How to Fix Instagram Not Letting You Follow in 2025

Are you experiencing an Instagram follow block or getting the “Action Blocked” error when following new accounts? 

You are not alone. Many of us face this frustrating issue due to Instagram’s follow limits, temporary limitations, or inauthentic activity detection. Whether you’ve hit the Instagram follow limit for 2025, encountered a temporary follow block, or suspect your account has been flagged due to suspicious behavior, resolving this issue can be challenging.

Let us explore why Instagram will not let you follow new accounts and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Why Will Instagram Not Let You Follow Others?

Instagram restricts following activity to prevent spamming. Here are a few restrictions:

1. Follow Limits: Instagram imposes daily and hourly follow caps. Exceeding these limits results in a temporary block.
2. Maximum Follows: Users can follow up to 7,500 accounts. Once reached, following new accounts requires unfollowing others.
3. Suspicious Activity Detection: Rapid follows/unfollows or bot-like behavior can trigger restrictions.

If you cannot follow new accounts, it might be due to these limits or a temporary system issue.

How to Fix Instagram's Following Issue

You can resolve the issue with some common fixes.

Fix #1: Check If You've Reached Instagram’s Follow Limits

• Go to your profile and check your total following.
• If you've hit 7,500, unfollow some accounts before trying again.
• If you’ve followed too many accounts quickly, wait 24–48 hours before retrying.

Fix #2: Wait It Out – Temporary Follow Block

• Instagram may issue a temporary action block for excessive activity.
• These blocks usually last a few hours to 48 hours.
• Avoid repeated follow attempts, as they may extend the restriction.

Fix #3: Refresh the Instagram App or Restart Your Device

• Close and reopen Instagram.
• Restart your phone and check if the problem persists.
• Clear Instagram’s cache (on Android) or reinstall the app (on iOS).

Fix #4: Report the Problem to Instagram Support

If the issue persists, report it to Instagram:

1. Open Instagram and go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem.
2. Describe your issue and submit the report.
3. Wait for Instagram’s response (usually within a few days).

When to Worry: Recognizing a Permanent Instagram Ban

If your account is permanently restricted:

• You will receive a notification mentioning, “Your account has been disabled”.
• You cannot interact with posts, like, comment, or follow anyone for an extended period.
• Contact Instagram Support to appeal the ban.

Important Warnings

• Avoid Using Facebook to Follow Others: Unlike popular belief, linking Instagram to Facebook does not bypass “follow restrictions”.
• Be Cautious with IP Changes: Using a VPN may not help unless you're sure the block is IP-based. Avoid trying this if you’ve violated Instagram’s policies.

Has Anyone Faced Instagram Bans? What Do People Feel?

A user on Reddit posted that their Instagram account was permanently disabled due to an "Account Integrity" issue despite having no history of inappropriate activity. They filed an appeal and submitted the required documents (selfies, ID verification, etc.) but were unsuccessful in recovering the account.

While they do not mind losing Instagram, they are desperate to regain access to their Facebook and Messenger, which contain important conversations and memories.

Another Reddit user reported that they have been unable to follow new accounts on Instagram for two days, possibly as part of a temporary restriction or account ban. They primarily follow K-pop stars and artists and are unsure why this restriction was applied.

Even people on Quora feel irritated due to this issue. 

More to explore

• How to Find Someone on Instagram by Picture
• How to Extract Phone Number from Instagram Private Account 2024
• How to Change Your Location on Instagram Account 
• How to Get Unbanned from Instagram: 3 simple steps
• How to Add a Link to a Reel on Instagram
• How to Link Pinterest to Your Instagram Account

Conclusion

Instagram’s follow restrictions are designed to prevent spam. If you are blocked, check your limits, wait for temporary restrictions to lift, and avoid suspicious activities. If necessary, report the issue to Instagram.

By following these guidelines, you can prevent future restrictions and maintain a safe Instagram experience.