If you’re asking yourself, why can’t I follow people on Instagram?, there are a few common reasons why this might happen. Instagram can temporarily block your ability to follow others if you’ve followed too many accounts too quickly, broken their community guidelines, or triggered their spam filters. Other issues might stem from account glitches, bugs in the app, a poor internet connection, or even if the person you’re trying to follow has blocked you.
Knowing why won’t Instagram let me follow people can help you troubleshoot and get back to interacting with others smoothly. Plus, if you want to follow people anonymously or get around restrictions, tools like Peekviewer- an Instagram profile viewer-can come in handy. Let’s read about the main reasons and how you can fix them.
The Main Reasons Why Won’t Instagram Let Me Follow People
When Instagram won’t let you follow anyone, it can be confusing. Here are the main reasons why can’t i follow people on instagram:
Your Internet Connection is Unstable
A weak or intermittent internet connection can prevent Instagram from processing your follow requests. If your app is stuck trying to follow someone, check your Wi-Fi or cellular data and try again once your connection stabilizes.
App Bugs or Outdated App Version
Sometimes, bugs or glitches in Instagram can cause issues where instagram won’t let me follow anyone. Running an outdated version of the app may also interfere with following functionality. Make sure you have the latest update installed from your device’s app store
Unable to Follow on Instagram Because the Person Blocked You
If someone has blocked you on Instagram, you won’t be able to follow them. This is a direct action by the other user and results in being unable to see their profile or follow them. In such cases, normal methods won’t work.
Your Account is Shadowbanned or Under Review
Why is Instagram not letting me follow people? It may be because Instagram has shadowbanned or restricted accounts that violate community guidelines or engage in spammy behavior. When this happens, your actions—including following others—might be temporarily limited
You’ve Hit Instagram’s Follow Limit
Instagram imposes limits on how many people you can follow in a day and the total number of accounts you can follow overall. If you’ve reached these limits, the app will stop you from following anyone new. These rules prevent spam and fake activity on the platform.
How to Fix “Instagram Follow Not Working”
Here are practical steps you can take if you find yourself asking, why is instagram not letting me follow people:
1. Restart the App
Sometimes, simply closing Instagram completely and reopening it can fix temporary glitches. This refreshes the app’s processes and clears minor bugs that might be blocking follow actions. Make sure to swipe the app away from your recent apps list before reopening.
2. Update Instagram to the Latest Version
Running an outdated version of Instagram can cause unexpected errors, which is one reason why is Instagram not letting me follow people. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve functionality. Head to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to check for and install any available updates
3. Clear Cache (Android Only)
On Android devices, app cache can become corrupted and interfere with normal operations. Clearing the cache won’t delete your data but can remove temporary files causing the problem.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Restart Instagram and try to follow again.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable or slow internet connection often causes Instagram to fail in processing follow requests. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the problem persists. Restart your router or toggle airplane mode on and off to reset your connection. A strong, steady internet connection is essential for Instagram to work properly.
5. Wait if You’re Temporarily Restricted
Why can’t I follow someone on Instagram? It may be because Instagram has temporarily blocked your ability to follow accounts due to spammy behavior or following too many people in a short period. This restriction can last from a few hours to several days. During this cooldown, avoid repeatedly trying to follow multiple accounts, as it can extend the block. The best approach is to wait it out and try again later.
6. Contact Instagram Support if the Issue Persists
If none of the above solutions work, your account might be experiencing a deeper issue, such as being flagged for suspicious activity or bugs specific to your profile. Visit Instagram’s Help Center or report the problem directly through the app:
- Go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem
Explain your issue clearly and wait for a response. Instagram support can often resolve account-specific problems.
7. Check if the Person Blocked You
If you’re wondering why can’t I follow someone on Instagram, it might be because the person has blocked you. When blocked, Instagram prevents you from following or viewing their profile. Try searching their username from another account or using a tool like Peekviewer to confirm if you’ve been blocked.
Unable to Follow on Instagram?Use Peekviewer to Follow Users Anonymously
If you’ve been blocked or want to stay incognito while following Instagram users, Peekviewer is a private Instagram followers viewer tool that gives you complete control over what you see—without risking your account. You can view private Instagram accounts—even private ones—helping you bypass restrictions when you wonder why can’t i follow people on instagram.
Main Features of Peekviewer
- See Private Profiles – View private instagram photos, reels, and stories from private accounts without being noticed.
- 100% Anonymous – Browse content without logging in or alerting the account owner.
- View Private Stories – Watch Instagram stories from private accounts without sending notifications.
- Save Content – Download high-quality stories and posts and keep them for up to 3 months.
- Track Activity – Check likes, comments, and interactions on posts.
User Experience
After my ex blocked me on Instagram, I just wanted a simple way to quietly spy on their posts and check what they were up to. So, I signed up for Peekviewer’s public account feature. The next day, I logged in and saw all the posts and stories I wanted—even after he made his account private. Whenever I wanted to check for new updates, I just refreshed the page, and everything loaded quickly.
Conclusion
Why can’t I follow people on Instagram? It’s usually because of things like following limits, internet issues, or someone blocking you. While updating the app or waiting out restrictions can fix some problems, they won’t help if you’ve been blocked. That’s where Peekviewer helps you.It’s perfect for anyone who’s been blocked but still wants to quietly check out private profiles, see posts and stories, and keep up with updates without anyone knowing. Unlike Instagram, Peekviewer—an Instagram blocked account viewer—lets you browse incognito and stay connected without revealing your identity. If you want a simple, anonymous way to follow and monitor accounts, Peekviewer is definitely worth trying
FAQ
No, you cannot. If you find that Instagram won't let me follow anyone, you can still keep track of their public activity anonymously using Peekviewer
Instagram generally allows you to follow up to about 200 accounts per day, with a maximum total following limit of around 7,500 accounts. These numbers might vary depending on your account’s age and activity.
Instagram usually doesn’t send direct notifications when you’re restricted from following others, but you might see error messages or find that the follow button doesn’t work when you try.
