Posted by Dave Johnson on August 23, 2021 How to Fix an “Instagram Action Blocked” Message

When it comes to combating spam, Instagram gets to work quickly. The photo and video social media platform instantly activates an action block whenever it suspects spam or bot activity on a particular account. During this time, the account holder will not be able to perform basic Instagram actions.

This system is activated when the number of actions performed per hour and per day exceeds the set levels, as well as a combination of other reasons (more on these levels later).

If you want to know more about the different types of action blocks and what you can do to remove one, continue reading this article. Additionally, our FAQ section covers some engagement guidelines to keep you posting and enjoying Instagram.

What are the meanings of the different types of action blocks?

Action blocks are usually triggered if you exceed the allowed daily or hourly action limits. Action blocks are defined by the type of action and the duration of the block:

Action Block Type

• Action Block: You cannot comment, like, follow/unfollow, or post any photos.
• Block Likes: You can’t like any posts, but you can still follow/unfollow and comment.
• Comment Block: You can’t comment on posts, but you can still like, follow, or unfollow.

Action Block Timing

• Temporary Action Block – This is the most common type that can result from excessive use of particular Instagram features. Blocks expire quickly, from a few hours to 24 hours.
• Action block with expiration date (defined): This block includes the timestamp of when it will expire. The completion date may be one or two weeks or more.

Action block with expiration date (indefinite): This indefinite temporary block can last from several hours to several weeks. A message simply tells you to try again later.

What if I was blocked for no reason?

Action bans are applied due to a violation of Instagram rules. But if you think your account has been blocked unfairly, you can “Report a Problem” to try to resolve it. Typically, you will have two options: “Tell us” and “Ignore.” If you want Instagram to perform a manual review, tap “Tell Us.”

However, some errors only include an “OK” option. Then:

1. Select “Settings,” “Help,” and then “Report a problem.”
   
2. Enter a brief message in the text field indicating that you believe your account has been unfairly blocked.
   
3. Wait for a response.

How long does the blockage last?

Depending on the type, the blockage can last from a few hours to a few weeks. The following are the approximate deadlines for each type:

Temporary action block

This type is the one that expires the fastest. It can last from several hours to a full day.

Action block with due date

This type allows you to know the expiration date of the block. It can be one to two weeks or more.

Action lock without expiration date

This type can last from several hours to several weeks.

Blocked action with expiration date

The “locked with expiration date” error message comes with a timestamp indicating when the lock will be lifted. It can be several hours or several weeks. They usually include a “Tell Us” option that you can tap if you want Instagram to investigate your situation if you think your account has been blocked by mistake.

Action locked without expiration

Instagram’s “unexpired block” ban can last from several hours to several weeks. This type of message does not include the “Tell us” option. So if you think your account has been locked in error, you’ll need to request a manual review by going to “Settings,” “Help,” and then “Report a problem.”

How to fix Instagram action blocked

Below, we’ll cover six tips on how to approach Instagram’s share blocking feature.

Tip one: report the problem

If you believe you haven’t done anything to cause an action lock on your account, there are two ways to request that Instagram manually review your situation:

• Tap the “Tell Us” button included in the error message. Or, when that is not available;
• Go to “Settings,” “Help,” and then “Report a problem.”
  

Tip two: reinstall Instagram

Try deleting the app, then deleting all data associated with Instagram from your device before reinstalling it. When all cookie data collected by Instagram is deleted, this can help get rid of temporary action blocks.

Tip three: switch to mobile data

Your account may have been blocked due to your IP address. Instagram occasionally blocks accounts if it is not happy with the IP. Therefore, if possible, try to access your account using your mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.

Tip four: Access using a different device

Try accessing your account using a different device.

Tip five: link your account to Facebook

Instagram temporarily blocks an account when algorithms detect bot-like behavior. To prove that you are not a bot, try linking your Instagram page to your Facebook page or any other social media account you may have.

Tip Six: Wait for the Lockout Period

If none of the above tips have worked for you, you may simply have to wait until the lockdown is lifted.

The blocking period can be shortened if you stop using your Instagram account completely for at least 24 hours.

Additional FAQs

What triggers action blocks on Instagram?

The action blocked message is usually triggered based on the number of actions your account takes per hour and per day. Account limits vary and depend on many different factors. These are some of the triggers:

Trigger one: account age

The older your account, the more actions you can take per hour and in a 24-hour period.

Trigger two: account influence

Your total number of followers, posts, and the overall engagement your posts receive will also play a role. The more followers and engagement, the more actions you can take.

Trigger three: your IP address

It has been noted that when an account is accessed using mobile data instead of a home IP address, the user will have the option to complete more daily actions.

Trigger Four: Previous Violations

Action limits are reduced when an account has had previous action bans. This may also affect other Instagram accounts using the same device or IP address.

Trigger five: type of action

Different Instagram actions have different impacts when it comes to blocks. For example, DMs, comments, and uploads have the most impact, then follows/unfollows, then likes. You can do more likes per day than more impactful actions like direct messages and comments.

Additionally, if you perform the same actions all the time without mixing things up a bit, Instagram may flag this as bot activity.

Trigger Six: Account Health Score

If you’ve used Instagram for a while, you probably know that they keep a health score of each account. The lower your health score, the lower your action limit.

Trigger seven: use of third-party applications

Instagram can easily detect the use of third-party tools, apps or bots and reduces your account health score. This may be the only reason to activate action blocks.

Trigger eight: your biography

Including a link in your bio or leaving it blank will reduce your action limit.

Trigger nine: account type

Creator and business accounts are less likely to receive the same action restrictions as personal accounts. Accounts linked to a Facebook Page are less likely to result in action bans.

Trigger ten: activity level

Instagram prioritizes accounts where activity levels are high. For example, if you only log into your account every two hours for a couple of minutes to follow specific people, your daily action limit will decrease.

Instagram blocking actions

To reduce spam and bot activity on Instagram, the platform’s algorithms flag suspicious accounts based on the number of actions they take in a one-hour or 24-hour period.

There are many actions that can cause accounts to be blocked. Fortunately, you can request that Instagram manually review your situation if you think you’ve been blocked by mistake.

What do you think of Instagram in general? What do you think of their stock blocking rules? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.