Finding your Instagram account locked can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure why. That ‘Your account has been temporarily locked’ message can cause a lot of heartache, especially if you’re a content creator or brand. But don’t worry.
There are steps you can take to regain control of your profile. With this guide, we’ll cover the different scenarios that might lead to a locked account and the corresponding solutions to unlock it.
Why Would Instagram Lock Your Account?
There are a few reasons why Instagram would deem it fit to lock your account. Here are some of them:
- Using certain third-party apps: Some third-party apps linked to your account can be flagged as suspicious by Instagram. This is most notable with auto-commenting or auto-liking apps.
- Spam or bot-like activity: Sometimes, you don’t need a third-party app to be flagged as a bot. If you follow too many accounts in quick succession or comment on too many posts with very similar remarks, you may have your account locked.
- Too many failed login attempts: If you input the wrong password to your account multiple times, Instagram may think someone is trying to hack your account and lock it for your security. This could also happen if a hacker tried to access your account.
How to Unlock an Instagram Account
If you see a message about your account being temporarily locked, don’t fret. Here’s what you should do:
- Remove every third-party app linked to your account: Before you start trying to retrieve your account, you should remove the offending app. Uninstall every third-party app linked to your account to make sure.
- Try to log in to your account: Put in your login details and try to access your account. This should bring up a dialog box telling you that your account has been temporarily locked.
- Tap on the blue continue button: The blue continue button will take you to a menu for receiving a security code to verify your identity. Select phone or email to choose where you want to receive the email.
- Receive and enter the security code: The code will be sent to the email address or phone number linked to your Instagram account, so ensure you can access it. Enter the code into the box once you’ve gotten it and tap submit. Your Instagram account should be unlocked now.
Quick Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts
Now that you’ve unlocked your Instagram account, here are some proactive measures you can take to prevent future lockouts:
- Remember Your Passwords: Using a strong, unique password for your Instagram account is crucial, but ensure you can remember it. Consider using a password manager to store complex passwords.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on your Instagram account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in from a new device.
- Beware of Third-Party Apps: Avoid connecting third-party apps to your Instagram account unless you trust them. Some malicious apps can compromise your account security.
Using Instagram the Safe Way
If your account has been temporarily locked, getting it unlocked is straightforward. By following these steps, you can unlock your Instagram account easily after a lockout, and keep it secure in the future.
