Have you tried opening Instagram and been met with a persistent error? That may be a sign that you are dealing with an IP ban. An Instagram IP ban restricts access to the app both on the website as well as the mobile application.
Reasons for an IP ban on Instagram include the use of third-party tools and multiple login sessions within a short period. In this guide, you will learn why Instagram IP bans occur and how to restore access.
What Is an Instagram IP Ban?
An Instagram IP ban prevents access to Instagram from a specific network. Unlike an account ban that disables your profile, or a shadow ban that limits visibility without notification, an IP ban blocks access entirely based on your network’s IP address, regardless of whether your account is in good standing.
For example, if you tried using a bot to automate likes and follows and your IP address becomes banned as a result, it will affect every other person using the same network. Even others using the same Wi-Fi may be unable to access their accounts as a result.
Why Does Instagram IP Ban Users?
Instagram bans happen because of violations of the platform's terms of service. Activities like the use of unauthorized automation tools, aggressive data scraping, and exceeding rate limits can lead to an IP ban.
Is Instagram IP Ban Permanent?
Not always. Most Instagram IP bans are temporary and may be lifted within a few hours or weeks. The duration depends on the severity of the violation. The IP may be blocked indefinitely in cases of repeated violations.
How Do You Know If You Are IP Banned by Instagram?
Here are things to look out for to know for sure that your Instagram IP has been placed on a ban:
- You are unable to log into any account on your device.
- You can't load Instagram on your Wi-Fi network, but you can access it on a mobile network.
- You receive an error message like “we are sorry but something went wrong” or “try again later”. These messages may also appear for other issues, not just IP bans.
- The Instagram website refuses to open on any browser.
How to Fix an Instagram IP Ban
If your IP has been banned on Instagram, here are ways you can fix it.
Restart Your Router or Switch Networks
Restarting your router is a quick fix for Instagram IP ban issues as most home connections use a dynamic IP. A simple reboot can often solve the issue, although this only works for users with a dynamic IP.
If that doesn’t work, switch to a mobile hotspot to confirm if your network is the issue. For static IP, contact your internet provider to request a new one or use a VPN to hide your location.
Use a Residential Proxy Service
With a reliable proxy service like Live Proxies, you can get a rotating residential or mobile proxy that would reroute your connection through other locations. This type of proxy is harder to detect than Datacenter Proxies, as they mimic the activities of real users.
Contact Instagram Support
If every other step listed above fails, you should contact Instagram support. You should know that the platform does not offer live chat but makes provision for users to submit a report through an in-app support form or the help centre.
In your appeal, state the reason for reaching out, which in this case is the IP address ban. Specify if you were using bots and third-party apps, and ask for the ban to be reviewed. For quick response, be polite, concise. Some users report quicker responses through the mobile app.
Wait It Out
Sometimes, the best fix is to wait. If the reason behind the ban is minor, it is likely going to be lifted within hours or days. Open Instagram on the same network after every few hours and test different devices to know when the ban is lifted.
Can an Instagram IP Ban Affect Other Accounts?
Yes, once an IP is banned on Instagram, everyone using the network will not be able to access their accounts. Instagram IP bans target the network's IP address and not just the user's account. In cases like this, you may need to change your IP or reach out to Instagram support.
How to Avoid Instagram IP Bans in the Future?
You can avoid an Instagram IP ban by doing the following:
Limit Automation and Scraping
While automation and web scraping are legal, they may result in an IP ban on Instagram when misused. Responsible usage should be the watchword when scraping to avoid triggering anti-bot systems.
Use Rotating Proxies Smartly
Rotating proxies ensure privacy and lower the chances of an IP ban. But you will need to set them right, as proper configuration is necessary for them to work effectively. The proxy services, such as Live Proxies, offer their users a wide selection of residential proxies with a variety of advanced features. If you can get their configuration right, rotating proxies are effective at lowering block rates and making sure you can access the content and services from a given region that are targeted or locked down.
Avoid Suspicious Behavior
Most platforms, including Instagram, identify and block suspicious activities for the safety of users. Common red flags include:
- Sending multiple messages within a short time.
- Using similar messages across multiple interactions.
- Mass following in a short period.
- Repeated posting at unnatural intervals.
It is best to vary behaviour to mimic natural usage when using automation tools and use verified APIs.
Do Free Proxies Help With Instagram Bans?
Free proxies rarely help with Instagram bans and may often make things worse. They are usually crowded, unreliable, and easily flagged by Instagram’s systems. It is better to use paid proxies especially rotating proxies from a trustworthy provider like Live Proxies, to reduce the risk of IP bans. However, once you account is banned, the use of proxies (free or paid) will not help you to recover or unban it.
Risks of Free Proxies
Free proxies come with so many risks that outweigh whatever benefits they offer. The performance is usually unreliable, coupled with slow speeds and frequent disconnections. These proxies are used by many people and, therefore, are easily blocked on major platforms.
Free proxies may also compromise your security, as some may log your data. This is why paid proxies from reputable providers are the best.
Why Paid Proxies Work Better
Paid proxies are more stable, faster, and secure. They provide users with rotating IPs to help mimic real user behavior. With services from top providers, you can have access to a large array of rotating IPs that are suitable for Instagram. Most providers offer support when setup issues arise.
Common Questions About Instagram IP Bans
The following are some questions about Instagram Bans that most users ask.
How Long Does an IP Ban Last on Instagram?
The duration of an Instagram IP ban may vary based on how serious the violation is. Some bans are resolved within a few hours to several days. Whereas, some others may require you to send an appeal to Instagram support before they are resolved and can last for months.
Can Instagram Ban an IP Address for No Reason?
No. Instagram IP bans are based on suspicious patterns that are likely to put users at risk. However, legitimate users may be mistakenly banned because of unusual activities around their IP address. If your IP was banned due to an error from the system, you should contact Instagram support for assistance.
Can a VPN Help With an Instagram IP Ban?
Yes. A VPN will assign you a new IP address, which can help you evade an Instagram IP ban. However, a VPN will not help you in the case of an account ban. You may encounter restrictions if the new IP address has been flagged before. This is usually the case with free proxies. It is best to use rotating proxies from a trusted source for better results.
Does Instagram Track Devices or Just IPs?
Instagram not only tracks devices but also IP addresses. Instagram bans block network connections. However, since the platform tracks devices with techniques like fingerprinting, it may still recognize your device even when you change your IP address.
Further reading: How to Scrape Instagram in 2025: A Complete Guide and Social Media Scraping: Tools, Instructions and Examples of Use.
Summary
Your IP address gets banned on Instagram for violating the terms of service. To avoid these bans, you should stick to the rules guiding the platform. Also, utilizing rotating proxies will help you to avoid access restrictions.
FAQs
What does an IP ban mean on Instagram?
An IP ban on Instagram means that the platform has blocked your IP address from accessing the app or website. This means anyone using that same internet connection may not be able to use Instagram until the ban is lifted.
How to know if Instagram has banned your IP?
Your IP is banned on Instagram if you are unable to log in from your network, or you keep receiving error messages while trying to log in. If you are able to access the platform on other networks except yours, it may point to an Instagram ban.
How to bypass an IP ban on Instagram?
There are multiple ways to bypass an IP ban. You can either switch networks or use proxies, or VPNs. You can also appeal for support for the ban to be reviewed and possibly lifted.
Is Instagram IP ban permanent?
Instagram IP bans may be permanent where the violation is serious. What is more common are temporary bans that are usually lifted within hours, days, or, in more serious violations, weeks. Permanent bans are less common and are usually placed on IP addresses flagged for repeated platform rule violations.
Does switching to mobile data bypass the Instagram IP ban?
Yes. Mobile networks usually assign dynamic IP addresses. So, when you switch to mobile data, after an IP ban, you will be able to gain access to Instagram on your mobile network.
Are proxies legal to use for Instagram?
Yes. Using proxies is generally legal. However, legality depends on how you use them. If you engage in activities that violate the platform's terms and services, it may lead to not only account issues but also legal problems.
