Instagram is an integral part of life. Here, people communicate with family and friends, store photos, conduct business, and think it will always be this way. However, one morning, a user cannot find their profile on the social network. We will explain why Instagram blocks users, how to distinguish a block from a hack, and how to recover the account.

Why is Instagram blocked?

Each case is individual. The reason depends on the rules violated by the user. To find out why Instagram is blocked, pay attention to the error window that appears when you log in. Click on the “More details” button – a window with the ban reason will appear.

If the social network does not specify the reason, it means the account is under review. Instagram only announces the results after 24 hours. You’ll have to wait. Yes, recovery is not a simple and often lengthy process.

Types of blocks

The reasons for the ban are derived from the User Agreement that you signed when registering on Instagram. But, of course, you didn’t read it. It details the obligations, violation of which risks losing the profile.

• Fake likes and followers. This category also includes spam and the use of third-party services (CRM systems, autoposting). Instagram closely monitors any suspicious activity and blocks it.
• Inciting violence. Instagram prohibits aggression towards different groups of people and minorities. Terrorism, the sale of weapons, and drugs are also prohibited.
• Impersonation of another person. The social network disapproves of fake accounts and advocates for user individuality. If you use someone else’s name and photo on your page, expect to be banned. However, if you discover that someone has created your fake account, do not complain about them for “Impersonation of another person”. Instagram’s algorithms are imperfect, and after a complaint, they may block you instead of the fake account. It’s better to report copyright infringement.
• Age ban. According to the rules, Instagram profiles can be created by users aged 13 and older.
• Distribution of pornography. Nudity is prohibited, although many manage to circumvent it.
• Reports. Instagram users are generous with complaints. It’s difficult to guess what exactly they don’t like. And if someone holds a grudge against you and “reports” you, you will have to restore your account.
• Copyright violation. This type of block often pertains to “burned” clothing in Insta-shops. Before your account is banned, you will receive a notice of a complaint by the owner of the trademark. The letter will also outline the conditions to be met to avoid a strike. A copyright infringement block can occur for the use of music, photos, and videos.

Temporary block

Instagram can restrict actions for a specific period. The difference is that the account will be accessible to both you and other users, but you will not be able to like, follow other profiles, comment on posts, or send direct messages depending on the ban.

This type of block is applied for minor offenses. For example, if a user exceeds the limit on subscriptions. With repeated similar violations, the account can be permanently blocked.

Actions during a temporary block can be restricted for 3, 7, 24 hours, or 3, 7, 21 days. You cannot get rid of this ban before the end of the period. You’ll have to wait.

How to distinguish a block from a hack?

Losing access to your profile does not always mean a block. Sometimes it may be a hack.

Hackers often use a stolen account immediately. They fill the profile with posts containing fake information about the owner’s relatives’ serious illness and begin fundraising.

There are other scenarios. Hackers temporarily hide the stolen account and later resell it. The owner cannot find the profile in the search, the password does not work, so the user assumes the page is blocked.

Distinguishing a hack from a block is simple – Instagram will notify you of the block. However, in the case of a smart “hijacking”, this notification will not appear.

Instagram blocked. How to unblock?

Each case of being blocked is unique and requires a special approach. There is no clear instruction on how to proceed, but there are other ways.

The challenge lies in the fact that the platform lacks tech support, chat, or a hotline. Only dry forms for inquiries.

1. Unlocking via forms

Open the Instagram app and try to log into your profile. You will see the familiar error window. Click “More” and the reason for the blocking will appear. Below, you will see a clickable link that says “let us know about it.” Click here.

Now you will see a form. The appearance of the form depends on the type of ban — each one looks different and requests different information. Your task is to follow the instructions and patiently correspond with support through the forms. Replies from the social network will come to your email.

There is a significant drawback: this method hardly works, but there are cases where it helped.

2. Support chat

The chat with Facebook managers is only available to active advertisers. To check if you qualify, visit the Facebook for Business website, find the support section in the page header, and click on it.

If you see the “Need help?” section and a “Get Started” button when scrolling down, congratulations, this is the way to the support chat. Try explaining the problem to the manager. There is a chance that they will help you.

Instagram hacked. What to do?

First, check if you have received any emails from Instagram. If you have received a message about linking a new unfamiliar email to your Instagram account, try to cancel this action.

Through this email, you can also request a login link or a security code for Instagram.

If that doesn’t work, turn to the form and follow the instructions.

How to protect your account from being blocked?

1. Forget about boosting and mass following. And don’t create suspiciously high activity. It would be strange if you received 50 likes per photo throughout the year and suddenly got 2,000 likes on a new picture.
2. Try not to annoy other users. Numerous identical comments, direct message spam, and constant tagging of other accounts will bring a wave of hatred and complaints.
3. Instagram does not approve of using various automated services, usually websites for auto-posting, collecting statistics, or checking subscriptions/unsubscriptions. They use grey APIs that Instagram detects and blocks.
4. Be careful when traveling around the world. If Instagram sees that your IP address has changed from the USA to Brazil, they might request verification. Make sure that the email and phone number linked to the account are in working order in case you need to confirm that it is you accessing the account.
5. Carefully study Instagram’s rules and adhere to them. Forget about posting erotic content. Do not promote anorexia, suicide, incite violence, or try to sell drugs and weapons.
6. Create your own content. Using others’ photos and videos will not bring you popularity but will instead bring you a lot of trouble in the struggle to restore the account.
7. The same applies to products from well-known brands. Planning to sell Nike sneakers? The company closely monitors the sale of replicas on Instagram and actively files complaints about the use of the trademark.

This is just a small part of the restrictions. To protect yourself, we recommend studying the User Agreement on the Instagram Help Center website. Many tools for unlocking Instagram are hidden or not even aware of their existence.

You can try to solve the problem yourself, but it took us more than three years to find these methods.