Instagram is one of the most popular social media networks at the moment. With a userbase of millions, moderating them and ensuring that the platform remains a safe platform is a mammoth task for which Instagram has strict guidelines in place.
In this article, we’re going over the limitations of Instagram, why you’re getting the “we restrict certain activity on Instagram” error and what you can do to fix the problem.
Why do you see this Instagram error?
The error mostly pops up when you’re trying to do something that goes against Instagram’s community guidelines. However, it could also be because of the following reasons.
- You’re using bots with your account.
- Too many likes, comments or follows in a short amount on time.
- Too many people reported your profile.
Also read: Why does Instagram say ‘no internet connection?
How to fix the error?
Here’s how you can fix this “We restrict certain activity on Instagram” issue.
Check your internet connection
The first thing you should try out is making sure you have a proper internet connection. If you’re using mobile data, try switching it off and back on again. If you’re on WiFi, restarting your router is a good way to clear out any internet issues you might be having.
Restart your phone
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, restarting your device can do wonders with seemingly random issues. If Instagram doesn’t let you follow people, try restarting your phone to see if it fixes your problem.
Try logging into Instagram with a different device
Instagram might’ve 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.
Update your Instagram app
More often than not, if you’re running an outdated app, it can cause problems.
Head over to your respective app store to check if any updates are available. If they are, update your app and try again.
Reinstall the app
Reinstalling your app can fix many issues, including the ones that cause your notifications to stop working. Regardless of whether you’re on Android or iOS, try reinstalling the app to see if it resolves the issue.
Stop using third-party apps on Instagram
If you’re using any third-party bots or apps to use Instagram, it’s about time you stop. Instagram doesn’t support the use of third-party programs to access its platforms and can block or restrict your accounts if it detects you’re doing the same.
Also read: What does ‘this story is no longer available’ mean?
Log out of your Instagram app
Another quick fix for random issues like this is logging out of your Instagram app and logging in again.
- 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.
Now log back in to check if your issue is resolved.
Clear the app cache
Clearing the app’s cache can eliminate any corrupt files or data that might interfere with Instagram’s functionality.
- Tap on Apps and notifications.
- Tap on Show all apps and find Instagram from the list. If you’ve recently used Instagram, it’ll show up in the recent apps as well.
- Tap on Instagram.
- Then tap on Storage & cache.
- Then tap on the Clear Cache button.
If clearing the cache doesn’t help resolve the ‘We restrict certain activity on Instagram’ issue, continue with the fixes below.
Also read: Snapchat’s my eyes only: Everything you need to know
Contact Instagram
You can also try contacting Instagram if you believe that the issue is from their end and request help to resolve the Instagram won’t let me follow people error.
- Open the Instagram app and head over to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom-right.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon on the top right to open the options menu.
- Tap on Settings.
- Head over to Help.
- Under Help tap on Report a Problem.
- You’ll be presented a few options to choose from. Tap on Report a Problem again.
- Here you can describe the issues you’re facing and attach any relevant screenshots as well.
Instagram should get back to you with a potential solution to resolve the ‘We restrict certain activity’ error.
Disable Instagram account temporarily
The method involves disabling your account for a distinct period and enabling it again. You can follow these steps on either your phone or PC’s web browser.
Step 1: Head over to your browser and log in to Instagram. Now head over to your profile by clicking on your profile picture icon.
Step 2: Open your profile settings by clicking on the Edit Profile button.
Step 3: Scroll down on the Edit Profile tab and click on Temporarily disable my account.
Now, wait for about six hours before enabling your account again. Make sure you do not log in at all. After that, try logging in to the app again, and the ‘We restrict certain activity on Instagram’ error should be gone.
Also read: What does Instagrammer mean?
Limitations on Instagram
Apart from outright restricting certain activities, Instagram also puts certain limits on what accounts can do on the platform. There are a few factors that determine these limitations.
- Account age: Older account usually have more relaxed limits.
- Follow engagement: The number of accounts someone follows and the accounts that follow them.
- Average engagement and account activity: The general activity of your account is also a factor of your limits. More active accounts have more relaxed limits.
Instagram Limitations vs Restrictions
Restrictions are usually more severe than limitations in the sense that you get one mostly when you’ve breached Instagram’s community guidelines or done something seriously wrong on the platform. They’re also harder to get rid of as compared to limitations.
Limitations on the other hand are upper limits set around certain actions on the platform to help users get the most out of their accounts without flagging bot-like behaviour or spam alerts from Instagram’s algorithm.
Also read: Why can’t I share Instagram posts to My Story? 5 quick fixes
What are the different limits on Instagram?
Here are the different limits you need to keep in mind when using Instagram.
Following and Unfollowing limits
Instagram has a daily unfollow limit of 200 accounts. If you just created your account, this limit might be even lower. Unfollowing more than 200 accounts in a single day can be considered bot-like behaviour and can show this error.
This also applies to the following accounts. Additionally, you can only follow up to 7500 accounts at a time.
Like limits
Liking far too many posts on a daily basis can also be considered bot behaviour. Instagram limits this number to 1000 posts per day. Once again, the number can be lower for newer accounts.
Commenting limits
Commenting on posts is the easiest way of spamming on Instagram and hence there are strict limits around the same. Users are limited to 180-200 comments a day. Besides, making the same comment over and over again can get you banned as soon as the Instagram algorithm catches hold of you.
Hashtag limits
Users are allowed to choose up to 30 hashtags on each post. Using too many hashtags can get your account flagged as spam.
Posting limits
While you can upload as many posts as you want each day, there’s a 2200 character limit on captions.
Story limits
Users can add up to 100 stories a day. Posting more can get your account flagged as a bot or spam.
