What to Do When Your Instagram Account is Disabled or Deactivated
Instagram might disable or deactivate your account without prior notice, leaving you puzzled about the reasons behind the suspension or how to recover it. This guide explores potential causes for account bans and offers strategies to regain access to your disabled Instagram account.
Why Was My IG Account Disabled?
Even after getting your account back, the exact reasons for its deactivation might remain unclear. Possible causes can include:
- Repeated violations of intellectual property rights.
- Consistent posting of deceptive or scam-related content.
- Purchasing followers or engagement through likes.
- Using harsh or abusive language.
- Employing third-party tools for automated following, liking, or commenting.
- An accidental ban triggered by automated systems.
How Can I Get My Instagram Account Back?
If you discover that your Instagram account has been deactivated, follow these steps to attempt recovery:
- Check Login Issues: Start by verifying login issues. Instagram will typically show a message if your account has been disabled. If there’s no such message, consider other login problems first.
- Remove Third-Party Apps: Apps like Follow Guard or Followers Insight violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines. Even if your account is reinstated, using these apps can lead to another ban. It’s best to eliminate them immediately to avoid further issues.
[box type=”warning” align=”” class=”” width=””]Third-party apps require your Instagram account information to work properly. Sharing this information leaves your account vulnerable to hackers.[/box]
- To appeal your ban, access the app’s Support Inbox. Navigate to your profile, tap on ‘More info and support,’ then ‘Help,’ followed by ‘Support Requests’ and select ‘Violations.’
- Alternatively, you can request a review through your Account Status. From the mobile app, go to your profile, tap ‘More info and support,’ then ‘Help,’ and finally ‘Account Status’ to start the appeal process.”
[box type=”note” align=”” class=”” width=””]Even if you were breaking Instagram’s rules, don’t assume that is the reason for your ban. Admitting to rule-breaking behavior won’t help your case.[/box]
- If your account was disabled due to intellectual property infringements or for circulating fraudulent or misleading information, utilize the designated appeal form for these specific violations.
- For business accounts, appealing through Facebook Business Support has been effective for some, especially if you are engaged in Facebook advertising.
- To validate your identity and potentially reverse your ban, Instagram requires proof of identity. Submit a photo of your government-issued ID, ensuring it displays your name and birthdate. It’s advisable to obscure any additional personal details like your address or social security number.
[box type=”note” align=”” class=”” width=””]If you don’t have a government-issued photo ID, send another form of identification, like government-issued permits (like fishing or hunting licenses), medical records, bank statements, or utility bills. For a full list, check here.[/box]
- Check if you qualify to appeal to the Oversight Board. If your appeal has already been reviewed twice and you are not satisfied with the outcome, a third appeal may be possible. Navigate through ‘More info and support’ > ‘Help’ > ‘Violations’ in the app, and locate an ‘Oversight Board Reference Number.’ Use this number to submit your appeal on the Oversight Board’s official website.
[box type=”note” align=”” class=”” width=””]If you don’t see an Oversight Board Reference Number, your appeal doesn’t quality for this extra review.[/box]
- Consider creating a new account. The appeal process for a deactivated account can take weeks or even months. If waiting isn’t preferable, or if you find the account isn’t crucial, you might opt to set up a new one instead.
