Instagram Automated Behavior Warnings (and How to Fix Them)

If you ever see a message like “We suspect automated behavior on your account” or suddenly can’t like, comment, follow, or upload content — don’t worry. This is a super common Instagram warning, and it usually clears up quickly.

Here’s what it means and how to fix it.

What This Warning Means

Instagram sometimes temporarily limits accounts if your recent activity looks a little too fast or a little unusual — even if you’re doing everything manually.

This can happen if you:

• Like or comment a lot very quickly

• Follow/unfollow a bunch of accounts at once

• Switch between devices or networks often

• Use a VPN

• Have old third-party apps connected to your Instagram

It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — it just means Instagram wants to slow things down for a bit.

What You Might Notice

If Instagram flagged your account, you may see:

• “Action blocked” or “Try again later”

• Likes, comments, or follows not working

• Low story views or low reach

• Trouble uploading to Hummingbirds

These are temporary and will go away once your account resets.

How to Fix It

1.Pause activity for 24–48 hours

No liking, commenting, following, or rapid posting.

This gives your account time to reset.

2. Log out and back in

If that doesn’t help, also change your Instagram password — this refreshes your session.

3. Remove old connected apps

Go to:

Instagram → Settings & Privacy → Website Permissions → Apps and Websites

Remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer use.

4. Avoid VPNs or switching devices

Stay on one device and one Wi-Fi network for a day or two if you can.

How Long It Lasts

Most restrictions lift within:

• 24–72 hours for action blocks

• 1–2 weeks for reach drops (less common)

Once things reset, your uploads should work normally again.

If the Warning Isn’t Clearing

If you’ve tried the steps above and you’re still seeing the automated behavior message, you can request a quick review from Instagram.

1. Report the issue in the Instagram app

Go to:

• Profile → Menu (☰) → Help → Report a Problem

• You can copy/paste this message: “Hi! I received a warning about automated behavior, but I’m not using any bots or automation tools. I’ve paused activity, changed my password, and removed old app connections just in case. Could you please review my account?”

This lets Instagram know you’re a real person and already took the right steps.

2. Use Instagram’s Help Center (optional)

• If you can’t access the app or the issue keeps happening, you can submit a support request here:

• Instagram Help Center – Report Automation Issues https://help.instagram.com/740480200552298/?helpref=related_articles

Only do this if the problem continues after trying everything above.

How to Avoid Future Warnings

• Don’t do tons of actions all at once

• Spread your likes/comments out

• Avoid rapid follow/unfollow bursts

• Only use Instagram-approved tools

• Keep logins consistent

Basically: move at a “human pace” and avoid anything that looks super fast or repetitive.

Still running into the same warning? Since this is a Meta-side issue, the next step is to report it directly to Instagram so they can review your account.

And of course — if you need help with anything on the Hummingbirds platform, we’re always happy to jump in. Just email help@hummingbirds.com anytime!