Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. In fact, it’s the second largest after Meta (Facebook).
You can enjoy some exciting features with the Instagram application that provides a smooth experience to the users.
But there are situations where users have experienced unexplained errors.
One such error is when you receive the message: “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked,” or
“We’ve detected suspicious activity on your Instagram account and have temporarily locked it as a security precaution.”
If you have received this message, you know contacting Instagram support is one hell of a task.
Instagram also sends a security code to the registered email address.
But many users have also complained that they didn’t receive the code even after searching the spam folder.
So, what can you do?
Well, this is what we’ll discuss in this article.
Today, you’ll learn all about getting your Instagram account temporarily locked and how you can recover it.
Why Is My Instagram Account Temporarily Locked?
There are many reasons your Instagram account gets temporarily locked.
But two of the most common ones are using third-party services and getting phished.
So, what happens when you use a third-party service?
Well, growing on Instagram isn’t simple.
You need to put in efforts to add new followers and increase meaningful interactions on your posts.
For instance, you need to post consistently, engage with your followers, promote your posts, use marketing gigs and more.
But what if there was a way to skip this part and enjoy the growth while you drink your soda?
This is where third-party applications/services come in.
They are automating bots that help increase your Instagram profile growth by many folds within a short period.
How do bots work?
Automation bots engage with a massive number of profiles simultaneously and interact with their posts by liking, commenting, sharing, saving and more.
This attracts profiles to your account and hence increases the growth. But there are two reasons Instagram hates automation bots.
The first reason is Instagram wants to create a safe space for all its users to grow by executing manual actions.
In simple words, Instagram encourages you to use the in-platform features to execute your strategies.
The second reason is Instagram wants to earn money.
Most of Instagram’s income comes from the money users spend on advertisements to promote their profile.
Hence, when you use automation bots, you are growing your account without spending much on the advertisements.
Therefore, when Instagram finds out you are using a third-party automation service, it blocks you temporarily with a warning.
If you continue to use the bot, Instagram can ban you permanently.
The second most common reason is getting phished.
What happens when you get phished?
Social-media hackers critically design forms and messages to get access to sensitive data. These messages appear legit and prompt you to enter information.
If you fall into this, hackers get access to your information, even the entire account.
The hackers may use your profile in any way they find entertaining, create spam or share restricted content.
This is where Instagram bans your account temporarily.
How can you remove third-party applications?
To achieve this, launch the Instagram application and navigate to security settings.
Now, click on “Apps and website” > Active.
Finally, tap on “Remove”.
How to Fix “Your Account Has Been Temporarily Locked” on Instagram.
You can solve the issue by filling the “My Instagram account has been deactivated form.” This is a simple process that starts by filing and submitting the form.
Now, you need to wait while Instagram verifies your submission and sends you a 6-digit code to your email address or phone number.
Then, you need to send a photo of yourself holding a handwritten code to identify verification.
Let’s go through a series of steps to understand the process better.
Step 1: Submit the “my Instagram Account Has Been Deactivated” Form.
Visit the Instagram Help centre and search for the “My Instagram account has been deactivated form”.
You can also google the form and select it from the search results.
Now, fill in the form by entering your full name, username, registered email address and phone number.
Instagram also allows you to explain the situation.
Hence, you can tell them briefly why your account got deactivated.
Note: You must enter the email address you have used while creating the Instagram account.
After you have filled in all the information, click on “Submit”.
Step 2: Send a Photo of Yourself Holding the Code
What happens when you submit the form?
You get an email with a security code where Instagram asks you to upload a photo of yourself holding a handwritten version of that code.
Hence, you can simply write the code on a piece of paper and click a photo of yourself holding it.
Now, reply to the received email by sending the photo.
Note: Make sure the written code and your face are clearly visible.
Step 3: Wait for Instagram to Reactivate Your Account
Now, all you can do is wait.
If your submission is successful, Instagram will reactivate your account.
If it isn’t successful, you won’t hear from Instagram.
But you must stay patient because Instagram might take a few days to get back to you.
How Long Does a Temporary Lock on Instagram Last?
Most people confuse the term “lock” with “ban”. You mustn’t get confused because when your Instagram account gets locked, you can still recover it.
Well, the duration of the lock can last indefinitely.
But if you have submitted the form and uploaded the photo, you can expect Instagram to unlock your account within a few days.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now, you know all about getting temporarily locked on Instagram. You also know how you can fix it by using the “My Instagram account has been deactivated form”. I hope this article is helpful.
