How to Fix “Try Again Later” Error on Instagram

Are you getting a “Try Again Later” error on Instagram?

Here’s the full error message, “Try again later. We restrict certain activity to protect our community”.

Followed by, “Tell us if you think we made a mistake” and “Report a problem”.

The error message can happen immediately after you’ve performed an action (e.g. liking a post).

Editor’s note: I’ve experienced this error multiple times myself, so I know exactly how to deal with it.

In this article, you’ll learn why you got the Try Again Later error on Instagram, how to fix it, how long it lasts for, and more.

• Why did I get the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram?
• How to fix “Try Again Later” on Instagram
• How to prevent the “Try Again Later” error
• How long does “Try again later” last on Instagram?
• Does an Instagram block expire?

Why did I get the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram?

You got the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram because you’re either using a third-party app/tool or carrying out actions too fast.

For example, if you’re following or unfollowing too many users at one go, you’ll be temporarily blocked from doing so.

Instagram implemented the block to mitigate spam, bots, and automation on the app.

Otherwise, users will be able to abuse actions on the app without any limitations.

Here’s why you got the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram:

• Third-party apps or tools: Cleaner app, follower tracker app, etc.
• Mass following/unfollowing: You’ve followed/unfollowed too many Instagram users in one go.
• Mass liking/commenting: You’ve liked or commented on too many posts.
• Too many direct messages: Sending too many direct messages in a short period of time.

Note: The above list contains the most common reason why you got the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram.

Editor’s note: The error is temporary and it’ll eventually be lifted after some time—I’ve personally experienced 30-minute, 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour bans before.

How to fix “Try Again Later” on Instagram

To fix the “Try Again Later” error on Instagram, you need to wait until the specified date that’s shown in the error message for it to be lifted.

If the error message does not contain a specified date, you need to wait for 24 to 48 hours instead.

1. Wait for the block to expire

There are two types of “Try Again Later” error messages—one with a specified date and another without a specified date.

Either way, the error message is temporary and it’ll eventually be lifted after some time.

Types of “Try Again Later” error messages:

• With a specified date (e.g. This action will be unavailable for you until 2023-12-31): Wait until the specified date and the error message will be lifted from your account.
• Without a specified date (e.g. We restrict certain activity to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.): How long the error message lasts varies per user—you need to wait for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, or more for it to expire.

2. Use Instagram Web, Lite, or Desktop app

If you’re blocked from carrying out actions on the Instagram app, you may be able to carry out actions on a different device.

This includes Instagram Web, the Lite app, or the Desktop app (from the Microsoft Store).

Try using Instagram from these places to bypass the “Try Again Later” error:

• Instagram Web: https://www.instagram.com.
• Instagram Lite (Android only): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.lite.
• Instagram Desktop: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/instagram/9NBLGGH5L9XT.

Note: When accessing Instagram Web on a browser, use an incognito browser instead of the default one.

3. Remove third-party apps or tools

The “Try Again Later” error can occur if you’re using third-party apps or tools.

This is because these tools allow you to carry out actions on the app faster than a human.

As a result, Instagram will either think that you’re a bot, spammer, or abusing the app’s features.

Here’s how to remove third-party apps or tools from Instagram:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the menu icon and select “Settings and privacy”.
3. Your app and media > Website permissions > Apps and websites.
4. Remove all third-party apps and tools.

If you’ve installed a third-party app like a Follower Tracker or a Cleaner app, you need to delete or stop using them.

Editor’s note: I tried installing an Instagram Cleaner app before and got action blocked because the app unfollowed too many users in rapid succession (I stopped using it afterward and never got blocked again).

4. Delete the link in your bio

Here’s how to remove the link in your bio:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap on “Edit profile” and select “Links”.
3. Select each link and remove them from your bio.
4. Log out of your Instagram account and log in again.

Note: Multiple Reddit users claimed that removing the link (e.g. Linktree link) in their bio helped to fix the error.

Fix 5: Use a VPN or switch your network

• Use a VPN: Install a free VPN app like Proton VPN and connect to a VPN.
• Switch your network: If you’re using Wi-Fi, try using mobile data (and vice-versa).

Note: Make sure to force exit the Instagram app before you use a VPN or switch your network.

How to prevent the “Try Again Later” error

Here’s how to prevent the error:

• Stop using third-party apps or tools (e.g. Cleaner app, follower tracker app).
• Avoid following or unfollowing a large number of users all at once.
• Slow down on liking and commenting on posts.
• Don’t direct message too many users (limit your direct messages to once every 10 minutes or more).

How long does “Try again later” last on Instagram?

The “Try again later” error typically lasts for 24 to 48 hours.

The duration of the block varies for each user unless it’s specified in the error message.

Some users said that the error was lifted after a few hours, while others mentioned that it took a few days/weeks.

If the error message lasts for more than 48 hours, you should report a problem on the app.

Does an Instagram block expire?

Yes, an Instagram block will eventually expire.

All Instagram blocks are temporary and will be lifted after some time.

Some blocks last for several hours, while others are lifted after a few days.

Further reading

Why Won’t Instagram Let Me Like Posts?

Why Did My Instagram Message Requests Disappear?

How to Start a Streak on Snapchat