Instagram is a fun and useful social media platform for individuals and businesses. However, online reviews indicate that users often encounter issues with the platform that are annoying and could make it impossible to use their Instagram account. Below is a look at the 4 most common Instagram app issues and how to fix them.
Disabled Account
This is one of the most complained about Instagram app issues on review websites such as Pissedconsumer.com. The consumer reviews indicate that when user accounts are disabled, it is difficult to contact Instagram customer service for assistance.
If your account is disabled, you will get a notification about it when you attempt to log in. The main reason for being disabled is violating Instagram Terms of Use and Community Guidelines.
How to Fix
If you think your account was disabled by mistake, click “Learn More” at the bottom of the account disabling notification and fill out the form to appeal.
If you continuously violate the Instagram guidelines and Terms of Use, Instagram can permanently delete your account. In this case, there is no way to recover the account. You can use the same email to open a different account, but you can’t use the same user name.
Difficulty Logging In
You may encounter various Instagram login problems. The most common ones include:
- forgot password;
- cannot log in even with a password reset;
- forgot my user name or email address for the account;
- user name or email address not found or does not match.
How to Fix
The best way to resolve a logging issue for your Instagram account varies depending on the issue. If you forgot your password, click on “forgotten password” or “Get help logging in.” A reset link will be sent to your email, phone number, or Facebook account.
If the reset link does not work, request another one as the previous one may have expired, and try again.
If you forgot your user name or email, use the “Login with Facebook Option” and follow the prompts. Alternatively, if you have saved your password on your device, check your Instagram username and password on the password manager on your phone or computer.
In case all of these options fail and you get notified that your email address or user name cannot be found despite entering the correct details, your account might have been hacked.
Instagram Account Hacked
Instagram account hacking has become quite rampant. According to a study by Norton, 14% of respondents reported unauthorized activity on their social media accounts. In some cases, the hackers completely take over the accounts. Victims range from high-profile accounts, and individuals, to small businesses.
To verify if your Instagram account has been hacked, check the email address used to sign up for the account for a change of password or user notification, security notification, or reset link. You may also have gotten a prompt on your app to change your password or confirm a password reset.
How to Fix
To recover your account, go to the login page and click “Get help logging in” or “Forgotten Password?”. A reset link will be sent to your email. If the user name or email address associated with the account has been removed, select “Can’t reset your password” or “Need more help?” and follow the on-screen prompts. Then tap on “Send security code”.
If you do not get a security code, select the “I can’t access this email address or phone number” below the “Send security code” option and follow the prompts.
Instagram may require you to verify your identity by confirming the email address, phone number, and type of device used to sign up for the account. You may also be required to provide your photo or record a video selfie.
Posting, Liking, and Commenting Limits
If you have been continuously posting, commenting, and liking, you may get to a point where you can no longer do these activities. When this happens, the binge activity may have triggered the antispam feature in the algorithm.
Although it is not outrightly stipulated, Instagram limits how many times you can post, like, and comment per hour and throughout the day. When you exceed the limit, the antispam feature is triggered.
When this happens, Instagram may notify you that the account has been limited, but other times they do not. You notice that whenever you try to post, like, or comment, you are prompted to “Try again later”.
How to Fix It
The first step is to rule out poor internet connection. Open your browser and search for anything random. If it is responsive, then the issue is with your Instagram account. Wait for about 24-48 hours for the limit to reset. Once reset, minimize your activity on the platform to avoid getting limited again.
Since there is no Instagram phone number to call to speak to the customer service representative, customer support is mainly through the help center. Resolution varies from one issue to another. Follow the steps provided for your specific problem to resolve it. For issues such as disabled accounts or limits, there is an option to follow prompts to contact Instagram support to appeal the ban or limitation. However, issues such as a deleted account are irreversible.
