked, This action was blocked. Please try again later. We restrict certain content and actions to protect our community.Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”

Instagram’s AI constantly monitors and analyzes your behavior. In general, you see the above errors when you are somehow violating Instagram’s community standards such as,

  • Exceeding the limitations on following and unfollowing accounts in a day,
  • Using the “like” button too many in a day
  • Posting the same comment more than twice,
  • Sending more than 70 or 80 direct messages per day,
  • Producing forbidden content (sexual content, hate speech, etc.)

Why does Instagram block an account?

Instagram is rigid in many cases; especially when believes an account is spamming(i.e. creating useless information, bothering other users, or even creating fake accounts). It is so rigid that it will even ban accounts which look like spammers. By banning we mean limiting a user’s access to perform actions like‘commenting’,‘liking’, and‘following other users’.

So the rule of thumb here is to avoid too many activities to gain more new followers and sending too many messages which might bother other users.

Note that Instagram automatically spots violators.

So, it sometimes bans your account for a minor or unintentional mistake. The worst part is that there is no way to find out the reason behind banning your account. Instagram neither warns the user nor explains the reasons to its users.

As you see, one small mistake might lead to your being banned without knowing the reason! But don’t worry! In this article, we will talk about different reasons for being blocked and also the ways to unblock your account.

You may have seen this error, while you were trying to log into your Instagram account:

“The Instagram account is currently blocked, please go to the Instagram app or website to resolve the issue.”

You may face some other issues, that you think it’s an action blocked, such as Instagram DMs not working. However, many of these issues are related to Instagram bugs, not your account.

Why Instagram blocked my account?

First, let’s have a close look at reasons Instagram may block you for. Reading these reasons, you can prevent being blocked and be sure that no problem of this type might ever happen to your account. If your Instagram account has been blocked already, find the reason below and go to the next part to make your Instagram unblocked.

Instagram is down

You might see this error “the Instagram account is currently blocked, please go to the Instagram app or website to resolve the issue.” because of new Instagram updates.

So, to make sure if Instagram is down, you can go to the downdetector.com tool, and check if Instagram is not working at this moment. If you see the down status, it’s better you wait for a couple of hours or days, then try again.

instagram down

You have violated Instagram rules

Ignoring Instagram rules is another reason for being blocked. Read Instagram Guideline to be sure that your activities are not against their rules. If your account is new, Instagram blocked your account from doing further actions.

Instagram Profile

You have liked a number of posts in a raw

Liking too many other Instagram posts may also lead to being blocked by Instagram. Instagram considers it as spamming since some people would like as many posts as possible to make people notice them. According to Instagram rules, you are allowed to like 350 photos and videos in one hour at the most. We highly suggest observing this rule.

You have exceed number of following others

Following too many accounts are also considered as spamming activity and again, Instagram would consider you as a spammer. If you have followed too many people recently, this might be the reason. Don’t follow more than 20 people in an hour from now on. Also, notice that you can follow the maximum of 7500 people; so, don’t be in a hurry to follow other users.

Instagram follow

You did the repetitive actions

If you use repetitive posts, emoji, and comments, Instagram blocks you as soon as it finds out, and would not let you post or comment; but for how long? No one knows!

According to other users who have had similar experiences, if you have received the message“Action Blocked”, Instagram may block you for some hours to even a couple of weeks.

You have mentioned others too many times

The other reason which may cause being blocked by Instagram is mentioning other users too many times. Do not mention other users in your posts and comments very much. Again, this is a matter of repetition and excessive use. This is especially important when you mention people who are not in your list of‘Followers’. Refrain from doing this as much as possible if you want to keep your account safe.

Action Blocked in Instagram

You are using bots or 3rd party apps to get followers or likes

You are probably aware that there are bots that follow other users, like their posts and leave comments on them on behalf of your account; for example, one of these bots is Instamber bot for increasing the number of followers. Though these bots are very effective in increasing the number of your followers, it is better to use them properly; You need to be cautious in using them.

In order to be sure that Instagram would not block you for using bots, you need to pay attention to two points. First, when you run a bot, limit its activities(for example, 15 or 20“likes” seem well for a given time). Secondly, choose a bot which performs a variety of tasks like a real person. Both these features have been considered in Instamber bot.

Not having enough posts in your Instagram account

You might have recently created an account, but now you cannot like a post or comment on it. The reason is that Instagram would consider you a fake user as you have no post in your account yet. So, make sure to publish some photos in your profile. 10 posts may be good for the start. DO NOT post all of them simultaneously, instead, post them one by one over time.

Your bio is not complete

Haven’t you filled your profile info yet? Doesn’t your account have a profile picture or a bio? If so, Instagram may consider your account as a fake user and block it. In order to make your Instagram account unblocked as soon as possible, you need to complete the information on your profile.

You have published too many posts in a raw

Do you post consecutively? So, this might be the reason behind getting blocked on Instagram. Instagram considers accounts that publish too many posts at a limited time as a spammer and may block them. A simple solution is to have a schedule and avoid excessive posting.

My Instagram account is temporarily blocked (how to unblock)

When Instagram blocks you, it takes 3 hours to even 4 weeks to unblock your account. Yes, it is too long, so observe the above-mentioned rules to avoid being banned. But, how can you make the process of unblocking your account faster? To do so, you need to send a request to Instagram to review your account again. How? Following we are going to present some methods to connect with Instagram.

#1 Use Instagram “Tell us”

If you receive the message saying “Action Blocked”, it means your Instagram account is temporarily blocked.

Press “Tell Us” to ask Instagram unblock your account.

After pressing “Tell Us”, Instagram most probably wants you through your email to complete security information and then, asks you to send your own photo to make sure that you are a real user. After sending the photo to Instagram, your account will be activated after a few days.

Comment Blocked message

#2 Report the Action Blocked to Instagram

To contact Instagram, follow these instructions:

  1. Log in to your account (if you have access)
  2. Go to your profile by tapping your picture
  3. Tap three-lined icon on top right
  4. Tap Help
  5. Choose Report a problem
  6. Press‘Something isn’t Working’.
  7. Now fill the form with a request for unblocking, mention you are a real person and press‘send’.
Report a Problem on Instagram

#3 Do not create a new account

If you create a new account on the same device, you must probably get blocked on the new accounts too. So, it’s better a couple of days, and wait for Instagram to reply. If they did not unblock your account, it’s better use a new device, and do not repeat bot activity. For example, not to like too many posts or not to follow too many people.

Other methods to unblock Instagram account

  1. Edit your Instagram Bio
  2. Uninstall and reinstall Instagram on your cell phone. Note that you need to back up your information before uninstalling Instagram.
  3. And finally, the safest way is to be patient. Instagram itself will unblock you after a while.

We listed all the situations which may lead to being blocked by Instagram and also provided some solutions to make your Instagram account unblocked. We hope that you find them helpful. Please let us know if this article has been useful for you or you have other questions regarding Instagram ban at the comment section below.

When you break one or more rules of Instagram, it imposes Shadowban on your page which is one of its penalties; so you will get banned for a period of time from being found on the feed of your followers.

How to prevent getting shadow ban by Instagram?

When Instagram bans you, none of your posts appears in explorer page and also in none of the hashtags.

  1. Maybe you are using unofficial Instagram apps that break the rules. To be more certain, download and install the official apps from credible stores.
  2. You are not considering Insta daily and hourly limitations. Although these limitations may be different for everyone, publicly the limitations are as follows:
  • 150 likes per hour
  • 60 comments per hour
  • 60 follows and 60 unfollows per hour
  • If you try to ignore these restrictions continuously, Insta may penalize you.

3. If you use unrelated hashtags or hashtags that are related to spam or illegal content, you will be penalized soon and this will decrease the engagement rateof your page.

4. Another reason would be Instagram users reporting you. It may be the most important reason that causes a penalty by Instagram. Try not to post content that makes users report you as much as possible.

Important note: Recent researches show that the main reason that Insta shadowbans an account is breaking the hourly limitations and because of that many people try to use Insta automation tools to check these restrictions. So if you are using Instagram bot notice that the bot should have the filter to check these limitations and do not use tools or bots without the filters mentioned above.

Author

Social media, business, and Tech. writer. I use my skills, relationships and passion to create the content that helps.

43 Comments

  1. Sabrina NicoleReply

    My Instagram account as been blocked/deleted since yesterday night and that where I do communicate with my friends and family and I receive my salary from work on my same Instagram account I believe that without Instagram I can’t live I will be happy if you can help me unlock my account

    My Instagram name is:
    Sab.rinanicole884

    • Hi. I download a app for seeing unfollowers and after I registered My Instagram
      Profile kick
      Me out when I try to open it. It tell me to make a selfie video to see I am real person but also when i try to open my profile it kick me out. What to do?

      • Faith PierroReply

        My instagram account is blocking everything I try to post.

      • Katy PleasureReply

        My account has been blocked and I opened new one it will also be blocked.what will I do to start using Instagram again

      • How will i know when my instagram is de-blocked?
        Im afraid to post something now

        • Nova GutsalReply

          If you are blocked, you can’t post, even if you try. It’s better try it after a week. Most of the action blocks take 1-2 weeks.

  2. Fantastic website. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to
    some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And
    naturally, thank you for your effort!

    • My account as been hacked and blocked how i can do ?

  3. Aradhy GaurReply

    I am unable to recover my account with Google too
    I am entering my phone no. And sending code bt it is showing that sorry please try again later
    Now tell me what can I do

  4. itz_danish7.8.6Reply

    Unblock my account …block date is 28 September is over today is 29 September please unblock my account

  5. Vishal saxensReply

    Dear Instagram My Account has been disabled a few days ago in Instagram. I do not know how and why My Account was disabled. There is no my mistake in My Account, I have lots of feeling with my account. I have been using this account for many year. Please instagram give me my account black.
    Please Resolved my issue.
    Thank You.

  6. Michelle LohrbachReply

    Hello instagram!!why am I not able to use my account ? It says we cannot refresh at this time . Am I blocked or suspended ? It happened about 9am mountain time today.

  7. Canelia A StapletonReply

    Why is my account blocked? I’ve been posting carnival pictures and videos on my page which is part of my culture. No one have given me a chance to delete it now I can’t log into my account.

  8. xkingdattrigaReply

    Why is my account blocked i have all my hope on that account blocked please do something about it there I can only talk to my wife i don’t know what happened that’s makes me to get blocked is just few minutes ago it’s blocked am xkingdattriga by name

  9. micheal viegasReply

    my instragram account not working data recharge also

    • My instra was blocked on 7 August and I can’t open it please help me i will alway follow guidelines always follow all the rules please helpe open my account

  10. micheal viegasReply

    error occured in my acount i can ‘t make reels i dont kw why its not working .

  11. _Ankita_kathait_Reply

    Dear Instagram My Account has been disabled a few days ago in Instagram. I do not know how and why My Account was disabled. There is no my mistake in My Account, I have lots of feeling with my account. I have been using this account for many year. Please instagram give me my account black.
    Please Resolved my issue.
    Thank You.

  12. maribel TapiaReply

    Dear Instagram could you please unblock my account I communicate with my mom to another from another country deeply sorry what I said thank you

  13. Vanessa SilauleReply

    I can’t login to my IG account,I don’t know if my account is disabled or what,I’m so frustrated,please help me get my account back,my username is silaule_vanessa

  14. My account is banned from instagram because of unfollowing too much people and now they want my number code for login in my account but I don’t have my number what should I do help me

  15. Mohammad kamranReply

    Meri instagram I’d beloke ho gayi hai wapis chalo kaise kare

  16. Pratik Sunil ZunzunwalaReply

    I don’t know why my account got blocked. I’ve also submitted a selfie for unblocking it but still it’s not working.
    What to do now.

  17. My account was blocked for no reason i dont like people photo, or post anything that’s against Instagram policy, so I don’t understand why my account in block looks racist to me.

  18. ShanushaikhReply

    I don’t know why my account got blocked. I’ve also submitted a Reels for unblocking it but still it’s not working.
    What to do now.

  19. Pls may I have my acc back I been blocked since yesterday and I don’t have patience to wait idk if I got blocked by doing what it said on the reading part but can u pls pls pls unblock me maybe around 10pm? If I did something wrong I can fix it up and not do it again!!

  20. Pls may I have back my Instagram account I don’t know what happened I was ina live yesterday with people I knew and I don’t know if I wrote sumthing that dedacades to being bad and that’s why y’all shadow blocked me but may I pls pls pls get unblocked I have no patience to wait for my account to get unblocked but I have chats I wanted to talk to school stuff since I’m in show choir we have a concert at a nursing home but without the acc I wouldn’t be able to say nothing if I did sum wrong I would love to fix that problem and not do this again btw my Instagram account is curlyhead._fatboy

  21. Instagram made a mistake and deactivated my Instagram account. I have all my friends with multiple personal photos and I am in a foreign country !!! I need it because I can not communicate with my work and my friends !!

  22. Instagram told me that they will unblock me in jan 9 and today is jan 11 so what now? Pls unblock me

  23. Emmanuel saawuanReply

    I open instagram account which is my real picture and name yet then still blocked me

  24. Ashifa yasminReply

    My Instagram account has been blocked since last 3 days…please help me out how quickly i can unblocked my account

  25. Scoobiie.diimplesReply

    Why doesn’t my account wanna login it’s been a week now

  26. Hi Instagram my account has been blocked so i can’t do like and comments please help me

  27. this week ig is keep asking the ageing of us and l told them my real age and it blocked me so how can l unblock my account ? I have already appealed but still not unblock my account if anyone know how to unblock my account pls reply me

  28. My account is temporary locked&I tried many times by putting phone number &otp but no use how can i get back to my account

  29. Hi, You can still post, that won’t extend action-blocked time, but make sure you don’t exceed posting.

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