We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed happily, until you’re suddenly bombarded by irrelevant content or negativity from someone you follow. This is the last straw. So, you head to their profile and unfollow them swiftly. It feels good.
But what if it doesn’t happen? What if you tap the ‘Following’ button, and hit unfollow, but… nothing happens? This can be frustrating when it happens.
In this article, we’ll tell you why Instagram prevents you from unfollowing accounts at times, and some ways to avoid that.
Instagram’s Unfollow Limit
Instagram, like many social media platforms, has safeguards in place to prevent spam and bot activity. One way it achieves this is by setting limits on the number of accounts you can follow and unfollow per day.
These limits are not explicitly stated by Instagram, but estimates suggest a range of 50-60 accounts for newer accounts and 200-400 for established ones. Exceeding these limits can trigger a temporary block on your ability to unfollow anyone further.
The logic is simple: a real person wouldn’t typically follow or unfollow hundreds of accounts in a short period. If you’re on a major unfollowing spree, Instagram might flag you as a bot trying to inflate your follower count or manipulate the platform.
What Should I Do When I Can’t Unfollow People?
If you’ve hit the unfollow limit, the best course of action is to take a breather. Don’t try to circumvent the system by rapidly tapping the unfollow button. This can further trigger Instagram’s spam detection and potentially lead to a more serious restriction on your account.
The exact timeframe for the block is unclear, but it typically lasts for a few hours or up to a day. So, put down your phone, grab a coffee, and come back to your unfollowing mission later when the limit has reset.
Could It Be a Technical Issue?
Sometimes, the issue can be a simple technical glitch on Instagram’s end. It’s common for apps to experience temporary bugs or server issues that interfere with basic functionalities. If you’re suspecting that this might be the case, try the following:
- Restart the App: Sometimes, a simple app restart can clear the cache and resolve minor glitches.
- Update the App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Instagram. Updates often include bug fixes that could address the unfollow issue.
- Log Out and Log Back In: This can refresh your connection to Instagram’s servers and potentially resolve the problem.
If these solutions don’t work, consider waiting and checking again later. A server overload or temporary issue may be affecting the platform.
How to Unfollow Without Hitting the Limit
Here are some quick pointers for a smooth unfollowing experience:
- Do it Gradually: Don’t try to unfollow hundreds of accounts in one sitting. Spread it out over a few days to avoid hitting the limit or raising red flags.
- Consider Muting: If you don’t necessarily want to unfollow someone completely, Instagram’s mute feature allows you to hide their posts from your feed.
Conclusion
Social media is all about creating a space that reflects your interests and brings you joy. Unfollowing is simply a way to do that, but going on an unfollow rampage or spring cleaning can cause Instagram to flag you as a bot. Follow these tips and unfollow safely.
