Are you getting a Challenge Required error on Instagram?
Here’s the full error message, “Error. challenge_required”.
The error is a security measure that was implemented by Instagram.
It’s used for preventing bots, spam, and automation on the platform.
If you happen to get the error, it means that you’ve probably tried logging in too many times.
Or, it could mean that you’re liking, following, or commenting too fast.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix the “challenge_required” error on Instagram.
How to fix “challenge_required” on Instagram
To fix “challenge_required” on Instagram, you can either access your data on Instagram or change your network from WiFi to mobile data (and vice versa).
For example, if you’re using WiFi, try switching to mobile data.
On the other hand, if you’re using mobile data, try switching to WiFi.
By doing this, your IP address will be changed and you should not get the “challenge_required” error.
The “challenge_required” error is a temporary block on your IP address.
Hence, changing your network can remove the block.
If all else fails, you need to uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 24 to 48 hours.
The Challenge Required Instagram error is a temporary error, so it’ll most likely be lifted in 24 to 48 hours.
Here are 3 methods to fix “challenge_required” on Instagram:
- Method 1: Access your data on Instagram
- Method 2: Change your network from WiFi to mobile data (and vice versa)
- Method 3: Uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 24 to 48 hours
Method 1: Access your data on Instagram
The first method is to access your data on Instagram.
According to many users, accessing their data and letting it load fixed the “challenge_required” error.
This is a strange fix—but it worked for many users—so it might work for you as well.
To do so, go to your Instagram profile > Menu > Settings > Security > Access data.
After you’ve tapped on “Access data”, enter your login details if you’re prompted to and let your data load.
By doing this, the “challenge_required” error should be fixed.
1. Tap on the menu on your Instagram profile
Firstly, you need to open the Instagram app and log in to your account.
Once you’re on Instagram, tap on your profile picture on the bottom navigation bar.
This will open your Instagram profile.
On your Instagram profile, tap on the menu icon.
2. Go to your settings
After you’ve tapped on the menu icon, the menu will open.
The menu contains multiple options.
This includes “Settings”, “Archive”, “Your activity”, and more.
Tap on “Settings” to go to the settings page.
3. Tap on “Security”
After you’ve tapped on “Settings”, you’ll land on the settings page.
The settings page contains multiple options.
This includes “Notifications”, “Business”, “Privacy”, and more.
Tap on “Security” to go to your security settings.
4. Access your data
In your security settings, you’ll be able to manage your login security and data.
This includes your changing your password, enabling/disabling two-factor authentication, accessing your data, and more.
Under the “Data and history” header, you’ll see an “Access data” option.
Tap on “Access data” to access your data.
After you’ve tapped on “Access data”, enter your login details if you’re prompted to and wait for your data to load.
Now, force close the Instagram app and re-open it.
This should fix the “challenge_required” error on Instagram.
Method 2: Change your network from WiFi to mobile data (and vice versa)
The second method you can try is changing your network.
If you’re connected to a WiFi network, you need to switch to your mobile data.
On the other hand, if you’re using your mobile data, switch to a WiFi network.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of your screen.
After you’ve swiped up, tap on the WiFi icon to enable/disable your WiFi connection.
By doing this, your IP address will be changed.
As the “challenge_required” error is a temporary block on your IP address, switching your network should fix it.
Make sure to force-close the Instagram app after you’ve switched your network before you check if the error is fixed.
Method 3: Uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 24 to 48 hours
The final method is to uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 24 to 48 hours.
The “challenge_required” error temporarily blocks your IP address.
Hence, it’ll automatically be lifted after some time.
According to many users, the “challenge_required” error will be lifted after 24 to 48 hours.
There are a couple of things that you can do.
This includes waiting for 24 to 48 hours or uninstalling Instagram and waiting for that same period of time.
It’s highly recommended that you uninstall Instagram as it will clear its cache and data.
By doing this, Instagram will be on a clean slate when you reinstall and open it.
What does “challenge_required” mean on Instagram?
The “challenge_required” error on Instagram means that your IP address is temporarily blocked.
As a result, you won’t be able to use certain features on Instagram like logging in, liking posts, or following others.
The error was implemented by Instagram to mitigate bots, spam, and automation on the platform.
At times, you might get the error by mistake.
Conclusion
At times, you may get the Challenge Required error on Instagram by mistake.
Instagram is known to falsely detect bots, spam, and automation.
Hence, you might get the “challenge_required” error even though you didn’t do anything.
Even so, you still need to follow the methods in this guide to fix the error.
The Challenge Required error is a temporary error—it’ll eventually get lifted.
In most cases, the error will last for 24 to 48 hours—so you just need to wait it out.
If you’re lucky, it’ll only last for a few hours.
Further reading
How to Fix Feedback Required on Instagram
