Frustrated by the “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” error message on Instagram? We completely understand; it can certainly be alarming!
This is the full error message you would see: “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your Instagram account and have temporarily locked it as a security precaution.”
You’ll also see that the message references possible phishing. If you see this message, you should click Continue to begin resolving the issue.
Once you do that, Instagram will send you a 6-digit security code either to your email or phone number on file.
This code allows them to verify your identity and proceed with unlocking your Instagram.
Unfortunately, many users of Instagram have reported not receiving the code after clicking Continue, which can be quite worrisome, especially when Instagram is vital to your brand or business.
If you didn’t receive the code, the first place you can check is your email spam folder. There’s a chance that it may have been placed there instead of your inbox.
After checking your spam or junk folder, if you still don’t find it don’t worry— there are troubleshooting options laid out for you step-by-step down below.
Let’s find out how to unlock your Instagram!
Why is My Instagram Account Temporarily Locked?
If you find your Instagram account temporarily unlocked, it’s probably because you’ve been phished, you’ve been using a third-party app that has changed your usual activity, or you have engaged in behavior that is outside of your typical habits on Instagram.
Remember, Instagram runs on algorithms, so whenever they see a change in your activity, they may mark that as suspicious for your protection.
If you’re using a third-party account that surpasses the daily engagement limits, you might find that your account gets locked.
This can commonly occur when you use Instagram services that deal with bulk engagements or spam bots.
What’s more, if you’ve logged in and taken actions from a new location, it could flag your account and you could get locked out of your Instagram.
If you are using your account but generating more activity or have traveled to a different location, you shouldn’t have any trouble reactivating your account.
If you feel that someone else has been logging in without your permission, you may have been phished and you’ll need to follow the steps to regain your Instagram access.
In any case, if you feel that you need to protect your account, you can change your password after the whole process of recovery has been completed.
How to Fix “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” on Instagram
Here, we’ll give you a quick overview of the steps to fix “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” on Instagram, and then we’ll break it down one by one with some details.
To start, there is a form that you’ll need to submit on Instagram. This is known as the My Instagram Account Has Been Deactivated form.
After you fill out and submit this form, you’ll need to send a photo of yourself holding the handwritten code that Instagram sends you.
The reason that they do this is to confirm your identity and ensure that it’s you.
Instagram should get back to you within 1 to 3 business days; the problem is that the length of response time has been severely impacted due to the large number of submissions, meaning that they may not get back to you for weeks.
Patience is key here.
Tip: Do not trust users who claim they can help you to recover your Instagram account. These are usually scammers or bots and they absolutely cannot help you get your account back. Instagram is the only one that can do so.
If you didn’t receive the initial 6 digit code from Instagram and couldn’t enter it, you’ll need to follow the three steps below.
Many users have also cited receiving the code, but after inputting it they get the “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” error on their screen once again.
Step 1: Submit the “My Instagram Account Has Been Deactivated” Form
The first thing you’ll need to do to get the process moving is fill out the My Instagram Account Has Been Deactivated form.
Follow the instructions on the screen and make sure that all required information is accurate and filled in correctly. You’ll enter your full name as you registered it with your Instagram.
Next you’ll enter the email address that is linked to your Instagram account. You’ll need to access this email if you want to regain access to your account.
Put in the same email address that you signed up with Instagram. Otherwise, it won’t work.
Then fill in your Instagram username and your phone number. After you do those things, you’ll need to explain that your Instagram account was deactivated by mistake.
Explain your recent activity and that you didn’t violate the community guidelines.
You can then submit the form for review.
Here are some alternatives to help you begin the process if you find that the above link is no longer working for you:
All of the above forms are different variations of the My Instagram Account Was Deactivated form, so you have many options on how to begin the process.
Step 2: Send a Photo of the Code to Confirm You Have it
Once you submit the form, Instagram will take a look at your request and send you an email that explains in detail what you need to do next.
They will send you a code in an email with further instructions on how to send them the code for confirmation.
You’ll have to take a photo with the code that abides by the following instructions:
- Include the code provided handwritten on a piece of paper that includes your username and full name
- Include the hand holding the sheet of paper and your whole face in the photo
- Make sure the photo isn’t too dark or blurry
- Attached to the reply email as a JPEG
If your response doesn’t meet the above requirements, your request will be denied. You have to follow the instructions exactly as they are listed above.
The purpose of doing this is to make sure that you are, in fact, the owner of the account and that you’re not a bot or scammer.
Step 3: Wait for Instagram to Reactivate Your Account
You’ve done your part after sending the reply email with the photo to Instagram.
The response time for Instagram to reply to a “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Disabled” request was 1 to 3 business days, but since COVID, the wait time has expanded to a few weeks, potentially.
It’s important to be patient and wait for Instagram to get back to you.
Once they have received and approved your request, they will send you a confirmation email that your account was deactivated by mistake and that your access has been reinstated.
You will only receive a response from Instagram if your request is approved. If your submission is denied, you’ll hear nothing.
It depends on luck in how fast Instagram responds; some users have even gotten their account back within a day. Some waited for a week or so.
After a few weeks, if you still haven’t received a response, reply again and send the code.
Continue to pursue your case, especially if you know there has been some kind of mistake. Don’t bother them every second of the day, but don’t let yourself be forgotten.
How Long Does a Temporary Lock on Instagram Last?
It’s a stressful situation when you lose access to your Instagram account, and seeing the “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Blocked on Instagram” error can incite fear and panic. The temporary lock is an indefinite lock until you resolve it.
If you don’t pursue any action, your Instagram account will remain locked. This can be a bit confusing due to the name of the lock, but it will only be temporary if you take action to get the lock lifted.
Final Thoughts: How to Fix “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Disabled on Instagram
Because Instagram tries to protect people’s safety and uses algorithms to monitor user behavior, sometimes things happen and you will find that your Instagram account has been temporarily disabled.
The first thing you need to do is get moving on reactivating it by following the steps above.
These communications are reviewed by real people, not bots, which is why sometimes there is a delay in getting a response.
If you can’t get your account activated fast enough and you need your account back, you can always create a new one in the meantime.
This isn’t the best solution if you have already spent time and money on your other account, but at least you can communicate with your clients and fans in the meantime.
