Why Can’t I Follow People on Instagram: 8 Possible Reasons

In this post elaborated by the movie maker from MiniTool, we will explain the possible reasons for “Why can’t I follow people on Instagram”. Let’s find out why the Follow option is not working on Instagram.

Instagram and other social media platforms allow users to follow people and stay connected with others who share similar interests, values, and beliefs. Following others also keeps your social media feed relevant. However, sometimes you may find the Instagram Follow button is not working. You must be wondering why I can’t follow people on Instagram. This post has listed possible causes.

#1. Someone Blocks You on Instagram

When you have trouble following someone on Instagram, you can try following a different account to see if you face the same problem. If you can’t follow a certain account but can follow someone else on Instagram, it means you’ve been blocked by that person.

#2. Network Connection Issues

When you want to follow someone on Instagram or take other actions, make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or has mobile data enabled. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take a single step.

If you suspect Instagram isn’t letting you follow people due to an unstable internet connection, try reloading your feed to test. If the app won’t refresh, indicating a problem with your network connection, so fix your connectivity issues and try following this person again.

#3. You’ve Reached the Instagram Following Limit

Instagram does not allow anyone to follow more than 7,500 people to reduce spam. If you have reached the limit and try to follow another account, it will send you an error message. Therefore, you should unfollow certain accounts to resolve this issue. Additionally, Instagram allows users to follow up to 60 accounts per hour and 200 accounts per day. If you’re a new user and want to follow 60+ persons on Instagram, take a break and continue.

#4. Authentication Error for Your Instagram Account

Another reason for “Why won’t Instagram let me follow people” is the authentication error of the account. To resolve this issue, log out of your Instagram account and log in again. Go to your profile, click the three-line button, select Settings, and tap Log out. Log in again and check if the issue is fixed.

#5. Instagram App Glitches

Temporary glitches in the Instagram app can also cause your following to fail. You can restart the app or go to Play Store or App Store to update the app to the latest version to fix the issue. Or, you can clear the Instagram app cache on Android and reinstall the app on iPhone/iPad.

#6. Instagram Blocks Your Account

If you suddenly unfollow multiple accounts and follow new ones, or engage in other suspicious activity, your account may be flagged. In this case, Instagram will ban your account.

#7. Instagram Servers Are Down

If Instagram is down, you can’t follow people or do something else on this app. You can go to the Downdetector website to check its status. In this case, you have no choice but to wait.

#8. You’re Using a VPN

If you are using a VPN service, turn it off and try following someone else on Instagram. A VPN or proxy service replaces your real IP address. If Instagram detects this, it may restrict your account or certain features.

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Conclusion

That’s all the reasons for “Why can’t I follow someone on Instagram.” Sometimes, it’s not easy to find the specific cause. The worst thing that could happen is that the person you want to follow has blocked you, so there’s no solution unless they unblock you.

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About The Author

Cora Follow Us

Position: Columnist

Cora works as an editor at MiniTool for many years, writing articles about video editing, video conversion, and screen recording. She also writes articles about Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter. During her spare time, Cora loves reading, traveling, and watching movies.