Instagram says you may see "Try again later" when it detects inauthentic activity on your account. The usual causes it names are automation and third-party apps you gave your login to, such as apps that promise likes or followers, or someone else using your password. Remove apps you don't trust, check where you're logged in, change your password and turn on two-factor authentication. Check Account Status to see whether a feature is restricted because of your content. And never hand your login to a service that promises to lift the block.
What the message means
"Try again later" is short, but Instagram's Help Center connects it to something specific: if inauthentic activity is detected on your account, you may see an error message that says "Try again later" when using Instagram. Instagram also describes a related situation where an account is restricted and flagged for further review because of activity that looks like data scraping, meaning automated access to or collection of information.
In both cases the cause is activity on your account that doesn't look like a person using Instagram normally. It doesn't matter whether you did it, an app did it or someone else did it with your password.
What Instagram says causes it
- Automation. The account accesses Instagram or collects information in an automated way without permission.
- Third-party apps with your login. You gave your username and password to an app or website, for example one that offers likes or followers. Instagram warns that such apps can gain complete access to your account.
- Unauthorized services. You used an app or service to interact with Instagram in ways that aren't allowed.
- A compromised password. If your profile is leaving comments or sharing posts you didn't make, Instagram says your password may be compromised. A password can also be exposed when you reuse it on another site that has a data breach.
What to do, in order
- Remove apps and websites you don't trust. In Settings, under Your app and media, open Website permissions, then Apps and Websites, then Active, and tap Remove next to each one you don't recognize or no longer use. A removed app can only see your public information, although it may keep what it already collected.
- Check where you're logged in. In Accounts Center, go to Password and security, then Where you're logged in. Log out any device you don't recognize: how to log out of Instagram on all devices.
- Change your password. Instagram logs out every device when you do, including any suspicious logins. Use at least six characters mixing numbers, letters and special characters; Instagram recommends at least eight, and a password you don't use anywhere else.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. An authentication app is the method Instagram recommends.
- Check your contact details and linked accounts. Make sure the email address and phone number are yours, and remove any account in Accounts Center you don't recognize.
If you can't log in at all, these steps aren't available yet: start with Instagram account hacked: how to get it back.
Check Account Status
Some limits come from content, not from suspicious activity. In Settings, open Account Status (under More info and support). Instagram says it shows content removed for going against its Community Standards, features you can no longer use, and lets you request a review if you think a decision was wrong. If something is listed there, that's the route to follow. If your posts are suddenly reaching fewer people, read reach drops and Account Status.
If it looks like an app problem
Not every error is a restriction. Instagram's first advice when something isn't working in the app is to update it to the latest version, because some older versions are no longer supported. You can also try Instagram.com in a mobile browser or on a computer, and on Android, Instagram Lite. If a feature isn't working correctly, Instagram asks you to report it.
What makes it worse
- Apps that offer likes or followers in exchange for your login. Instagram says these are likely attempts to use your account in an inappropriate way.
- Anyone who promises to "unblock" your account for a fee in exchange for your password or codes. Giving your login to a third party is exactly what triggers these restrictions, and it puts the whole account at risk. See how to spot recovery scams.
- Reusing the same password. A breach on another site can expose your Instagram password.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Instagram keep saying "Try again later"?
Instagram says you may see this message when it detects inauthentic activity on your account. Common causes are automation, third-party apps that have your login (such as apps that offer likes or followers) and someone else using your password.
How do I fix "Try again later" on Instagram?
Remove third-party apps you don't trust, log out devices you don't recognize, change your password and turn on two-factor authentication. Also check Account Status for features you can't use, and update the app.
Is "Try again later" a ban?
Not in itself. Instagram describes it as a message you may see when it detects inauthentic activity. Features that are restricted because of your content are listed in Account Status, and a disabled account has its own notice and appeal route.
Can a third-party app cause an action block on Instagram?
Yes. Instagram lists giving your username and password to a third-party app or website, such as one that offers likes or followers, as one of the reasons its systems may detect suspicious behavior.
Blocked and not sure why?
Tell us what you see and what apps or services have had access to the account. We'll tell you for free what's likely behind it and which official route fits. We never ask for your password or codes.
Sources
- What to do if your Instagram profile posts unauthorized content (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Why your account has been restricted for data scraping and what can you do (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Manage the privacy settings for apps and websites that you've logged into or connected on Instagram (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Why Instagram tells you your account is at risk (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Check your Account Status on Instagram (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Something's not working with the Instagram app (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com
- Securing your Meta Account with two-factor authentication (Instagram Help Center) help.instagram.com