How to Fix Instagram 'Feedback Required' Error When Following Users in 2024

You're scrolling through Instagram, liking posts, and engaging with friends, when suddenly, you see the dreaded 'Feedback Required' error. Your actions are blocked, and your usual Instagram experience is disrupted. This error message can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know what caused it or how to fix it.

Why does Instagram show this error, and what can you do to resolve it quickly? Whether you're an avid user, a social media manager, or a business owner, understanding this issue and how to tackle it is crucial to getting back to your seamless Instagram browsing. Let’s dive into what causes the 'Feedback Required' error and explore simple yet effective solutions to fix it.

What is Instagram's 'Feedback Required' Error？

The 'Feedback Required' error on Instagram is a message that appears when Instagram detects unusual or potentially suspicious activity on your account. This could happen for several reasons, such as liking too many posts in a short time, following or unfollowing users rapidly, or using third-party apps to automate actions. Essentially, Instagram's algorithm sees this behavior as a potential violation of its guidelines and temporarily blocks further actions to protect the platform's integrity.

The duration of the 'Feedback Required' error varies. In many cases, the block lasts for a few hours, but it can sometimes extend to 24 hours or longer, depending on the severity of the activity. If Instagram identifies the activity as particularly harmful or repetitive, the block could last up to several days. For most users, the error resolves itself after a short period, especially if they refrain from any further suspicious activity. However, it's crucial to understand why the error occurred and how to prevent it in the future to avoid longer or repeated blocks.

What causes the 'Feedback Required' Error?

The 'Feedback Required' error on Instagram is usually triggered by actions that violate the platform's community guidelines or policies. Based on user feedback and Instagram's official policies, there are several common reasons this error might occur. One of the primary causes is overusing Instagram's features too quickly. For example, liking too many posts, following or unfollowing numerous accounts in a short period, or excessively commenting can all be flagged as spammy behavior. Instagram's algorithm is designed to detect these patterns and temporarily restrict actions to prevent abuse.

Another frequent cause is the use of third-party apps and bots. Many users turn to these tools to automate tasks like gaining followers or scheduling posts. However, Instagram explicitly prohibits using such apps as they can lead to unnatural growth patterns and spam-like activity. When detected, these actions often result in the 'Feedback Required' error as a protective measure by Instagram to ensure that real users are engaging authentically on the platform.

Some users report that even legitimate actions, such as rapidly switching between accounts or using certain network environments (like VPNs), can trigger the error. This might be due to Instagram's security measures that detect suspicious login activities. If the platform senses that an account is being accessed from multiple locations in a short time, it might restrict access as a precaution.

Overall, this error is Instagram’s way of asking users to slow down and reconsider their activity. To avoid facing the 'Feedback Required' error, it's important to understand and follow Instagram’s guidelines: engage genuinely, avoid rapid actions, and refrain from using third-party tools that automate activity.

How to Fix Instagram's 'Feedback Required' Error？

Resolving the 'Feedback Required' error on Instagram requires understanding why it happened and taking appropriate actions to prevent it from recurring. Below, we break down the most effective solution as well as several alternative methods, based on user feedback and Instagram’s policies.

Most Effective Method: Wait It Out and Reduce Activity

The simplest and most recommended solution is to take a break from Instagram and wait for the error to resolve itself. Instagram usually imposes temporary restrictions to deter spammy or suspicious behavior. For most users, the error lasts only a few hours to 24 hours. During this time, refrain from any further actions like liking, commenting, or following accounts. This "cooling-off" period allows Instagram’s algorithm to reset your account’s status and reduce the risk of further penalties. Many users have found that simply waiting it out and avoiding repeated actions that triggered the error is the quickest and safest way to regain full functionality on their accounts.

Alternative Methods:

Clear Cache and Log Back In

If waiting doesn't seem to help, another effective method is to clear your Instagram app cache. This can be done in the settings of your mobile device. After clearing the cache, log out of Instagram and then log back in. Some users have reported that this helps reset the app and clears the error message. Additionally, logging out helps refresh your session and might remove any temporary flags on your account.

Switch to a Different Network

Sometimes, the error may be related to the network environment. Instagram might detect certain IP addresses or network patterns as suspicious. Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa, or even connecting to a different network altogether, may resolve the error. Several users have reported that this simple change fixed the issue for them.

Change Your Password

Changing your Instagram password can also help resolve the 'Feedback Required' error. By doing so, you force Instagram to re-authenticate your session, which can sometimes lift any restrictions placed on your account. This method is particularly useful if you suspect that your account was accessed by a third-party tool or app that may have triggered the error.

Remove Third-Party Apps and Revoke Access

If you have been using any third-party apps to automate actions like following, unfollowing, or liking, remove them immediately and revoke their access to your Instagram account. Go to Instagram’s settings, find 'Security,' then 'Apps and Websites,' and remove any suspicious or unnecessary apps. Instagram’s policies strongly discourage the use of these tools, and users have reported that their issues were resolved after disconnecting such apps.

Report the Problem to Instagram Support

If the error persists for an extended period, you can try reporting the issue to Instagram's support team. Go to 'Settings,' select 'Help,' and then 'Report a Problem.' Provide a brief description of the issue and any actions you have already taken. While this method might take longer to receive a response, it has been effective for users whose accounts have been wrongly flagged.

Conclusion

While waiting it out is the most effective and safest approach, combining this with some of the alternative methods can expedite the process and help avoid future issues. Always follow Instagram’s guidelines, avoid rapid actions, and refrain from using unauthorized third-party apps to keep your account safe and error-free.

Frequently Asked Questions about 'Feedback Required' Error on Instagram

1.Why does Instagram say "Feedback Required" when I try to follow?

The "feedback_required" error on Instagram typically appears when the platform detects unusual activity on your account and suspects it may be automated or spam-like behavior. This often happens if you use automation tools or manage multiple accounts, as Instagram's system flags such actions to prevent misuse and ensure a safe user environment.

2.Why is Instagram restricting me from following people?

Instagram restricts users from following others when they engage in rapid or excessive following or unfollowing within a short timeframe. Such behavior is often flagged as spammy or suspicious, which could disrupt the platform's user experience. To prevent misuse, Instagram may temporarily limit these actions.

3.How long does "Feedback Required" last on Instagram?

The "feedback_required" error on Instagram typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours. However, in some cases, it can take up to 24 hours for the restriction to be lifted. The duration depends on the reason the error was triggered and the severity of the unusual activity detected by Instagram.