Instagram restricting your activity? Here are the potential reasons why and what you can do

If you clicked on this article, I take it that you’re likely frustrated with the “Try again later. We restrict certain activity to protect our community” error message on Instagram. This pestering issue has been around for a while and affects many users every so often. Instagram doesn’t have a clear-cut explanation for why the message shows up in some cases, nor does it have any proper tips for users to get rid of the problem. That said, there are a few potential reasons why you might be seeing the error and potential troubleshooting steps you can use to get rid of it. I just want to make it clear that after reading several dozen posts on Reddit about the problem, I was able to conclude that there’s no one-fix for all. Users have varying experiences with the workarounds. So what might work for someone else, may not work for you.

Understanding Instagram’s restrictions

Before we delve into the potential reasons and solutions, it’s crucial to understand why Instagram implements these restrictions in the first place. Instagram, like many social media platforms, uses algorithms and automated systems to detect and prevent spam, bot activity, and other behaviors that might compromise the user experience or violate their terms of service.

These systems are designed to protect the platform’s integrity and ensure a safe environment for all users. However, they’re not perfect, and sometimes legitimate users can get caught in the crossfire, leading to frustrating experiences like the “Try again later” message. Here’s a screenshot of the error that was shared on Reddit for reference:

Potential reasons for activity restrictions

There are many different reasons why Instagram might be interrupting your session with the “Try again later” error. It can range from server issues to account related problems. Having an idea about what you were doing just before you started getting the error might also help you troubleshoot the problem quickly. That said, continue reading to know more about why you might get the error unexpectedly.

Official Instagram insights on error messages

While Instagram doesn’t provide specific information about the “Try again later. We restrict certain activity to protect our community” error, they do offer insights into common error messages that users might encounter. These official explanations can help us better understand Instagram’s approach to restricting certain activities:

Following limit

Instagram has implemented a cap on the number of accounts a user can follow. According to their official statement:

“To help reduce spam, Instagram doesn’t allow anyone to follow more than 7,500 people. Anyone who tries to follow more than 7,500 people will see an error message, regardless of how many followers they have.”

This limit is crucial to understand, especially for users who actively follow many accounts. If you’re approaching this limit, you might start experiencing restrictions on your following activity.

Account disabled

If your account has been disabled for violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines, you’ll see a specific message when trying to log in. Instagram states:

“If you think that your account was disabled by mistake, you may be able to ask us to review the decision by opening the app, entering your username and password, and following the on-screen instructions.”

While this isn’t directly related to the “Try again later” message, it’s important to be aware that repeated violations of community guidelines can lead to more severe restrictions or account disabling.

Comment deletion issues

Instagram acknowledges a known issue where users might not be able to delete comments due to a system glitch:

“If you keep getting an error message that a comment can’t be deleted, it may be because the comment was already deleted in our system. The comment may still appear because you’re viewing an old version of the page.”

This insight highlights that some error messages might be due to technical issues on Instagram’s end rather than user actions.

Comment posting restrictions

Instagram also provides information about restrictions on posting comments:

“You can’t include more than five @ mentions in a single comment. You can’t include more than 30 hashtags in a single comment. You can’t post the same comment multiple times (including emoji).”

These limitations are designed to prevent spam and maintain the quality of interactions on the platform. If you’re encountering issues when posting comments, ensure you’re not exceeding these limits. If you’re specifically noticing the issue when posting comments, then check out this dedicated article on the potential reasons and how to fix the issue.

Content filtering

Instagram notes: “We also filter certain words and phrases to help people follow our Community Guidelines.”

This filtering system might sometimes flag legitimate comments, potentially leading to restrictions if a user repeatedly attempts to post filtered content.

Understanding these official insights from Instagram can help us better contextualize the “Try again later” message. While it’s not explicitly mentioned, many of these restrictions and error messages stem from Instagram’s efforts to maintain platform integrity and prevent spam or abusive behavior. The “Try again later” message likely serves a similar purpose, acting as a temporary brake on activity that Instagram’s systems have flagged as potentially problematic.

Other possible reasons why you might see the error

While Instagram does mention some reasons why you might see errors in their documentation, there are other potential reasons too. Just note that some of these reasons are purely speculation or based on user experiences.

Instagram glitch

Most recently, many Instagram users took to Reddit and 𝕏 to report that they were getting the “Try again later. We restrict certain activity to protect our community” error message when engaging with posts, DMs or even Reels. The widespread nature of reports indicated that the platform was likely experiencing a glitch. While there was no official communication regarding the issue, roughly a day later, reports about the issue faded away.

Rapid or excessive activity

One of the most common triggers for Instagram’s restrictions is engaging in what the platform perceives as rapid or excessive activity. This could include:

• Liking too many posts in a short period.
• Following or unfollowing a large number of accounts quickly.
• Commenting on numerous posts within a brief timeframe.
• Sending a high volume of direct messages.

Instagram’s algorithms might flag such behavior as bot-like or spammy, even if it’s coming from a real, enthusiastic user.

Using third-party apps or automation tools

Instagram strictly prohibits the use of third-party apps or bots that automate actions like liking, commenting, or following. If you’ve connected your account to any such tools, even if you’re not actively using them, it could trigger restrictions. In fact, I once came across the error while I was using a third-party Instagram app that allows users to customize the UI and offer additional features that aren’t available on the official Instagram app. So based on my personal experience, third-party apps could very well lead to you receiving the error, even if not right away. 

Account security concerns

If Instagram suspects that your account might have been compromised, it may restrict activity as a precautionary measure. 

Reaching Instagram’s daily limits

Rumors on the web are that Instagram has undisclosed daily limits for various actions like likes, comments, and follows. Exceeding these limits can trigger restrictions. That said, I couldn’t find any official statement or documentation from Instagram that highlights this alleged “limit”. So take this information with a grain of salt.

What you can do: Troubleshooting steps

Now that we’ve explored potential reasons, let’s look at some steps you can take to address the issue. Keep in mind that these potential fixes are a mix of common troubleshooting tips as well as methods that some users found useful.

Take a break

The simplest and often most effective solution is to step away from the app for a while. Many users report that the restrictions lift after a few hours or days of inactivity. If you’ve used Instagram for long enough, you probably already know that you simply need to wait it out and check again. I’ve been in a similar situation more than once and have always found success in just waiting for a few hours before using the app.

Log out and log back in

Sometimes, a simple log out and log in can refresh your connection with Instagram’s servers and resolve the issue. Some lucky users were indeed able to resolve the issue with this method.

Update the app

Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Instagram app. Outdated versions can sometimes cause conflicts and trigger restrictions.

Clear cache and data

For Android users, clearing the app’s cache and data can sometimes resolve issues. iOS users can try deleting and reinstalling the app. One individual stated that it took multiple attempts of clearing the cache and data for them to get rid of the error. So if the first try isn’t successful, I’d suggest trying it a few times, probably with a small break in between attempts.

Remove or review the link in your bio

In some cases, you might see the error if you add suspicious links in your Instagram’s bio. While researching about the issue, I stumbled upon a four year old Reddit post where the OP confirmed that they were able to fix the problem by simply replacing the link in their bio.

Check your connected apps

Review the list of third-party apps connected to your Instagram account. Remove any that you don’t recognize or that might be violating Instagram’s terms of service. To do this, go to Instagram’s Settings > Website permissions > Apps and websites. Check to see if you have any authorized apps and remove the ones that you don’t recognize or recently added, which might have resulted in the error.

Switch to mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network

If the issue is related to your IP address, switching to mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network might help.

Verify your account

If you haven’t already, consider verifying your phone number and email address associated with your Instagram account. This can help establish your legitimacy to Instagram’s systems. I spotted a comment from a user who presumed that they got rid of the error after verifying their account.

Delete post/DM

In case you noticed the issue after you posted something or received/sent a DM, then you can try deleting it. I found a Reddior who noted that they got the error after receving a DM, however, after they asked the sender to undo (unsend) the post, the error vanished.

Try a different device

The same OP who suggested deleting the post also noted that they didn’t see the error on their computer. So try using the web version of Instagram while you wait for the issue to be resolved in the app.

Contact Instagram support

If the problem persists, try reaching out to Instagram’s support team. While they might not provide a detailed explanation, they may be able to review your account and lift any unjustified restrictions.

Tips to avoid restrictions

To minimize the risk of facing restrictions in the future, it’s crucial to align your Instagram usage with the platform’s intended purpose and guidelines. Start by pacing your activity throughout the day, avoiding rapid-fire likes, follows, or comments that might trigger anti-spam measures. Focus on authentic engagement by interacting thoughtfully with content you genuinely enjoy, building real connections with other users rather than trying to game the system.

Steer clear of third-party apps or services that promise to boost your followers or engagement, as these often violate Instagram’s terms of service and can lead to account restrictions or bans. Instead, utilize Instagram’s native features for tasks like scheduling posts or managing multiple accounts if you’re a business user. Maintaining a consistent presence on the platform, rather than alternating between long periods of inactivity and bursts of high activity, can also help avoid raising red flags.

Lastly, stay informed about Instagram’s evolving policies by regularly reviewing their community guidelines and terms of service. This knowledge will help you avoid unintentional violations and adapt your usage habits accordingly. Don’t forget to secure your account with a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication to protect against unauthorized access, which could lead to suspicious activity and subsequent restrictions.

Conclusion

Facing activity restrictions on Instagram can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re simply trying to engage with the platform you enjoy. While there’s no guaranteed solution that works for everyone, understanding the potential causes and trying the suggested troubleshooting steps can often help resolve the issue.

Remember, these restrictions are typically temporary and are part of Instagram’s efforts to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all users. By adopting best practices and engaging authentically on the platform, you can minimize the risk of facing such restrictions in the future.

Ultimately, the key is to use Instagram in a way that aligns with its intended purpose – sharing and connecting with others through visual content. By focusing on quality interactions rather than quantity, you’re more likely to have a positive, restriction-free experience on the platform. In case you managed to get rid of the “Try again later. We restrict certain activity to protect our community” error using a trick that isn’t mentioned in the article, feel free to share it in the comments below. Thanks in advance!