Experiencing trouble following new accounts on Instagram in 2024? You’re definitely not alone. Many Instagram users encounter this frustrating issue when trying to expand their network or connect with interesting profiles. It can be perplexing when you tap that “Follow” button and nothing happens, or worse, you receive an error message.
This article dives into the common reasons behind this problem and provides practical, step-by-step solutions to help you overcome these obstacles and get back to following your favorite accounts freely.
Understanding Instagram’s Follow Limits
Instagram, in its efforts to combat spam and maintain a positive user experience, implements certain restrictions on user activity, including following. These limitations are primarily in place to prevent automated bots and spam accounts from flooding the platform and disrupting genuine interactions. There are two main types of limitations you might encounter when trying to follow others:
- Maximum Follow Limit: Instagram has a cap on the total number of accounts a user can follow, which is currently set at 7,500. Once you reach this limit, you won’t be able to follow any more accounts until you unfollow some existing ones.
- Hourly or Daily Follow Limits: Beyond the total limit, Instagram also imposes time-based restrictions on how many accounts you can follow within a short period. This limit is not publicly disclosed and can vary depending on account age, activity, and other factors. Attempting to follow too many accounts in a short timeframe can trigger a temporary block.
If you’re facing difficulties following people, it’s possible you’ve hit one of these limits. However, other factors like temporary app glitches or account-specific issues could also be at play. Let’s explore the common reasons and how to address them.
Common Reasons Why You Can’t Follow on Instagram
Before jumping into solutions, it’s helpful to understand the potential causes behind your inability to follow others. Here are the most frequent culprits:
- You’ve Reached the Follow Limit: As mentioned earlier, hitting the 7,500 follow limit is a definitive stop. You’ll need to unfollow some accounts to follow new ones. Similarly, exceeding the undisclosed hourly or daily follow limit will result in a temporary block.
- Temporary Action Blocks: Instagram’s algorithm might flag your account for “inauthentic activity” if it detects rapid or unusual following behavior. This could happen if you’ve been on a following spree, especially if many of the accounts are new or seemingly random. This results in a temporary “Action Blocked” message, preventing you from following, liking, or commenting for a period.
- Internet Connection Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with Instagram itself but with your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can disrupt the app’s functionality, including following actions.
- App Glitches or Bugs: Like any software, the Instagram app can experience temporary glitches or bugs. These can sometimes interfere with normal operations, including the ability to follow accounts.
- Account-Specific Issues: In rare cases, there might be an issue specific to your account. This could be due to past violations of Instagram’s Community Guidelines, although this is less likely to manifest solely as a “can’t follow” issue.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the “Can’t Follow” Issue
Don’t worry if you’re facing this problem. Here are several effective troubleshooting steps you can try to regain your ability to follow others on Instagram:
1. Check Your Follow Count and Unfollow if Necessary
First, check how many accounts you are currently following. If you’re close to or at the 7,500 limit, you’ll need to unfollow some accounts. Consider unfollowing accounts you no longer engage with or that are inactive. This will free up space for you to follow new profiles.
2. Wait it Out – Temporary Blocks
If you suspect you’ve triggered a temporary action block due to rapid following, the best solution is patience. Instagram usually imposes these blocks for a short duration, ranging from a few hours to 24-48 hours. Avoid attempting to follow more accounts during this time. After the block period, try following again.
3. Switch to a Different Internet Connection
Your internet connection might be the source of the problem. Try switching between different connections to see if it resolves the issue.
- If you’re on WiFi: Disconnect from your WiFi and use your mobile data instead.
- If you’re on Mobile Data: Connect to a stable WiFi network.
Sometimes, your IP address might be temporarily flagged, and switching networks can bypass this.
4. Try Logging in on a Different Device
Occasionally, the issue might be device-specific. Try logging out of Instagram on your current phone or tablet and logging back in using a different device, such as another phone, tablet, or a computer via the Instagram website. If you can follow on a different device, the problem might be with your original device or app installation.
5. Leverage Facebook to Follow
Since Facebook owns Instagram, there’s integration between the two platforms. You can try following people through Facebook if you’re unable to do so directly on Instagram. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Facebook app and navigate to “Settings & Privacy” (usually found by tapping your profile picture or the three horizontal lines). Then, go to “Settings“.
Step 2: Scroll down and find “Media and Contacts” or a similar option related to contacts and permissions.
Step 3: Look for an option like “Connect Contacts” or “Upload Contacts” and enable it if it’s not already enabled. This allows Facebook to access your phone contacts.
Step 4: Now, go back to the main Facebook feed and tap on “Friends” or “Friend Requests“. Look for a “Suggested” or “People You May Know” section. Within this section, you might see a “Connect to Instagram” option or a tab.
Step 5: Tap on “Connect to Instagram“. Facebook will then show you a list of your Facebook friends who also have Instagram accounts. You can follow them directly from this Facebook interface.
6. Report the Issue to Instagram Support
If none of the above methods work and you are still encountering the “Action Blocked” message or simply cannot follow, reporting the problem to Instagram Support is a viable step.
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner and select “Settings and privacy“.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “Help,” then choose “Report a problem“.
Step 3: Select the most appropriate option, such as “Something isn’t working” or “Follow and Unfollow” if available. Follow the on-screen instructions to describe your issue in detail. Be clear and concise about the problem you are experiencing – that you are unable to follow accounts and any error messages you are seeing. Submit your report.
Instagram Support may take some time to respond, but reporting the issue ensures they are aware of the problem and can investigate further, especially if it’s a bug or platform-wide issue.
Preventing Follow Blocks in the Future
While these fixes can help resolve immediate issues, it’s wise to adopt practices that prevent follow blocks in the long run:
- Follow Gradually: Avoid rapid, mass-following of accounts, especially if they are unfamiliar or inactive. Follow accounts at a more natural pace.
- Engage Authentically: Focus on genuine engagement rather than just accumulating follows. Interact with content, leave thoughtful comments, and build meaningful connections.
- Review Third-Party Apps: Be cautious about using third-party apps that automate following or other Instagram actions, as these can trigger flags and blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why am I unable to follow on Instagram?
You might be unable to follow on Instagram due to reaching the platform’s follow limits (total 7,500 or hourly/daily limits), temporary action blocks for rapid following behavior, technical glitches, or internet connection issues.
Why can’t I follow somebody on Instagram, and can I try again later?
If you can’t follow someone and receive an “Action Blocked” message, it’s likely a temporary block due to Instagram detecting rapid activity. You should wait for a few hours or up to 48 hours and try again later. Avoid excessive following, liking, or commenting in short periods to prevent this.
How do I fix the Instagram follow block?
To fix an Instagram follow block, first, wait it out. The block is often temporary. Avoid further rapid following activity. You can also try switching your internet connection, logging in on a different device, or reporting the issue to Instagram Support if the problem persists.
Get Back to Following on Instagram!
Being restricted from following accounts on Instagram can be a nuisance. By understanding the reasons behind this issue and applying these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem and resume connecting with the accounts you want to follow. Remember to be patient, follow responsibly, and engage authentically on the platform to maintain a healthy and enjoyable Instagram experience.
