Why Instagram Won’t Let You Follow That Account: A Deep Dive

So, you’ve tapped that follow button on Instagram, only to be met with… nothing. No joyful “Following” confirmation, no immediate content popping up in your feed. Just digital crickets. Frustrating, right? The inability to follow someone on Instagram stems from a variety of reasons, ranging from simple glitches to more complex account restrictions. It’s rarely a personal affront, but understanding the underlying causes can help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue. This article breaks down the primary culprits behind this frustrating phenomenon, offering insight and potential solutions. Let’s explore the reasons why Instagram doesn’t let you follow someone.

The Culprits: Unpacking the Reasons Behind Follow Failures

Several factors can prevent you from following an account on Instagram. Understanding these reasons is the first step towards resolving the problem.

1. Private Accounts: The Permission Barrier

Perhaps the most common reason you can’t follow someone is that their account is set to private. When an account is private, the user must approve each follower request individually. Your “follow” request is sent, but you won’t see their content in your feed until they accept you. Look for the padlock icon next to their username – a clear indicator of a private account. All you can do is wait patiently for their approval (or politely follow up via DM if you know them).

2. You’ve Been Blocked: The Ultimate Social Media Rejection

Ouch. This one stings. If you’ve been blocked by an account, you’ll be able to find their profile, but you won’t be able to follow them, send them messages, or see their content. You’ll likely see the “User not found” message or a blank page, even though the account exists. There’s no way around a block except to create a new account (which isn’t recommended unless you’re willing to risk violating Instagram’s terms of service regarding circumventing blocks). Trying to interact with a user who has blocked you is unlikely to be successful.

3. They’ve Blocked You, Then Deactivated: The Ghost Profile

A more nuanced situation is when someone blocks you and then deactivates their account. In this scenario, you might still see the user in your follower list (if you were following them before the block), but clicking on their profile leads nowhere. They are effectively a ghost profile. You cannot follow them, as the account is no longer active.

4. Instagram’s Anti-Spam Measures: The Algorithm’s Watchful Eye

Instagram actively combats spam and bot activity. If you’re following a large number of accounts in a short period, the platform might temporarily restrict your ability to follow more people. This is a safety measure to prevent spam accounts from mass-following users. Take a break and try again later. This measure can also be triggered if you unfollow a large number of accounts quickly, then attempt to follow new ones.

5. Technical Glitches and Bugs: The Inevitable Digital Hiccups

Sometimes, the issue isn’t you or the other user – it’s Instagram itself. Technical glitches happen. These can range from server issues to bugs in the app. Try restarting the app, clearing your cache, or updating to the latest version. If the problem persists, it might be a widespread issue that Instagram is already working to resolve. Check online forums or social media to see if others are experiencing the same problem.

6. Account Suspension or Deactivation: The No-Go Zone

If the account you’re trying to follow has been suspended or deactivated by Instagram, you won’t be able to follow it. Suspended accounts are usually temporary, pending review by Instagram. Deactivated accounts are permanently removed. In both cases, the profile will likely appear as nonexistent to you, and the “Follow” button will be unresponsive.

7. You’ve Reached Your Following Limit: The Popularity Plateau

Instagram has a following limit of 7,500 accounts. If you’ve reached this limit, you won’t be able to follow any more people until you unfollow some accounts. This limit is in place to prevent spam and ensure a more manageable user experience.

8. Multiple Failed Follow Attempts: The Persistent Nuisance

Repeatedly trying to follow an account immediately after an initial failed attempt can sometimes trigger Instagram’s anti-spam measures. The system might perceive this as suspicious activity. Wait a few minutes or hours before trying again.

9. VPN Issues or IP Address Blocks: The Location Factor

Using a VPN or having a problematic IP address can sometimes interfere with Instagram’s functionality. If your IP address is associated with suspicious activity, Instagram might temporarily restrict certain actions, including following accounts. Try disabling your VPN or contacting your internet service provider to resolve IP address issues.

10. Software Issues or Outdated App: The Technological Aspect

Ensure your Instagram app is up-to-date. Outdated versions can sometimes have glitches that prevent you from performing certain actions. Also, check if your device’s operating system (iOS or Android) is compatible with the latest version of Instagram.

11. Shadowbanning: The Hidden Restriction

While not officially acknowledged by Instagram, some users believe that shadowbanning can affect their ability to follow accounts. Shadowbanning typically involves reduced visibility of your content to others. It’s a controversial topic, but some speculate it can also impact your ability to interact with other accounts, including following them.

12. The Account Is Not Set Up Correctly: The Initial Errors

It’s also possible the account you are trying to follow hasn’t been fully set up or is experiencing its own technical problems. New accounts or accounts undergoing changes can sometimes temporarily experience issues that prevent others from following them. Wait a while and try again later.

FAQs: Your Instagram Following Dilemmas Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide further clarification.

1. How long does it take for someone to approve my follow request on Instagram?

There’s no set timeframe. It depends entirely on the user. Some users approve requests daily, while others may take weeks or never approve them at all.

2. Can I see a list of the follow requests I’ve sent on Instagram?

Yes, you can. Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, then tap “Settings,” then “Account,” and finally “Access Data”. Under “Connections” you’ll find “Follow Requests.”

3. How many people can I follow per day on Instagram?

There’s no official daily limit, but Instagram’s algorithm looks for suspicious activity. A general rule of thumb is to avoid following more than 100-200 accounts per day.

4. What does it mean when the “Follow” button disappears on someone’s profile?

This usually indicates that you have been blocked by that user. It’s also possible that the account has been deactivated or suspended.

5. Can I bypass a block on Instagram?

Circumventing a block is against Instagram’s terms of service and is generally not recommended. Creating a new account solely to contact someone who has blocked you can be considered harassment.

6. How do I report a technical issue to Instagram?

Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, then tap “Settings,” then “Help,” and finally “Report a Problem.”

7. Does Instagram notify users when someone tries to follow them multiple times?

No, Instagram does not notify users of repeated follow attempts.

8. Will I be able to follow an account again if they unblock me?

Yes, if someone unblocks you, you will be able to follow them again, provided they haven’t deactivated or suspended their account and you haven’t reached your following limit.

9. Can using a third-party app to automate following affect my ability to follow others?

Yes, using third-party apps that violate Instagram’s terms of service (such as those that automate following and unfollowing) can lead to restrictions on your account, including limiting your ability to follow others. It’s best to avoid these apps.

10. How can I tell if I’m shadowbanned on Instagram?

There’s no definitive way to know for sure, as Instagram doesn’t officially acknowledge shadowbanning. However, if your posts are receiving significantly less engagement than usual, or if your posts aren’t showing up under relevant hashtags, it’s possible you’re shadowbanned.

11. How can I avoid getting flagged as a spam account on Instagram?

Avoid following and unfollowing a large number of accounts in a short period, refrain from posting repetitive or spammy content, and engage authentically with other users.

12. What should I do if I think my IP address is causing the problem?

Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about your IP address and whether it might be associated with any issues. You can also try restarting your modem and router to get a new IP address.

Ultimately, understanding the various reasons why Instagram doesn’t let you follow someone empowers you to troubleshoot effectively and navigate the platform with more clarity. So, the next time you encounter this frustrating situation, you’ll be equipped to identify the cause and take appropriate action.