Are you trying to log in to your Instagram account but this error message pops up, “Please wait a few minutes before you try again”?
Or maybe you’re trying to view your Instagram feed, but it only shows the error message.
Either way, it can be frustrating because you might not know the exact cause of the error, and how to fix it.
At times like this, Instagram is usually not down, but the problem is from your end. You might have done something that caused the error.
In this article, you’ll learn why you got the error, how to fix and prevent it.
- Why does my Instagram say please wait a few minutes before you try again?
- How to fix “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram
- How to prevent “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram
Why does my Instagram say please wait a few minutes before you try again?
Instagram says, “Please wait a few minutes before trying again” because you might have logged in and out too fast, or you’re using a third-party app.
Whenever you receive the error message, it’s usually due to a mistake on Instagram’s end.
If you received this error message, “Please wait a few minutes before you try again”, your IP address is blocked by Instagram.
Instagram is trying to mitigate bots and automation on their platform, so if they detected bot activity on your end, they will block you.
There are many different types of blocks on Instagram, and the error message you’re getting is just one of many.
At the end of the day, it is a preventative measure to stop the surge of bots and automation on the platform.
Though at times, you may be mistaken from being a bot, and there’s no way you can prove to Instagram that you’re human.
Since Instagram doesn’t have a CAPTCHA for you to determine whether you’re human, there usually isn’t a fix inside the app itself.
If that’s the case, what do you do? In the later section of the article, you’ll learn how to fix the error message so that you can log in to Instagram again.
Or if your feed isn’t visible, you’ll learn how to get it to show again.
For now, let’s get into the couple of reasons why you’re getting the error message (in detail).
1. You’re logging in and out too fast
Firstly, you might be logging in and out too fast on Instagram.
This can be done either from one device, or multiple devices.
Either way, Instagram might think that you’re a bot, or that someone is trying to hack your account.
If you’re logging in and out repeatedly, there’s a high chance that you will be blocked from logging for a while.
Repeatedly logging in and out of your Instagram account does not seem human, so Instagram will think that you’re a bot.
If you’re logging in and out of Instagram too fast, your IP address will send too many requests to Instagram’s server.
That being said, Instagram will temporarily block your IP address and prevent you from logging in as it imposes a risk of a DDOS attack.
In other words, you are being rate limited by Instagram.
2. You’re using a third-party app
Secondly, you might be getting the “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” error on Instagram because you’re using a third-party app or tool.
The vast majority of third-party apps require you to log in to your Instagram account.
If you’re logging in to multiple third-party apps, there’s a high chance that Instagram will block you from logging in.
There are a few scheduling apps that Instagram has partnered with, but those that are not imposes a risk on your account.
For example, if you’re logging in to a third-party app that is not an Instagram partner, Instagram might prevent you from logging in on the app.
This is especially so if you’re logging in to multiple third-party apps.
To check whether a third-party app is partnered with Instagram, you can browse Facebook’s partner directory.
How to fix “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram
Whenever you receive the “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” error, Instagram has blocked your IP address.
That being said, even if you try uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram, it may not be able to fix the error.
Uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram, or clearing its cache will not fix the error.
There’s a huge misconception that uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram fixes the error, but that is simply not true. Not everything can be solved by this.
Similarly, clearing the app’s cache may not work as well, because it does not clear your IP address.
That being said, you shouldn’t bother deleting and installing the Instagram app again, or clearing its cache as it does not fix the error.
In addition, updating the Instagram app will not fix a thing as well. As these solutions are redundant, you shouldn’t waste your time trying them.
So how to you fix the error message since these solutions don’t work?
Here are three proven ways to fix the “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram.
1. Switch your mobile network
The first method is to switch your mobile network.
If you’re using your mobile data (e.g. 4G), try connecting to a WiFi.
Conversely, if you’re connected to a WiFi, try switching to mobile data.
The IP address on a WiFi and cellular data is not the same. So, if you switch from one network to the other, your IP address will change.
If you’re facing the, “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” error on Instagram, your IP address has been temporarily blocked.
This means that you won’t be able to log in to your Instagram account (or view your feed) for the duration.
However, if you happen to switch your mobile network from WiFi to mobile data, and vice-versa, the error message will be lifted.
So, if you’re currently facing the error message, switching your mobile network is your best bet to getting rid of it.
2. Use a VPN
Secondly, you can try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to get rid of the error.
Connecting to a VPN will hide your IP address from Instagram.
This means that if you’re connected to a VPN, Instagram won’t be able to detect your IP address.
If you’ve been blocked prior to using a VPN, Instagram has already blocked your IP address.
However, if you happen to connect to a VPN after, Instagram won’t be able to know your IP address, and the error message will be lifted.
You can download a VPN on your device by searching for “VPN” on the App Store/Google Play Store. Most of these apps are free to download.
As a VPN uses a different IP address from your own, Instagram will not be able to tell that you’re using the same device.
As such, you will be able to log in or view your Instagram feed again.
3. Wait it out
The error message will typically last for 24 to 48 hours (as reported by multiple users), and you should be able to log in after that.
Lastly, if you’ve received the, “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” error on Instagram, you can try waiting it out.
The error message will typically last for 24 hours to 48 hours.
Many Instagram users reported that they managed to access their account after waiting for 24 hours.
So, if you’re not rushing to access Instagram, then you should wait for the error message to be lifted.
The error message is just a temporary block to your IP address, so you don’t have to worry about it being permanent.
If you want to be extra cautious, don’t use the app for 24 hours, and try logging in after.
You should be able to login to Instagram and access your feed if you do.
How to prevent “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram
Now that you know why you got the error, and how to fix it, it’s time for you to learn how to prevent it.
It’s always best to prevent the error as you won’t have to go to the trouble to fix it.
There are two main ways to prevent the “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram.
1. Stop logging in and out repeatedly
Firstly, you should stop logging in and out repeatedly on Instagram.
This usually happens if you’re using multiple devices.
For example, if you’re using a desktop and a mobile device, you should only login to one at a time.
Logging in and out repeatedly will cause Instagram to block your IP address, so you have to ensure that you stop it.
2. Don’t use third-party apps
Secondly, you should stop using any third-party apps, tools, or automation.
This is especially so if you’re using multiple third-party apps.
There is a limit to the number of third-party apps that you’re allowed to log in on Instagram, and your IP address might be blocked if you’re logged in to multiple.
In order to prevent this, you can log out to all third-party apps.
Alternatively, you can revoke third-party apps that are connected to your Instagram account on the desktop or mobile device.
Here’s how you can revoke third-party apps on a desktop:
- Log in to the Instagram website on your desktop.
- Go to your profile and tap on settings.
- Tap on “Apps and Websites”, then tap on “Remove” to remove any third-party apps/websites.
Here’s how you can revoke third-party apps on a mobile device:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap on the menu icon at the top-right hand corner.
- Tap on settings, then select “Security”.
- Tap on “Apps and websites” under Data and history, tap on “Active”, then tap on “Remove” to remove any third-party apps/websites.
Now that you removed unauthorized apps and websites, you will be logged out from them.
Conclusion
The “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram is frustrating as you’re not able to login to Instagram or access your feed.
In this article, you’ve learnt what causes the error, how to fix and prevent it from happening again.
To recap, the best way to fix the error is either by switching your mobile network, connecting to a VPN, or waiting it out.
Remember, the error is temporary, so even if you didn’t manage to fix it, all you need to do is to wait, and it’ll eventually be lifted.
Further Reading
⚡️ How to Unfollow Everyone on Instagram at Once
How to Find Someone on Instagram Without Knowing Their Username
What Does “This story is no longer available” Mean on Instagram?
