Why Is Instagram Blocking My Actions?
This has been a common issue for many people lately. Instagram has been blocking lots of people from leaving a like, comment, or other actions. Contrary to popular belief, it has not only been implementing image recognition for copywriting compliance.
If you were affected by this, please try to calm down. You have so many ways to resolve this issue, and you can do most of them as soon as possible. See the many reasons why the Instagram app does this and how you can get rid of Instagram action blocks.
That’s why we will start by talking about the different types of action restrictions and the reasons for each one. After that, we will talk about how you can unblock your Instagram account. I will also share a few tips to avoid getting blocked again.
Why does Instagram block my actions?
Social media platforms all want to promote a healthy online environment for users. That’s why most of them have some form of Engagement Guidelines.
As of October 2021, Instagram had over 463 million users. It would be impractical to manage such a huge number of people with just a customer service team.
That’s why these platforms implement algorithms to respond quickly to violations of action limits. Simply put, they’re rules that a computer follows, so it behaves in a certain way.
Numerous computers or servers make up social media platforms like Instagram. Algorithms allow that network to detect sketchy behavior from users quickly.
Once it does, it places action blocks on the Instagram users that were responsible. Then, each person gets an action block message depending on what they did.
It can be nerve-wracking for some users to get action blocked, though. You might be one of those people who searched “Why did I get blocked on Instagram?” on Google.
Fortunately, we will answer that query right now! Here are the reasons why you may get action blocked by Instagram:
- Performing an account action too many times based on your account age
- Using 3rd party apps and tools
- Performing too many actions that violate Instagram rules
- Exceeding the daily limits for Instagram actions
- Putting hashtags under people’s posts instead of captions
- Following/unfollowing too many people using one account
- Posting inappropriate or sexual content
- Using a different IP address or device
- Receiving user reports and copyright strikes
- Having problems with IG account authority or health score
- You don’t use Instagram often enough
- Placing too few posts in your account
- Publishing the same blog post or similar content from one affiliate link or third party too many times
- You have too many posts that contain the same content
Read More: Social Media And Mental Health
The Instagram block types
Now, let’s talk about the types of action blocks. We will start with the block types: the action block ban, the like block, and the comment block.
- Getting Instagram action blocked means you can’t post pictures, follow/unfollow, like, or comment.
- As the name suggests, the second type prevents you from placing likes.
- Meanwhile, the third type keeps you from posting on the comments sections.
Temporary action block
We may divide the types of blocks according to the action block timing. In other words, we could divide them according to how long they last. The temporary action block is the most common.
This one goes away within a short period of time or 24 hours. Unfortunately, this usually appears when you go against Instagram’s guidelines. Here’s the error message that appears:
“It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. You’ve been temporarily blocked from using it. We restrict certain content and actions to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”
Instagram action block with an expiration date
This block type shows you the amount of time needed until it expires. This often takes from 24 hours to 30 days. You’ll see the following message if you receive this penalty:
“Your account has been temporarily blocked from taking this action. Sharing your account with a service that helps you get more likes or followers goes against our Community Guidelines. This block will expire on [year-month-day]. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”
Instagram action block without an expiration date
This can be the most frustrating type of block. Imagine asking why Instagram is blocking your actions, but the platform can’t tell you when the block will go away!
You have two ways of dealing with this error. First, you can just wait it out for several hours up to two weeks. Second, you may send a review if you think the block was a mistake:
- Tap the Instagram Settings, or choose the Tell Us or Report A Problem button.
- Tap the Help button.
- Select Report a Problem.
- Show Instagram should remove your temporary action block by writing on the text field.
- Tap the button to submit your review.
Permanent Instagram action block
As the name suggests, this is the most serious action block because you can’t just wait it out. Here’s how its error message reads:
“Your account has been disabled for violating our terms. Learn how you may be able to restore your account.”
This often happens when you’ve been blocked too many times, or other users reported you. You may want to get in touch with Instagram staff or lose your account forever.
How Can I Unblock My Instagram Account?
If you get action blocked message, don’t worry. You can get rid of your action block with the help of the following methods:
- If your actions got blocked on Instagram, you should first change your password.
- Stop doing the action that got your account blocked on Instagram. Refrain from liking, commenting, and following your favorite people and engagement groups for 24 to 48 hours.
- Remove the apps that help you boost your number of followers and likes.
- If you think you received a block for no reason, try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data. This changes your IP address and may get rid of the penalty.
- Perhaps you managed to get a block because of spamming posts. In that case, you might want to link your Instagram account to your Facebook page or other social media channels. This will help prove that you’re a real person and not a robot.
- Another way to prove you’re not a bot is by having a profile picture. The IG algorithm may think you’re suspicious if there’s no one in your feed or you’re using another people’s photos. You may want to complete setting up your profile if you haven’t yet. This is an important step, especially if you’re a content creator.
- Remember how the error messages seem to tell users to “please try again later”? Why not follow their advice and stop using social media for a while? Try another hobby for the next 72 hours, such as meditating or working out. Before you know it, Instagram would have lifted your block!
- Feel free to reach out to Instagram customer service if you still have a block. You can’t send direct messages, but you could call them at (650) 543-4800 or send your complaint to [email protected].
How to Avoid Being Blocked by Instagram?
We’re done discussing how to fix Instagram action blocks. Now, let’s talk about how to prevent getting blocked in the first place. You can avoid this hassle with the following tips:
- Stop liking, following, and unfollowing too many people.
- Don’t perform the type of action that would violate the guidelines.
- Post content more often, so the bots won’t think you made a dummy account.
- Don’t post content from other people without their permission. If this is your way to get more followers on Instagram, stop because it’s not worth it.
- Verify your email address and phone number. You’ve been asked to do this when you created your account. If you haven’t, use the settings to do so.
- Strangely, Instagram doesn’t like it when you comment with too many emojis. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re the cute icons people include in their messages.
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Final thoughts
Try these methods if a certain action has been blocked on your account. As you’ve seen, you can just wait until the penalty goes away.
If not, you can always speak with Instagram’s customer service staff. They will be happy to help you get your account back up and running.
For more social media tips, check out the other Inquirer USA articles. Aside from troubleshooting, they could teach you more ways to make the most of your account.
Updated on February 15, 2022.
