Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet right now. It has completely changed the way we interact with people over the internet and how we share our lives online.
However, to keep its user’s online experiences safe, Instagram also implements a strict set of rules to ensure no one on the platform falls victim to any type of harassment or spam.
Breach of these rules can result in accounts getting banned from performing several actions on the app or being banned from the platform entirely. In this article, we’re talking about how you can fix not being able to follow people.
Also read: How to hide comments when watching Instagram live?
Why can’t you follow people on Instagram?
Frankly speaking, there could be a number of reasons why you have been blocked from this action.
The most common reason is that Instagram detected either spam or bot-like activity from your account. Some of the other reasons are as follows.
Following multiple accounts simultaneously
If you’ve been following (and unfollowing) multiple accounts rather quickly, Instagram might flag your account off as a bot and restrict you from following any more people.
You’ve reached the maximum following limit
To reduce spam, Instagram doesn’t allow users to follow more than 7,500 accounts. So if you’re trying to follow people after you’ve hit this limit, you’ll see this error message.
Using third-party apps or bots
If you’ve been using third-party apps or bots with your account, you run the risk of getting banned or restricted from several actions.
Also read: How to fix the ‘Instagram notifications not working’ issue?
How to fix not being able to follow people on Instagram?
If you’ve been restricted from following people on Instagram, chances are this is a temporary thing and your account will be reverted to normal in a few days time or at most, in a week.
Here are a few other things that you can try out.
Log out and log in again
One of the most simple fixes to a bunch of issues that you might encounter on Instagram is to simply log out and log back in again. So if you’re seeing an error message when trying to follow people, try this method.
- Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon in the top right.
- Tap on Settings.
- Scroll down and tap logout.
Try logging into Instagram with a different device
It’s possible that Instagram might’ve simply blocked your device’s IP address, To counter this, try logging into your account from another phone or computer to see if you can get around the issue.
Check for updates for the app
If you’ve not updated your app for sometime, there’s a good chance that there might be a pending update for it on your respective app store. More often than not an update to the app will fix any issues you’re facing.
Try reinstalling Instagram app
Going one step further, if there are no updates available or updating the app doesn’t fix the issue for you, try outright removing the app from your phone and installing it over again.
This should resolve any issues you’re facing with following people or otherwise.
Also read:Â How to fix Instagram not posting photos?
