Can’t Access Instagram? Learn How to Get Instagram Unblocked
Updated on
Home » Blog » Can’t Access Instagram? Learn How to Get Instagram Unblocked
Wondering whether your access to Instagram is restricted? If you’re met with endless spinning or an error message when you open the app, odds are, you’re blocked from accessing the platform.
Instagram blocks are especially common in school settings, workplaces, public Wi-Fi access points, and while traveling. Fortunately, there are more than a few ways to regain access to the app.
In this guide, we break them down. We look at common reasons for IG blocks and explore practical ways to get your Instagram unblocked.
Why Is Instagram Blocked in the First Place?
To determine the best way to get your Instagram unblocked, you first need to know what is causing the issue. Here’s a look at some common causes:
School Restrictions
If you can access Instagram at home but not at school, you’re likely dealing with a school network block. Educational institutions often block social media platforms (Instagram included) to minimize distractions during learning.
Work Restrictions
As with schools, some workplaces place network restrictions, limiting employees’ access to Instagram or some specific features, such as Reels and Stories. Employers typically block the platform to promote productivity, reduce data usage, and minimize security risks.
You’ll know you’re dealing with a workplace restriction if you can access Instagram after switching from your workplace’s Wi-Fi to mobile data, or if you regain access to the platform at home.
Public Wi-Fi Restrictions
Some public spaces, such as cafes, hotels, and malls, may restrict access to Instagram to save bandwidth. If you can access the platform using mobile data but not using their Wi-Fi, this is the most probable cause.
Instagram Itself
Not all Instagram blocks result from external players; sometimes, the platform itself may be the reason you’re unable to access your account. Instagram may block you if:
You engage in suspicious activity, such as sending repetitive messages or mass following accounts.
You log in from multiple unusual locations or devices.
Getting Your Instagram Unblocked
There are various ways to unblock your Instagram account. Here’s a look at some common options:
Use a VPN
If you’re in a restricted country or under a limited network, try using a VPN. A VPN hides your actual location and routes traffic through different servers, making it difficult for the restricted network to see that you’re on Instagram.
However, be cautious when dealing with VPN providers, especially if their services are free. Free VPNs may:
Expose you to security and privacy risks, jeopardizing your account.
Have limited server location options, forcing many people to share the same IP addresses. Instagram, like many social media platforms, tracks users’ IP addresses. If there’s a lot of traffic from the same address, it can block the entire IP, affecting your access.
Have data caps and slow speeds, resulting in loading issues.
If you choose to go the VPN route, choose a paid service. Also, ensure your provider has strong privacy and security measures in place, such as AES-256 encryption.
Try a Proxy Server
Proxies work a lot like VPNs, masking your actual location. However, they do not encrypt traffic, meaning network admins can still monitor your activity.
Despite not encrypting traffic, proxies can help you access Instagram. They serve as intermediaries, sending your access requests to the platform without revealing your data. Instead of seeing your location, Instagram sees their IP addresses, thereby restoring your access even when you’re in a blocked region.
Use Mobile Data
If you’re unable to access Instagram at work, in school, or in public spaces, you’re probably dealing with a network block. To unblock the platform, disable Wi-Fi and enable mobile data.
If you’re still unable to access the platform after switching, go to settings to make sure Instagram is allowed to use mobile data.
Change Your DNS Settings
This method is worth trying if you’re experiencing a network block issue. Switching to public DNS servers helps deal with DNS filtering, allowing you to access Instagram on your current network.
However, you may still be unable to bypass the restriction if your network admin has implemented IP address filtering. This is because switching DNS servers only changes how your device finds Instagram; it doesn’t hide your IP address.
To change DNS settings:
On Android:
Go to Settings> Network &Internet> Wi-Fi.
Long-press your current network.
Tap Modify Network.
Go to Advanced options and change IP settings from DHCP to Static.
Change DNS 1 to 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 to 8.8.4.4.
On iOS:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Tap the “i” icon next to your current network.
Scroll down to the DNS section and select Configure DNS.
Tap Manual and add Google DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
Access Instagram via Browser
Some networks block apps but not websites. So, try accessing Instagram in a browser. While the chances of this type of restriction are low, it doesn’t hurt to try.
If you can’t access the platform via a standard browser, try an anonymous one like Tor. Tor helps with network and country restrictions by routing your data through multiple encrypted servers. However, due to the browser’s complex network, the process of accessing IG is extremely slow. The truth is, you may be unable to load high-bandwidth content such as Reels and Stories.
Use an Antidetect Browser
An antidetect browser can help you navigate account-level blocks. Say Instagram blocks your account due to spam-like behavior or a community guideline violation. The platform will flag any new account you try to log into using the device associated with the blocked account. This is because Instagram’s system collects and monitors each account’s device information.
An antidetect browser prevents detection by providing an isolated environment for each account. With Geelark’s multi-account browser, for example, each browser profile you use will have a unique digital fingerprint. This makes it appear as though you’re logging in from a different device.
GeeLark doesn’t just help you avoid bans caused by browser-level fingerprinting; it can also help you navigate network restrictions by giving you control over each browser profile’s IP address — you can customize your proxy settings to align with a restriction-free location.
A cloud phone works in a similar way to an antidetect browser. It isolates multiple Instagram accounts by assigning each one a unique digital fingerprint, including device brand, model, operating system, MAC address, and other hardware identifiers.
Each cloud phone runs in its own real Android environment and can be assigned with a dedicated proxy, so every account appears to log in from a completely separate device and network. Unlike a browser-based setup, a cloud phone lets you access Instagram through the official app, just as you would on a physical phone, which makes the behavior look far more natural to the platform.
With GeeLark, you can choose to use the app or the web. If you prefer to log in to your accounts via browser, go with the multi-account solution. If you like the convenience of using the Instagram app, set up cloud phone profiles.
GeeLark can help you regain access to Instagram if you’re facing an account-, network-, or country-related restriction. The platform provides a unique digital fingerprint for each browser and cloud phone profile, making it seem like each account login originates from a unique device. This is handy if you manage multiple Instagram accounts, as it prevents the platform from linking them. If you get blocked on one account, you don’t have to worry about jeopardizing the rest.
Beyond providing unique digital fingerprints, GeeLark also allows you to customize each profile’s proxy settings. This gives you control over where your device appears to be connecting from, helping you navigate network and geo blocks.
Here’s how to use GeeLark to unblock Instagram (via cloud phones):
Odds are, the network’s admin has restricted access to Instagram to save bandwidth. To access the platform, try switching to a different network or using mobile data.
Yes, but mainly if you opt for free options. Free VPNs and proxies are widely used, so they may appear spammy to Instagram. To protect your account, opt for paid options. Further, use a different proxy for each Instagram account if you’re managing multiple of them.
Yes. Instagram collects a wide range of device-level data. When its policies are violated, the platform may block not only an IP address but also the device itself. In that case, Instagram can stop working on your phone while continuing to function normally on other devices.When access is restricted at the device level, an antidetect solution such as GeeLark’s cloud phones becomes a practical option. Each cloud phone comes with a unique digital fingerprint, making Instagram recognize it as an entirely new device.
In some cases, yes. If your network uses DNS filtering to block Instagram, you can regain access by switching to public DNS servers. However, this method won’t work if your provider has blocked the platform at the firewall level.
