If you wonder Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram, the answers can be many. It can be a bug, a glitch, or probably you’re involved in something that doesn’t seem genuine in the eyes of Instagram. Whatever might be the case, the crucial part is getting it resolved, and this is why I’m here.

No one likes getting interrupted between social media sessions, and for Instagram lovers, the same seems to be more bitter. But still, everything seems alright when the interruptions are not technical. Sadly, failing to follow people tends towards a painful experience. 

Don’t worry; I’ve got good news as well. The piece of good news is that in the following article, I’ll help you learn everything that revolves around Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram, from reason to the solution.

Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram? The Reasons

In case you don’t know, Instagram is pretty strict about its operations, and this is the reason users often find themselves dealing with strange queries and, Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram? is one of them. Luckily, research has revealed many factors that eventually correspond to such a situation. With that being said, let’s uncover everything that might prevent you from following profiles on Instagram.

1. Performing Activities that Relate to Something Suspicious

As already mentioned, Instagram strictly looks after every section, and security is no exception. For that matter of fact, if the platform bot finds anyone trying to infringe the security measures in any way, he or she will end up receiving a temporary ban. The same can result in many unpleasant situations, and the inability to follow more people is not far away either. 

2. Employing Some Inauthentic Methods

According to research, a healthy number of Instagram users often think of taking their profile to a new level by incorporating automation apps that are unethical, at least in the eyes of Instagram. Now, this factor is similar to what I’ve already discussed, but the main motive of mentioning it separately is to get inside the mind of those who really fall for the YouTube videos and online articles that claim to help them attain million of followers in days.

Have you tried any? If yes, you now have your answer to Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram?

3. Repeating the Follow/Unfollow Process Multiple Times a Day

The answer to Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram isn’t limited to serious unethical activities only as the follow/unfollow mechanism can also result in such error. Yes, you’ve read that right; the primary activity for which Instagram is known can sometimes even lead to disturbing situations, especially when the number rests on a higher end.

If you’ve searched for organic ways to increase followers, it is pretty evident to come across solutions that ask you to follow/unfollow accounts on a regular basis. Honestly speaking, it does work, but at the same time, it is crucial to keep the number in check.

4. Reaching the Limit

As of now, the limit set for the number of profiles you can follow isn’t distinct; however, experts believe it to sit somewhere around 7500. So, if you’ve already followed 7500 people and wonder Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram, I guess you now know why.

5. Accessing Accounts from Multiple Devices/Locations

Well, being straight to the point, accessing Instagram from different devices is nothing obscure, but there is no denying that logging in and out of an account from varied locations is something obvious. I understand you might have a sibling residing far from your home, but that’s something I’m afraid Instagram bots will fail to comprehend. To put it in simple words, an attempt to access your Instagram account may lead to all sorts of restrictions, including the one I’m discussing here.

6. Just a Bug

Have you been scrolling along with the list, and wonder you haven’t been involved in any? Well then, a bug is what the answer to Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram looks like. It might be featuring at the very end; surprisingly, it constitutes the major portion. No matter which app you talk about, bugs and glitches seem to come alongside it, and issues caused by them are nothing new to anyone.  

Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram? The Fixes

Having talked about the factors that can restrict you from following people on Instagram, it is time I guide you on fixing the issue once for all. Before I do that, it is crucial you figure out the reason properly and proceed accordingly.

1. Update your Instagram App

Why Can't I Follow People on Instagram

When I’m talking about underlying bugs and glitches, the best way to eliminate those is installing the latest version, do the same for your Instagram and see if it fixes; why can’t I follow people on Instagram.

On Android

  • Visit the Google Play Store
  • Search for the Instagram App
  • Look for updates and install (if any)
  • Reboot your smartphone

On iOS

  • Visit the Apple Play Store
  • Use the search bar and find the Instagram App
  • Look for updates and install (if any)
  • Reboot your smartphone

2. Try to Follow People Through Facebook

If you’re still unaware, Facebook already owns Instagram, and that means both the platforms are integrated. You can thus take this opportunity and follow people through Facebook. Do you wonder how? It’s simple, follow the steps below, and you’re good to go.

Connecting to Facebook:

  • Log in to your Instagram and head over to the Settings panel.
  • Look for, Follow and Invite and tap on Follow Contacts.
  • After that, navigate to the Suggested tab
  • Finally, click on “Connect to Facebook.”

You can now start following people right from your Facebook feed. Isn’t it a great way to fix Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram? Let me know in the comment section below.

3. Clearing Cache

clearing cache

Clearing Cache is something that helps get rid of bugs sheltering within the app’s data. It can not only help fix the can’t follow people issue but is also capable of enhancing the overall user experience by eliminating glitches. Many of us take a step back from clearing the app cache, thinking it might result in something harmful. On that note, I must add it is an all-out wrong assumption.

On iOS:

  • Login to your iPhone and hover over to the Settings panel.
  • From the menu, click the “General” button.
  • After that, navigate to the “iPhone’s Storage. “
  • Scroll and find the Instagram app. Once done, tap on it.
  • Look for the “Offload App” button and select it. This will help get the cache cleared. 
  • At last, restart your device.

Alternatively,

  • Take your iOS device and head over to the settings.
  • Find the option that says “General” and tap on it.
  • Scroll and look for “iPhone Storage” Once done, click on that.
  • Scroll again, this time a bit down, until you find and tap the Instagram app.
  • From the list of all available options, hit the “Delete App” option. 
  • Now, restart your device.
  • Once the device boots up, navigate to the app store and search for the Instagram app.
  • Click on the Get option and install the app.

On Android Devices:

  • Take your smartphone, and boot it up.
  • Head over to the “Settings” menu.
  • Look for the option that says “Storage.” 
  • After that, you’ll need to find the Instagram app followed by clicking on it.
  • Finally, hover over to the “Clear Cache” button. Click on that and wait for the process to conclude.

4. Report the problem to Instagram Support

It is probably the last thing to do when the other mentioned fixed fails to help you get out of trouble. Trust me; the Instagram Support team is super-efficient. All you need to do is pass a request for support within the “Action blocked” message. Alternatively, you can choose to proceed as:

  • Step 1: Log in to your Instagram and hover over to the “Settings” menu by clicking the Gear icon.
  • Step 2: Scroll your way down and look for “Help.”
  • Step 3: After that, head over the button that says “Report a Problem” and click on it.
  • Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions and register the issue.

Tips to Avoid Getting your Activities Banned on Instagram

Until this point, you’ve most probably learned Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram. Together with that, you now know how to deal with it once you start encountering it. However, it isn’t enough. The thing that’s missing is the knowledge that will help you and your Instagram safe from getting into similar situations in the future.

Here, look at these tips, and it will ensure you seamlessly browse through your Instagram feed.

  • Don’t use your Instagram for activities that seem suspicious.
  • Avoid using automated bots.
  • Always try to maintain limited log-in sessions.
  • If you choose to utilize the follow/unfollow mechanism, make sure the limit is not hurt. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why can’t I follow people on Instagram?

Most of the time, the answer to why can’t I follow people on Instagram? is simple, bugs and glitches. However, a number of users have reportedly faced this issue due to abnormal activities within their Instagram account. While the former situation gets automatically resolved, the latter one might be troubling coming out of.

2. What is the maximum number of people I can follow on Instagram every day?

If you’re after the exact number, I’m sorry there isn’t any. Also, the fact that the numbers vary from one account to the other makes it tough to make guesses as well. As per my experiences, roughly around 150-200 follows per day don’t really call for trouble. However, I would recommend you keep the count under 100.

3. How to know if my actions are being restricted from Instagram’s end?

Learning if your activities are being limited from Instagram’s end is pretty simple. Just try following someone and watch what happens. If the blue follow button turns black and sits in this form permanently (unless you decide to unfollow), it means that your account is running as normal. While if the button turns blue automatically in seconds, you know what it means.

4. How long does the Instagram ban last?

Sadly, there is no definite answer to this question. While in most cases, Instagram uplifts the ban within a few hours, if you’re not lucky enough, the same may last for days.

And with that, I’m done presenting you the most detailed guide on Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram.

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