Instagram Bans & Restrictions: How to Avoid, Appeal, and Recover (2025 Guide)
TL;DR - Quick Answer
20 min readTips you can use today. What works and what doesn't.
Instagram restricts over 2 million accounts daily. Most users don't even know they're restricted until their engagement drops to zero.
Whether you're shadowbanned, action blocked, or fully suspended, this guide shows you exactly how to identify restrictions, fix them fast, and prevent them from happening again.
Instagram Restriction Types: Quick Identification Guide
⚠️ Restriction Severity Levels
Shadowban (Soft restriction)
Content hidden from non-followers
Action Block (Temporary restriction)
Can't like, comment, follow, or post
Account Suspension (Full ban)
Complete account access removed
How to Tell If You're Shadowbanned
The Shadowban Test (Takes 2 Minutes)
Quick Detection Method:
- 1. Post with 5 niche hashtags (not trending ones)
- 2. Ask 3 non-followers to search those hashtags
- 3. If your post doesn't appear = likely shadowbanned
- 4. Check Instagram Insights for sudden reach drop
- 5. Test from different account (not following you)
Shadowban Warning Signs
| Metric | Normal | Shadowbanned | Drop % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hashtag Reach | 1,000-5,000 | 0-10 | -99% |
| Explore Page | 30% of reach | 0% | -100% |
| New Followers | 50-200/day | 0-5/day | -95% |
| Story Views | 500-1000 | 100-200 | -75% |
What Triggers Instagram Bans (The Complete List)
High-Risk Activities That Get You Banned
🚫 Instant Ban Triggers
- ❌ Using automation bots or third-party growth services
- ❌ Buying followers, likes, or comments
- ❌ Posting copyrighted content without permission
- ❌ Nudity or sexual content (even artistic)
- ❌ Hate speech or harassment
- ❌ Spam comments with links
- ❌ Multiple accounts from same IP doing same actions
- ❌ Using banned hashtags (we'll list them below)
Instagram Action Limits (2025 Updated)
| Action | New Account (<3 months) | Established Account | Per Hour Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follows | 100-150/day | 200-300/day | 20-30 |
| Unfollows | 100-150/day | 200-300/day | 15-20 |
| Likes | 300-400/day | 700-1000/day | 50-60 |
| Comments | 50-75/day | 100-200/day | 5-10 |
| DMs | 20-30/day | 50-80/day | 5-8 |
| Posts | 5-10/day | 10-15/day | 2-3 |
Banned Hashtags to Avoid (2025 List)
⚠️ Never Use These Hashtags
Permanently Banned
- #adulting
- #alone
- #brain
- #customers
- #dating
Often Restricted
- #dm
- #followforfollow
- #instamood
- #models
- #teenager
Check Before Using
- #beautyblogger
- #costumes
- #lean
- #tag4follow
- #workflow
💡 Test hashtags by searching them. If you see "Recent posts are hidden" = banned
How to Fix Instagram Restrictions (Step-by-Step)
Shadowban Recovery Process (7-14 Days)
🔧 Shadowban Fix Protocol
Day 1-2: Complete Pause
Stop ALL activity for 48 hours. No posts, likes, comments, follows
Day 3: Remove Problem Content
Delete posts with banned hashtags, remove all third-party app access
Day 4-5: Report the Problem
Settings → Help → Report a Problem → "Something isn't working"
Day 6-7: Slow Return
Post once without hashtags, engage naturally (10-20 actions/day)
Day 8-14: Gradual Increase
Slowly increase activity, use only 5-10 safe hashtags
Action Block Recovery (24-72 Hours)
🔓 Unblock Your Account
- 1. Switch to Professional Account: Sometimes resets limits
- 2. Change IP Address: Switch from WiFi to mobile data
- 3. Link to Facebook: Adds authenticity signal
- 4. Clear App Cache: Settings → Security → Clear Search History
- 5. Update the App: Ensure latest version installed
- 6. Wait It Out: Most blocks last 24-72 hours
How to Appeal Instagram Bans
The Appeal Process That Works
📝 Winning Appeal Template
Subject: Request to Review Account Restriction
Hello Instagram Support Team,
My account [@username] was [restricted/suspended] on [date].
I believe this was a mistake because:
- I've always followed Instagram's Community Guidelines
- I've never used automation or third-party growth tools
- My content is original and doesn't violate any policies
I run a [business type] and Instagram is crucial for connecting with my [audience/customers].
I've reviewed the guidelines and removed any content that might have been flagged. I'm committed to following all rules moving forward.
Please review my account. I'm happy to provide any additional information needed.
Thank you, [Your name] [Email associated with account] [Phone number if available]
Where to Submit Appeals
| Issue Type | Appeal Method | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| Disabled Account | instagram.com/accounts/appeal | 24-72 hours |
| Hacked Account | instagram.com/hacked | 1-3 days |
| Content Removed | In-app notification → Appeal | 24 hours |
| Username Issue | Settings → Help → Report Problem | 3-7 days |
Prevention: How to Never Get Banned Again
The Safe Instagram Growth Strategy
✅ Best Practices for Clean Account
- ✓ Warm up new accounts: Start with 10-20 actions/day, increase by 10% weekly
- ✓ Humanize actions: Vary timing, don't like 50 posts in 2 minutes
- ✓ Quality over quantity: Better to have 100 real followers than 10K fake ones
- ✓ Original content only: Always credit others, avoid reposting without permission
- ✓ Engage meaningfully: Write real comments, not "Nice!" or emoji-only
- ✓ Check hashtags first: Search before using to ensure not banned
- ✓ One device rule: Don't switch between devices rapidly
Daily Activity Schedule (Safe Limits)
📅 Safe Daily Routine
Morning (9 AM - 12 PM)
- • Post content: 1 feed post OR 3 stories
- • Like: 20-30 posts
- • Comment: 5-10 meaningful comments
- • Follow: 10-15 accounts
Evening (6 PM - 9 PM)
- • Respond to DMs and comments
- • Like: 20-30 more posts
- • Story engagement: Reply to 5-10 stories
- • Unfollow: 10-15 inactive accounts
Instagram Ban Recovery Timeline
What to Expect
⏱️ Typical Recovery Times
- • Shadowban: 7-14 days with proper steps
- • Action Block: 24-72 hours (sometimes up to 1 week)
- • Temporary Ban: 24 hours to 30 days
- • Permanent Ban: May be irreversible (appeal immediately)
- • IP Ban: Change IP and wait 2-4 weeks
Emergency Checklist: Account Restricted
🚨 Immediate Actions
Alternative Strategies During Restrictions
Keep Growing While Restricted
💡 Smart Workarounds
- • Focus on Stories: Often less restricted than feed posts
- • Go Live: Live videos bypass many restrictions
- • Use Reels: Instagram prioritizes Reels, may show despite shadowban
- • Cross-promote: Drive traffic from other platforms
- • Email list: Build direct communication channel
- • Collaborate: Partner accounts can tag and promote you
Tools to Monitor Account Health
Recommended Monitoring Tools
- Instagram Insights - Built-in analytics
- Later - Track shadowban status
- SocialRails - Schedule within safe limits
- Iconosquare - Detailed engagement analytics
- Phlanx - Engagement rate calculator
FAQs: Instagram Bans & Restrictions
❓ Common Questions
Can I create a new account if banned?
Yes, but use different email, phone, device, and IP address. Instagram tracks device IDs.
Do shadowbans affect verified accounts?
Yes, even verified accounts can be shadowbanned for violating guidelines.
How long do Instagram bans last?
Varies: Action blocks (24-72 hours), Shadowbans (2 weeks), Temporary bans (up to 30 days).
Can buying followers get me banned?
Yes, it's against Terms of Service and often results in shadowban or permanent suspension.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Grow Smart
Instagram restrictions aren't random—they're predictable and preventable. Follow the daily limits, avoid banned content, and focus on authentic engagement. If you do get restricted, don't panic. Use this guide to recover quickly and come back stronger.
Remember: Slow, organic growth always beats fast, artificial growth that gets you banned.
Want to grow safely on Instagram? Try SocialRails free to schedule content within Instagram's limits and track your account health. No bots, no risks, just smart growth.
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