If you have been using Instagram for a while and have noticed your account getting locked from time to time, you may be wondering why. That could actually be happening for several different reasons, and in this article, we will provide an in-depth explanation of why your Instagram account could be temporarily locked and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
I. Overview of Instagram Account Security
Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms. As a result, it is important to ensure your account is secure and safe from potential hackers. In this post, we will look at the different aspects of security for Instagram accounts.
Password Strength: One of the most important aspects of Instagram account security is creating strong and secure passwords. A strong password should include capital letters, symbols, and numbers, and it should not contain any words found in the dictionary. It is also important to regularly change your passwords to prevent any unauthorized access to your account.
Two-factor Authentication: Another way to secure your Instagram account is to enable two-factor authentication. This feature adds an extra layer of security to your account and requires you to enter an additional code whenever you log in, in addition to your username and password. This ensures that no one can access your account even if they have your username and password.
Privacy Settings: Lastly, it is important to adjust the privacy settings on your Instagram account to ensure that only people you trust can view your content. You can do this by limiting who can view your posts, who can comment, and who can send you messages. You can also adjust the settings for individual posts.
II. Why Does My Instagram Account Get Temporarily Locked?
Instagram is a popular social media platform that has many features that can be used to share photos, videos, stories, and other content with friends and family. Unfortunately, Instagram accounts are occasionally locked, which can be a major frustration. Fortunately, understanding why accounts are locked can help make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Using Banned or Prohibited Content:
- Posts that contain nudity, violence, or hate speech.
- Posts that are linked to spam websites.
- Comments and photos that lack respect for other Instagram users.
Posting any of these can result in a temporary lock on an Instagram account, especially if it occurs multiple times. Instagram takes this content very seriously, so being aware of the guidelines can help keep an account from being locked.
Sharing Too Much Content at One Time:
- Uploading more than 25 posts in an hour.
- Posting from multiple accounts on the same or similar content.
- Mass-following, liking, or commenting on posts.
If it appears an account is trying to game the system or use automated methods to manipulate Instagram, then a temporary account lock can be put in place. By not overwhelming the system and being more methodical with social interactions, accounts are less likely to get flagged.
III. What Are the Most Common Reasons for a Locked Instagram Account?
Unapproved Activity: Instagram may lock accounts for various reasons, but one of the most common is unapproved activity. This includes following, unfollowing and liking lots of users in a short span of time, as well as posting too quickly or commenting excessively. Instagram could also be suspicious of accounts engaging in activities that violate their terms of service, such as using bots to increase followers or likes.
Suspicious Login Activity: Another common reason for a locked Instagram account is suspicious login activity. This happens when someone tries to gain unauthorized access to an account, either through a brute force attack or by guessing the right username and password. Instagram can detect such suspicious login attempts and take measures to protect the account, by locking it until the account owner can confirm their identity.
Reporting Issues: Finally, Instagram may lock accounts if they’re reported by another user. This is usually done when the content of the account violates Instagram’s terms of service, such as posting offensive or spam content. In such cases, Instagram will conduct an investigation and lock the account, until a solution can be found.
- Unapproved activity
- Suspicious login activity
- Reporting issues
IV. How Can I Avoid Getting My Instagram Account Locked Again?
Stick to the Instagram Terms of Service
One of the best ways to avoid your Instagram account being locked again is to stick to the Instagram Terms of Service. Before you post anything, make sure you read and understand what Instagram and its users expect from you. Make sure anything you post complies with Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
Don’t Share Too Much Information
The more information you share publicly, the more vulnerable your account will be. Be aware of what you are posting,and never share personal information such as bank details, passwords or email addresses publicly. If you’re asked to give such information, make sure to check who you’re sharing it with first.
Be Careful of Third-Party Applications
Instagram doesn’t review all third-party applications and websites. Some may even be malicious. If you’re giving access to any third-party apps make sure it is reputable before you share any information with them. Furthermore, make sure the settings are correct and you are sharing the information you are comfortable with.
V. Ways to Secure Your Instagram Account
By taking just a few security measures, you can reduce risks of having your Instagram account hacked. Here are five steps you can take:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: You can choose to receive a one-time code via text message (SMS) or an app-based code generator. Once you have enabled two-factor authentication, each time you login, you will be asked to input this code.
- Change Your Password Regularly: The more regularly you change your password, the more difficult it is for hackers to guess. Make sure your passwords are strong and unique. Avoid reusing them for different accounts as well.
- Review Your Connected Apps: To review which apps are connected to your account, just go to the Instagram App settings and click the Manage Connected Apps tab.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Scams: Phishing scams are one of the primary ways that hackers try to gain access to accounts. Avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you receive a message or email that you suspect is a phishing attempt, don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
- Turn On Post Notifications: Post notifications will alert you any time someone posts to your account. This is a good way to stay up-to-date with activity on your account and make sure that no unauthorized activity is happening.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to review Instagram’s Security Tips page periodically, as it is frequently updated with new security measures. Remember, the more security measures you take, the less likely it is that your account will be compromised.
If your Instagram account has been locked for a third time, you need to understand why this is happening and take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Make sure you read the terms of service and understand any guidelines put in place by Instagram; this is the best way to ensure that your account remains safe.
