Have you been a victim of constant Instagram IP bans? Do you wish to know how to deal with this open proxy Instagram error? This article is packed with the relevant information you need to end it once and for all.
Instagram is a very powerful social media platform. It is currently being leveraged by influencers, businesses, advertising companies, and many more for their own benefit. A lot of content is being shared on a daily basis, mostly pictures, and videos, in almost every field and industry. It is also interesting to see how many people and businesses have repurposed this social platform to influence social beliefs.
However, it is not a platform without rules, and failing to follow these guidelines will result in a variety of action blocks or worse, a ban. However, bans are usually for good reasons, but they could cause collateral damage. In this article, we will explore why bans happen and how you can prevent them. But first, we must understand what an Instagram IP ban is.
What is Instagram IP ban/Open Proxy Instagram IP ban?
Instagram IP bans are a type of ban that is placed on a device to prevent it from accessing Instagram services. IP addresses are simply gateways to the internet. They act as mediums for internet users to send and receive data. So, when you visit a website, your IP address sends a data request to that website.
In turn, the site responds to your request using the same IP address. Because of their unique purpose, IP addresses are extremely useful tools on the internet. As a result, if Instagram bans your IP address, you will be unable to access their website.
An IP ban on Instagram is severe, yet surprisingly, IP bans occur frequently. Instagram's IP bans are the worst because, sometimes, you don't even know why you've been banned.
However, being flagged as an open proxy is one other way to detect if your IP is blocked on Instagram. The following open proxy Instagram error notification message says it all:
“The IP address you are using has been flagged as an open proxy. If you believe this to be incorrect, please visit https://help.instagram.com/“.
The open proxy Instagram error happens when the platform suspects your IP address is linked to a large number of unsuitable and abusive accounts. It may not mean much to a user who is only using the app for entertainment purposes.
However, Instagram influencers and businesses must strictly adhere to Instagram's terms and conditions. This is because they bear the brunt of the consequences in this regard.
How To Know Your Ip Address Has Been Banned
Fundamentally, Instagram does not tolerate bots due to its tight regulations. As a result, when their system detects activity that appears to be from bots, they quickly flag you. However, if your Instagram account has been banned, you will notice certain things.
To begin with, you may be unable to perform certain actions, such as liking or commenting. Also, as previously stated, you may have gotten an open proxy Instagram error notification or a pop-up message similar to this:
“Action Blocked.
Based on previous use of this feature, your account has been temporarily blocked from taking this action. This block would expire in 23 hours. We restrict certain content and action to protect our community. Tell us if you think we made a mistake.”
As such, getting an Instagram IP block is much easier than you think, so it is important to exercise extreme caution, especially if you operate multiple accounts.
Things that can Cause Instagram IP ban
If you have been encountering Instagram action blocks or just had a ban on your account and you are not sure why, in this section, we will examine a few reasons Instagram would issue a ban on your account.
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Directly violating Instagram’s terms and conditions
While social media platforms are meant to be places where you can express yourself, there are some ground rules to observe. The platform has built community-based rules and guidelines to keep users safe and happy. If you upload something that violates the platform's guidelines, such as nudity or excessively violent content, Instagram will ban your IP address.
Another thing is your action on the platform. Make sure to stay abreast of the dos and don'ts of this powerful social media platform, or else you won't be able to get much from it, especially if you want to generate value from your account.
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Mass following and liking.
There are several scenarios that could result in a ban from the social platform. Making too many likes on posts or following too many accounts is one example. This is frequent among newbies to the social media platform. Another example is when you attempt to boost your following and likes at the same time. It is not always a bad thing.
Many times, it is not always a bad thing. However, Instagram would consider these to be bot actions and would penalize you with a temporary ban or action block. Otherwise, if you receive a temporary ban or block on the platform on a regular basis, you may receive an IP ban the next time you are flagged.
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Using bots or third-party software
If there is one thing Instagram dislikes, it is the use of bots on their platform. Using automated bots and third-party software to increase likes, comments, and followers is a definite way to get your Instagram account banned. Instagram monitors your account, and if it notices that you are liking, following, or commenting excessively, it will notify you that you may be using a bot.
However, one way to minimize an Instagram IP ban in this regard is to boost your interaction organically and avoid using these third-party applications. Better still, delete them. Besides, a smaller and more engaged audience has a higher chance of converting than a large number of false followers.
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User complaints
Instagram takes users’ complaints very seriously. As such, this plays a significant role in getting your Instagram account blocked or flagged. With the in-app reporting option on Instagram, if a user reports your account for copyright infringement or your material as offensive, Instagram can block your account. Sometimes, certain individuals who may perceive your account as a threat might use this feature to report you.
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Using multiple accounts
Instagram puts a limit on the number of user accounts that can be used with a single IP address. When you reach that limit, the system simply flags several users who share the same IP address. This may be tricky if you use shared WiFi in your home or business to access the app.
As such, it is essential to keep track of the threshold for one IP address in order not to trigger a ban. When one IP address is blacklisted, it is possible that additional IP addresses in the same IP class will be as well.
How to fix Instagram IP ban.
If you've read to this point, it is obvious you’re aware of all the reasons behind an Instagram ban and an open proxy error on Instagram. In this section, we will take a step further to take a look at how to fix this issue.
1. Contact customer care
If you notice and have confirmation that your IP address has been banned by Instagram, the first logical thing to do is to file a complaint about your inability to access your account. As such, if it's the “Action Blocked” pop-up message you receive while using the app, it is advised to use the “Tell Us” option to inform Instagram and have them double-check. However, this step may take awhile to resolve, but you would definitely get a response from their customer support services.
2. Change your IP address
Another thing you can do to fix your Instagram IP address ban is to change your IP address completely. A new IP address presents you as a different user, so Instagram will restore your access.
However, changing your own IP address is not without its own difficulties. The challenge is that only ISPs can change it, but it depends on whether you are using a static or dynamic IP as well as the time it would take for them to assign you another one. If you use a dynamic IP address, it is easier, but with a static IP address, you might have to pay them to change it.
3. Use proxies or VPNs
Another way of changing your IP address and avoiding the Instagram IP block is to use proxies or VPNs. It is not worth putting your company's revenue at risk for something that may be simply avoided. These intermediary servers can help hide your genuine IP address, which has been banned.
They accomplish this by layering a new IP address on top of your existing IP address. VPNs operate similarly, except that the data delivered across the connection is encrypted. There are various types of proxies and VPNs available, but residential proxies are your best option.
Hence, be sure to check the authenticity of the proxies before you purchase them. Note that if you have previously been IP-banned by Instagram, it would be the worst idea to use a free proxy. This is because most free proxy lists are publicly available, which may give you away.
How to avoid Instagram IP ban
The best solution to action blocks, IP bans, or open proxy Instagram errors is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Below are a few precautions to guide you:
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Strictly follow Instagram’s Terms of Use
Among other steps to take, make sure to follow the terms and conditions set out by the platform. Make sure your posts do not promote violence and nudity or have sexually suggestive pictures. Also, refrain from postings that infringe upon copyright laws, meaning you shouldn't post content that isn’t yours.
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Keep your actions on the platform moderate.
This is a very important point to pay attention to. Many have gotten their account on Instagram blocked and banned by neglecting this. If you want to post regularly, make sure to give yourself enough time between posts. Do not abuse the system by posting too frequently and irregularly.
Also, keep your follow/unfollow actions in check. Bulk actions might be considered aggressive, which in turn triggers the system to see your actions as bot activity, ultimately leading to action blocks. You must bear in mind that Instagram allows users to perform actions only about 30 times within an hour.
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Put a limit on the number of accounts you run from one IP address.
Operating multiple accounts on Instagram from a single IP address is another reason many experience IP bans. To avoid this, you need to discipline yourself by putting a cap on the number of accounts you run. Instagram only allows five accounts per IP address.
Anything beyond that number puts you at a high risk of being banned by Instagram. This may look a bit challenging for some business or social media managers who are looking to manage multiple accounts.
Other ways to avoid open proxy Instagram errors and IP bans include deleting third-party apps if you have been using them to increase your follower count or gain engagement. Instagram may flag your account as an “open proxy” if it is detected.
Additionally, you can go ahead and complete your Instagram profile by adding a little bio to it and a good picture. This would bring authenticity to that profile.
FAQs About Open proxy Instagram Error
Q. Can I use my Instagram account after a ban?
Yes, there is a slight possibility of having access to your account after an IP ban. You can contact customer service to issue your complaint. If you get the open proxy Instagram error, you can also go to https://help.instagram.com/ for assistance.
There's also another way to recover your blocked or banned account on Instagram. First, use the “Get help signing in” option. On the page that follows, you can use your username.
However, you might experience some challenges if you changed it. When done correctly, Instagram will email you the recovery code. You’ll need to follow the instructions in the email. Instagram will then send you a link to reset your password.
Q. How long does an Instagram IP ban last?
A temporary Instagram ban can range from a few hours to 24 to 48 hours. However, the duration may depend on the gravity of your actions. Besides, if you keep violating the community guidelines, the ban may be extended.
Fortunately, the risk of getting a permanent block depends greatly on how you handle your account after several temporary bans. If you continue spamming by overposting, liking, or following, your Instagram account can be blocked permanently.
Q. Can a banned Instagram account be deleted permanently?
The simple answer is no. Instagram won't permanently delete a user's account unless the user specifically requests it. Don't worry if your Instagram account has been deactivated and you are unable to reactivate it. Your account won’t be permanently removed from their servers.
However, you can choose to delete your account by going to the “delete your account” page. Note that if you're not logged into Instagram, you'll be asked to log in first. You can then go ahead and select an option from the drop-down menu below, “Why do you want to delete (account name)?” Lastly, you have to re-enter your password and tap Delete, and you are done.
Conclusion
When Instagram identifies your IP address as an open proxy, it is equivalent to an IP ban. Mind you; an IP ban is a huge concern for individuals who engage in serious marketing on this social media platform. So, thus far in this article, we have taken the time to explore the necessary things you need to know about the causes and how to fix an IP ban from Instagram.
We have also highlighted some of the best ways to avoid it. Make sure to go through the post again so you don't miss anything that would enable you to enjoy an Instagram account free from action blocks, open proxy Instagram errors, and IP bans.
