Can’t follow anyone new on Instagram? Seeing the dreaded “Action Blocked” message? You’re not alone. This frustrating issue plagues many users due to Instagram’s strict policies on following activity. Whether you’ve hit a daily or hourly limit, reached the maximum follow count, or triggered a temporary block, this article will help you understand why you can’t follow people on Instagram and provide actionable solutions.
Reasons Why Instagram Won’t Let You Follow Others
Instagram implements limitations on following activity to combat spam and bot behavior. Here are the most common reasons why you might be unable to follow more people:
Follow Limits: Daily and Hourly Restrictions
Instagram enforces both daily and hourly limits on how many accounts you can follow. Exceeding these limits, especially in short bursts, is a surefire way to get temporarily blocked. The specific numbers for these limits aren’t publicly disclosed by Instagram and can vary based on factors like account age and activity.
Maximum Follow Count
Instagram allows a maximum of 7,500 accounts per profile. If you’ve already reached this limit, you’ll need to unfollow some existing accounts before you can follow new ones.
Suspicious Activity Detection
Instagram’s algorithms are designed to detect and flag suspicious behavior that mimics bot activity. This includes actions like rapidly following and unfollowing large numbers of accounts, using third-party automation tools, or engaging in other inauthentic practices. Even legitimate users can trigger these flags if their activity suddenly spikes.
Troubleshooting Instagram’s Following Issue
If you’re encountering problems following people on Instagram, try these solutions:
Check Your Following Count and Recent Activity
Navigate to your profile and check how many accounts you’re currently following. If you’re near or at the 7,500 limit, you’ll need to unfollow some accounts. Also, reflect on your recent activity: Have you been following a lot of people in a short period? If so, you’ve likely hit a temporary limit.
Wait It Out: Temporary Follow Blocks
Most temporary blocks last between a few hours and 48 hours. Resist the urge to repeatedly attempt following during this period, as it could prolong the block.
Refresh or Reinstall the App
Sometimes, a simple refresh can resolve temporary glitches. Try closing and reopening the Instagram app. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device or clearing the app’s cache (Android) or reinstalling the app (iOS).
Report the Problem to Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work, and you suspect a more serious issue, report the problem directly to Instagram Support through the app’s settings.
Recognizing a Permanent Instagram Ban
A permanent ban is a far more serious issue, usually resulting from severe violations of Instagram’s terms of service. Signs of a permanent ban include:
- Receiving a notification stating your account has been disabled.
- Inability to interact with posts, follow, or like content for an extended period.
Conclusion
Instagram’s follow restrictions, while frustrating, are in place to maintain platform integrity. By understanding these limitations and following best practices, you can minimize the risk of encountering follow blocks and ensure a smooth Instagram experience. Be mindful of your following activity, avoid suspicious behaviors, and utilize Instagram’s support resources if needed.
