How To Fix an “Instagram Action Blocked” Message

When it comes to combatting spam, Instagram goes to work quickly. The photo/video social media platform instantly triggers an action block whenever it suspects spam or bot activity on a particular account. During this time, the account holder will not be able to perform basic Instagram actions.

This system is triggered when the number of actions performed per hour and per day exceeds set levels, as well as a combination of other reasons (more on these levels later).

If you want to know more about the different types of action blocks, and what can be done to lift one, keep reading this article. Also, our FAQs section covers some engagement guidelines to keep you posting and enjoying Instagram.

What Are the Meanings of Different Types of Action Blocks?

Action blocks are typically triggered if you exceed the allowed hourly or daily action limits. Action blocks are defined by the type of action and length of block:

Action Block Type

• Action Block: You’re not able to comment, like, follow/unfollow, or post any photos.
• Like Block: You’re not able to like any posts but can still follow/unfollow and comment.
• Comment Block: You’re not able to comment on posts but can still like, follow/unfollow.

Action Block Timing

• Temporary action block: This is the most common type that can result from an overextended use of particular Instagram features. The blocks expire quickly, from within a few hours to 24 hours.
• Action block with an expiration date (defined): This block includes the timestamp of when it will expire. The end date can be one or two weeks or more.

Action block with an expiration date (undefined): This undefined temporary block can last from several hours to several weeks. A message merely tells you to try again later.

What if I Was Blocked for No Reason?

Action blocks are applied due to a violation of Instagram rules. But if you feel your account has been blocked unfairly you can “Report a Problem” to attempt to resolve it. Typically, you’ll have two options: “Tell Us” and “Ignore.” If you want Instagram to carry out a manual review, tap “Tell Us.”

However, some errors only include an “OK” option. In that case:

1. Select “Settings,” “Help,” then “Report a Problem.”
   
2. Enter a brief message in the text field stating that you believe your account has been blocked unfairly.
   
3. Wait for a response.

How Long Does the Block Last?

Depending on the type, the block can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. The following are the approximate time frames for each type:

Temporary Action Block

This type is the quickest to expire. It can last from several hours to a full day.

Action Block With an Expiration Date

This type lets you know the expiry date of the block. It can be one to two weeks or more.

Action Block Without an Expiration Date

This type can last from several hours to several weeks.

Action Blocked With Expiration Date

The “blocked with expiration date” error message comes with a timestamp that states when the block will be lifted. It can be several hours or several weeks. These typically include a “Tell Us” option that you can tap on if you want Instagram to look into your situation if you feel your account has been blocked by mistake.

Action Blocked With No Expiration

Instagram’s “blocked with no expiry” ban can last from several hours to several weeks. This type of message doesn’t include a “Tell Us” option. So if you believe your account has been blocked by mistake, you’ll have to request a manual review by going to “Settings,” “Help,” then “Report a Problem.”

How to Fix Instagram Action Blocked

Next, we’ll cover six tips on how to address Instagram’s action blocked feature.

Tip One: Report the Problem

If you believe you’ve done nothing to cause an action block on your account, there are two ways you can request that Instagram takes a manual look into your situation:

• Tap the “Tell Us” button included in the error message. Or, when that’s not available;
• Navigate to “Settings,” “Help,” then “Report a Problem.”
  

Tip Two: Reinstall Instagram

Try deleting the app, then remove all Instagram-associated data from your device before reinstalling it. When all the cookie data collected by Instagram is removed this may help in getting rid of temporary action blocks.

Tip Three: Switch to Mobile Data

It’s possible your account was action blocked because of your IP address. Instagram occasionally blocks accounts if it’s not happy with the IP. Therefore, if possible, try accessing your account using your mobile data as opposed to Wi-Fi.

Tip Four: Access Using a Different Device

Try accessing your account using a different device.

Tip Five: Link Your Account to Facebook

Instagram temporarily blocks an account when the algorithms detect bot-like behavior. To prove that you are not a bot, try linking your Instagram page to your Facebook page or any other social media accounts you may own.

Tip Six: Wait Out the Block Period

If none of the above tips has worked for you, you may simply have to wait until the block is lifted.

The block period may be shortened if you completely stop using your Instagram account for at least 24 hours.

Additional FAQs

What triggers action blocks on Instagram?

The action blocked message is typically triggered by the number of actions your account performs per hour and per day. Account limits vary and depend on many different factors. Here are some of the triggers:

Trigger One: Account Age

The older your account, the more actions you’ll be allowed to perform per hour and in a 24-hours period.

Trigger Two: Account Influence

Your total number of followers, posts, and the overall engagement your posts receive will play a part as well. The more followers and engagement, the more actions you’ll be able to perform.

Trigger Three: Your IP Address

It’s been noted that when an account is accessed using mobile data as opposed to a home IP address, the user will have the option to complete more daily actions.

Trigger Four: Previous Breaches

Action limits are reduced when an account has had previous action blocks. This may also affect other Instagram accounts using the same device or IP address.

Trigger Five: Action Type

Different Instagram actions carry different impacts when it comes to blocks. For example, DM’s, comments, and uploads impact the most, then follows/unfollows, then likes. You can perform more likes per day than more impactful actions like DMs and comments.

Also, if you’re performing the same actions all the time without mixing things up a little, Instagram may flag this as bot activity.

Trigger Six: Account Health Score

If you’ve used Instagram for a while you’re probably aware they keep a health score of every account. The lower your health score, the lower your action limit gets.

Trigger Seven: Using Third-Party Apps

Using any third-party tools, apps or bots is easily detectable by Instagram and lowers your account health score. This can be the sole reason for triggering action blocks.

Trigger Eight: Your Bio

Including a link in your bio or leaving it blank will reduce your action limit.

Trigger Nine: Account Type

Creator and business accounts are less likely to receive the same action restrictions as personal accounts. Accounts linked to a Facebook page are less likely to trigger actions blocks.

Trigger Ten: Activity Level

Instagram prioritizes accounts where activity levels are high. For example, if you only access your account every couple of hours for a couple of minutes to follow particular people, your daily action limit will decrease.

Instagram’s Blocking Actions

To reduce spam and bot activity on Instagram, the platform’s algorithms flag suspected accounts based on the number of actions they perform within an hourly or 24-hour period.

There are many actions that can cause accounts to be blocked. Luckily, you can request that Instagram takes a manual look into your situation if you think you’ve been blocked in error.

What do you think about Instagram in general? What do you think about their action block rules? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.