How to Resolve Instagram Action Blocked Errors

Instagram can be a major force for building your personal brand and growing your business, but sometimes it just stops working. You try to like a post or follow a new account, and suddenly your actions are blocked. No matter what you do, nothing seems to work. It’s incredibly frustrating, yet the good news is that there’s a way to fix it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this happens, exactly what you can do to fix it, and how to prevent it from ever disrupting your workflow again. Plus, we’ll show you how services like Swiftproxy can make managing multiple accounts smoother and safer in 2025.

SwiftProxy
By - Linh Tran
2025-10-20 15:01:10

How to Resolve Instagram Action Blocked Errors

Understanding the Instagram Action Blocked Error

Simply put, Instagram blocks actions when it detects unusual behavior. This could be anything from liking hundreds of posts in minutes, following and unfollowing accounts rapidly, or using automated tools. The platform then restricts your ability to like, comment, follow, or even post.
Think of it as Instagram's "safety net" against bots and spam. Annoying, yes—but necessary.

Common Causes of Instagram Action Blocks

1. Overactive Engagement

If you're on a liking, commenting, or following spree, Instagram will flag it. Flooding activity in a short time makes the system think you're a bot. Slow down and engage at a human pace.

2. Multiple Accounts, Single IP

Managing several accounts from the same device or network? Instagram may assume automation is involved. This can trigger an action block even if your actions are perfectly normal.

3. Suspicious Activity

Sudden spikes in engagement, strange location changes, or unusual account behavior can raise red flags. Your account doesn't have a "get out of jail free" card—you need to appear consistent.

4. Third-Party Tools

Automation apps might save time, but they put your account at risk. Instagram detects bots easily. Avoid these tools to keep your account safe.

How to Resolve Action Blocks

1. Wait a Moment

Many blocks are temporary. Give Instagram 24–48 hours to reset your account. Resist the urge to keep testing actions—it only prolongs the block.

2. Slow Down Your Actions

Space out likes, comments, and follows. Human behavior is gradual. Jumping from 10 interactions a day to 200 in an hour is a surefire way to trigger restrictions.

3. Clear Cache and Re-login

Sometimes, the error is just a glitch. Clear your app cache, log out, then log back in. If that doesn't work, reinstall the app entirely. Fresh data can solve lingering bugs.

4. Use Residential Proxies

A service like Swiftproxy can mask your IP and rotate it with each action. This prevents Instagram from flagging multiple accounts on a single network. With access to millions of residential IPs, your accounts appear natural, reducing the risk of action blocks.

5. Check Your Account

Add a phone number or email. Verification increases trust in your profile. Instagram is less likely to block actions from accounts it knows are real.

6. Avoid Automation

Forget bots. Focus on genuine engagement. Build connections, not numbers. Organic activity keeps your account safe and growing.

Tips to Avoid Future Blocks

Engage Authentically

Interact with content you care about. Don't chase numbers—chase relevance. Real engagement prevents action blocks and grows a meaningful following.

Use Multiple Devices or Proxies for Multiple Accounts

Separate accounts across devices or through a proxy service. Don't let Instagram think one person is running dozens of profiles from a single IP.

Take Regular Breaks

Your account needs rest. Pause between actions to maintain a natural usage pattern. Even a few hours of downtime helps.

Respect Instagram Limits

Know your thresholds for likes, follows, and comments. Stay below these limits to avoid restrictions.

Final Thoughts

The Instagram Action Blocked error is frustrating, but it doesn't have to slow you down. Reduce rapid activity, verify your account, and leverage tools like Swiftproxy to manage multiple accounts safely. Engage genuinely, pace your interactions, and stay consistent.

About the author

SwiftProxy
Linh Tran
Senior Technology Analyst at Swiftproxy
Linh Tran is a Hong Kong-based technology writer with a background in computer science and over eight years of experience in the digital infrastructure space. At Swiftproxy, she specializes in making complex proxy technologies accessible, offering clear, actionable insights for businesses navigating the fast-evolving data landscape across Asia and beyond.
The content provided on the Swiftproxy Blog is intended solely for informational purposes and is presented without warranty of any kind. Swiftproxy does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or legal compliance of the information contained herein, nor does it assume any responsibility for content on thirdparty websites referenced in the blog. Prior to engaging in any web scraping or automated data collection activities, readers are strongly advised to consult with qualified legal counsel and to review the applicable terms of service of the target website. In certain cases, explicit authorization or a scraping permit may be required.
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