Instagram 'Try again later' and message limits

You tap send and see 'Try again later'. The internet is full of numbers for exactly when this happens. Instagram does not publish them.

This post is only what Instagram's Help Centre says: the message, the limits it describes, and the steps. We found no Instagram page defining an 'Action blocked' pop-up, no numeric limits and no block durations, so we give none.

What does 'Try again later' mean?

The Help Centre says: "if inauthentic activity is detected on your account, you may see an error message that says, 'Try again later' when using Instagram".

The steps it lists are to change your password, revoke suspicious third-party apps, turn on two-factor authentication and check Accounts Center.

A phone with a pause symbol over a message bubble and a clock. — A pause, not a number.

What are the message limits?

On messages, the Help Centre says: "Instagram has limits in place to stop direct messages that people may not want to get, like spam. If you were warned about sending too many messages and continue to do so, you may not be able to send more direct messages for a period of time."

It does not say how many messages or how long. It also notes you can forward up to 5 chats.

What can get an account restricted?

A separate page says an account may be restricted and flagged for review for scraping or "automating access to, or collecting information in an automated way without our permission", and for sharing credentials with third-party apps promising likes or followers.

An older Instagram post, dated 19 November 2018, said: "accounts that continue to use third-party apps to grow their audience may see their Instagram experience impacted".

Automation can restrict.

What can you do about it?

Check login activity and remove third-party app access.
Change your password and turn on two-factor authentication.
Open Account Status to see Instagram's decisions about your account.

Instagram's Account Status post says: "if you disagree with a decision, you may also be able to submit a request for an additional review". We did not find an appeal process described on the restriction page.

A checklist with a lock, a key and a shield, each ticked. — Secure the account.

Questions people ask

What does 'Try again later' mean on Instagram?

Instagram says you may see it when inauthentic activity is detected on your account.

How many messages can I send before I am limited?

Instagram does not say. It says continuing after a warning about too many messages may stop you sending more for a period of time.

How long does a block last?

We could not find a duration on any Instagram page.

Can third-party apps cause a restriction?

Instagram says sharing credentials with apps that promise likes or followers, and automating access, can lead to restriction.

Can I ask for a review?

Instagram's Account Status post says you may also be able to submit a request for an additional review.

Instagram 'Try again later' and message limits: what Instagram says