Why can’t I follow people on Instagram: 8  reasons & how to fix guide

Many people run into the following issues these days, and ask Why can’t I follow people on Instagram? So, you are not alone! This is a problem for millions of users annually. Instagram can block your following of new accounts, whether it is a temporary block, a technical glitch or a policy block. Most of the time, this is done to stop the bot spam that many marketers do to inflate their follower count. However, there can be plenty of other reasons why you can’t follow people on Instagram.

The answer to the problem lies in knowing why Instagram prevents one from following people. Here, we describe the underlying reasons behind, and provide point-by-point remedies to ensure that you can safely follow accounts once more in 2025.

Understand Instagram’s following mechanics & guidelines

Instagram has a follow mechanism that is very strict to maintain the integrity of the community. Algorithms that identify spam or automated action are monitored on every follow action.

• The platform’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines govern user activity. Instagram requires that all users communicate authentically, i.e., no mass following, no automation, and no spamming. If an account is found in violation, it is promptly banned or restricted from following more accounts.
• Instagram lets users follow accounts by searching or via the Suggested for You button. Nevertheless, the following action in a short period may be limited in the case of excessive follow actions.
• Instagram has a follow limit of 7,500 accounts being the maximum number of subscriptions that one can have in a limited period. On top of that, there are hourly and daily restrictions to stop people from using spam bots. When you start exceeding this limit, you are not able to follow more accounts without unfollowing some of the previous ones.
• The Instagram system also blocks suspicious or dangerous activity, including third-party automation tools and rapid following and unfollowing of other users. These limits are aimed at fighting fake interactions and keeping users out of bots.

Simply put, it is the IG platform that is implementing its internal rules rather than allowing following when IG users try to expand their reach.

8 common reasons why you can’t follow people on Instagram

It is time to consider the most popular causes of Instagram blocking following actions in 2025.

You have reached the Instagram following limit.

• The maximum number of follows on Instagram is 7,500. Such limit discourages spamming and guarantees healthy interaction.
• You will get an error message when you reach this limit in the attempt to follow new accounts. In order to unblock it, one will have to unfollow old and irrelevant accounts and then add new accounts. Doing so will also remove the massive clutter that one might have on his or her account.

Temporary action block

• A temporary block is caused by the security system of Instagram. It comes into effect when your account is spam-like.
• It may occur when you are following too many people and too fast or do some repetitive actions (likes, comments, follows) within a little period of time.
• Blocks may vary in length, but are usually a few hours or few days. This will take time depending on your history of the activity and your level of trust.

Daily follow limit exceeded

• There are also limits of daily follows in Instagram. Although this is not explicitly mentioned, users are usually unable to subscribe to more than 200 accounts a day.
• You can consider it as another form of temporary block that will be valid for around 12 to 24 hours. This block comes into action when the system thinks that you’re a bot attempting to follow a ton of accounts.
• Wait 24 hours to make another attempt to prevent more suspensions.

Status new account or under review.

• Tighter controls are imposed on new accounts. Instagram restricts the activities of the new users to avoid spamming.
• When your account is less than a week old, the amount of follow limit is very low- usually between 20-50 follows in a day.
• This limitation is automatically removed with the activity and trust of your account.

Employing bots or third-party tools.

• Automation tools that are offered by third parties offer rapid growth in the number of followers. Yet, they are against the policies of Instagram.
• Provided Instagram identifies such tools, it blocks actions like following or sends warnings. In extreme cases, Instagram can suspend your account.
• You should always delete unauthorized applications associated with your Instagram account under the “Apps and Websites” section.

Slow internet or application.

• Instagram might disallow some users from following more people because of network or app problems.
• Unstable internet connections or outdated app versions can interrupt follow requests.
• To solve such performance glitches, clear the cache, update the app or reinstall it.

Technical glitch/server downtime.

• Instagram has bugs and periods of downtime. Follow requests are not always registered during these periods.
• It is possible to check the issue from the official Instagram Status Page. You can also find solutions  in websites such as DownDetector of real-time reports.
• In case other people show the same problems, the issue is probably a temporary one. So, just wait until the servers are up and running again.

Shadowbanned or flagged

• Instagram puts tags on those who do not follow instructions or conduct suspicious activities.
• An account that has been flagged or shadowbanned can have limited features such as following others.
• Avoid spammy behavior, vulgarity, and deception to prevent long-term blocks.

Troubleshooting steps to fix “why can’t I follow people on IG” issues

In case IG is not letting you follow, here is the step by step way to fix it.

Solution 1. Check the following cap

• Go to your profile and check the number of accounts that you follow. When it is 7,500, the follow limit is reached.
• Fix: Unsubscribe to dormant or unwanted accounts. Wait a few minutes and then attempt to follow again.

Solution 2. Wait out the temporary block

• If Instagram blocks your follow actions, take a break.
• Fix: Do not follow anybody within a time span of 24-48 hours. Your limits will be reinstated slowly.

Solution 3. Limit daily activity

• Maintain less than 200 daily Instagram follow cap.
• Fix: Spread out your follow actions throughout the day. Replace mass following with genuine engagement.

Solution 4. Verify your account

• The unverified or new accounts have higher chances of restriction.
• Fix: Profile picture, bio and verified email address or phone number will add to your profile’s trust. Always update to gain credibility.

Solution 5. Remove third-party apps

• Hackers can cause restrictions with the help of unauthorized tools.
• Fix:
  • Open Instagram Settings.
  • Go to the Apps and Websites under the Security.
  • Deny access suspicious applications.

Solution 6. Optimize network and application health.

• In case your follow requests are not successful, check your connection.
• Fix: Toggle Wi-Fi and mobile data. It is essential to update the application or re-install it. Clear your phone apps in the phone settings.

Solution 7. Report a technical issue

• In case you think there is a glitch, report it.
• Fix: click on Settings > Help > Report a Problem. Provide a brief description. Await the response of Instagram.

Solution 8. Maintain account integrity

• When your account has been flagged, do not act spammy or pushy.
• Fix: Stop automation or any form of follower tools to increase your profile’s visibility. All you need is responsible posting and real interaction. From there, Instagram restores full access after consistent, valid activity. That way, you won’t have to deal with issues like “why IG won’t let me follow.”

How to avoid the “why won’t Instagram let me follow people” problem?

It is better to be proactive and stop the issue from ever happening than to have to fix it. Implement these plans to prevent limitation in future.

• Maintain Steady Actions: Spread out your followings throughout the week.
• Don’t Automate: Don’t utilize the applications that will assure you mass follows or likes.
• Respect the IG account Limits: Keep track of the 7, 500 follow cap and 200-day follow regulation.
• Be Authentic: Don’t copy and paste generic comments. Try to seem genuine and avoid any behaviour that will make you stand out like a bot.
• Update Periodically: Update your app regularly to avoid technical failure.
• Keep a Healthy Profile: Use actual photos, fill out your profile, and make sure that your contact details are correct.
• Follow Guidelines: Keep track of any new privacy policies or community guidelines issued by IG. That way, you won’t be shadowbanned.

With these steps, you can have an access that is stable and never see the same error messages such as Instagram cannot follow people.

Bonus: how parents can safeguard teens from unhealthy content on Instagram?

While it might be devastating for a regular IG user to face the “You can’t follow accounts right now” error, it is something that parents need to keep their kids safe. Some parental control apps and built-in controls within Instagram can be used by parents to keep teens from watching unhealthy content.

Generally, the Family Center features within Instagram are enough to keep older teens in check. However, in the case of younger teens or pre-teens, you will need more robust third party tools. Tools such as FlashGet Kids can help you a great deal in such situations to keep your child safe. This parental control app is a one-stop fix when it comes to restricting and regulating your child’s behaviour on the internet.

Using FlashGet Kids, the parents can:

• Keep track of screen time so that it does not exceed pre-defined limits.
• Auto-filter of adult or harmful content through browser safety features.
• Monitor Instagram without intrusion by using features like screen mirroring or remote snapshots.
• Establish time restrictions on the use of social apps on a daily basis.

Such safety features guarantee healthy lifestyle and secure the teens against online threats. All in all, The intervention of parents is crucial to sustaining a proper screen time and psychological health in 2025.

Final thoughts

It isn’t rare for people to ask, “Why can’t I Follow People On Instagram?” However, this issue is fairly simple to fix. The limitations of Instagram help to shield the site against bots, spam, and malicious activity. It is either a follow-up cap, a technical problem, or a security block. Luckily, there is a practical solution to either problem.

Healthy digital habits will ensure your account is secure and your access is maintained. In cases where Instagram refuses to allow you to follow someone, this guide will help you determine the reason behind it and implement the solution as quickly as possible.

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