Instagram feedback_required Error: Causes, Fixes & Prevention

TL;DR

The feedback_required error is Instagram’s temporary block on actions it deems suspicious (wait at least 30 minutes, up to 48 hours if necessary).  

Quick Fix: Stop all activity, switch networks, clear cache, then resume with low-volume, human-like actions.  

Pro Tip: Use premium residential proxies, like from OkeyProxy, and randomized intervals to avoid blocks in advance.

Encountering the "feedback_required" error on Instagram can bring your posting, liking, or even logging in to a screeching halt. This error is part of Instagram’s security measures, flagging suspicious activity like rapid actions or bot-like behavior. In this article, we’ll break down what causes this error, how to fix it step-by-step, and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Is the feedback_required Error?

The "feedback_required" error pops up when Instagram’s anti-bot systems detect something off about your activity, like rapid or unnatural behavior. You might see it when you:

• Like, comment, or follow too many times in a short span
• Log in from a new device
• Access from an unusual IP
• Use automation tools or low-quality proxies

Effect: You’ll be blocked from actions (likes, comments, follows, login) until the restriction lifts—typically lasts at least 30 minutes but can extend up to 48 hours if necessary.

Why It Happens?

Here’s why it happens, split by user type:

Manual Users

Too Many Actions Too Fast: Liking 50 posts in a minute or following dozens of accounts in a short burst looks robotic to Instagram.  

Spammy Posting Habits: Using 30 hashtags per post or repeating the same ones every time can seem automated or promotional.  

Login from New Device: Switching to a new phone or computer without prior activity.  

Suspicious IP Addresses: Logging in from shared Wi-Fi, a low-quality VPN, or a datacenter proxy.

Automation Users

High Volumes: > 20–30 likes or follows per hour without variation , not mimic human patterns well enough, raising red flags.

Uniform Timing: Exact 10-second intervals between all actions.

Static IPs: Repeated requests from one IP address without proxy rotation.

For beginners, rapid manual actions are often the culprit. For pros using automation, it’s usually tied to proxy quality or tool settings.

Manual Users: Step-by-Step Quick Fixes

If you’re a regular Instagram user, these steps will help you resolve the error:

1. Wait it out

Stop all activity on the account for at least 30 minutes, up to 48 hours if necessary. Instagram often lifts temporary blocks after a cooldown period.

Tip: Use this time to check if others are reporting issues on sites like DownDetector—sometimes it’s a server glitch.

2. Switch network

Toggle from Wi-Fi to mobile data, connect to a different Wi-Fi network, or reboot your router to refresh your public IP. The error maybe due to a flagged IP.

Tip: If you use a proxy, switch to a high quality ISP proxy (e.g., from OkeyProxy) instead of a datacenter or free one(they’re very likely to be flagged).

3. Clear app cache/reinstall

Corrupted session data can trigger errors. On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Clear Cache. If that doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the app. Corrupted session data can trigger errors.

Tip: Back up drafts or chats via Instagram’s download feature if you’re worried about losing data.

4. Try another device or browser

Access Instagram from a different device or browser, since the block may be tied to that app instance.

5. Account Verification

If prompted, complete any in-app challenge (SMS code, email verification) to prove you’re not a bot.

Note: Use the mobile app for this—web verification can be glitchy.

If none of these work after 48 hours, contact Instagram Support via the app (Settings > Help > Report a Problem). Be aware that Instagram Support responses can be delayed, so don’t expect an instant reply.

Automation Users: Step-by-Step Fix

If you’re running automation tools, follow this sequence to fix the error:

1. Pause all bots& refresh sessions

Stop all bot tasks, log out of all sessions (Settings > Security > Log out of all), delete stored cookies, and log in fresh. Rest the account for at least 30 minutes, up to 48 hours if necessary. 

2. Rotate networks

Integrate OkeyProxy residential proxies—switch IP every 15–30 minutes. Rotating IPs mimics natural user behavior across locations.

3. Emulate humans

Randomize intervals (20–90 seconds) and mix in manual actions daily. Resume with very low volumes: 5 likes or follows per hour, for 1–2 days.

4. Proxy Integration

Configure your tool to use OkeyProxy rotating residential proxies.

Configuration Example:

python

 

import requests

 

proxies = {

    'http': 'http://username:password@proxy_okeyproxy.com:8000',

    'https': 'https://username:password@proxy_okeyproxy.com:8000',

}

headers = {

    'User-Agent': 'Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 14_0 like Mac OS X)…',

}

response = requests.get('https://i.instagram.com/api/v1/accounts/login/', proxies=proxies, headers=headers)

• Rotate IPs every 15–20 actions.
• Assign unique user-agent strings per session.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

IP Churn Too Fast: Switching networks every few seconds looks like proxy hopping.

Uniform Delays: Always waiting exactly 30 s flags as scripted. Use random intervals.

Ignoring Updates: Outdated apps or tools can mis-handle sessions.

Prevention Best Practices

Prevention is better than a cure. Here’s how to do:

For Regular Users

Slow Down: Space out actions—wait a few seconds between actions (likes, follows, etc.). Aim for ≤ 60 actions/hour.

Use Fewer Hashtags: Stick to 3–5 relevant hashtags per post. Avoid copying the same list every time.  

Stick to Private Networks: Log in from your home Wi-Fi or mobile data, not public networks like coffee shop Wi-Fi.  

Keep App Updated: Enable auto-updates in your store.

For Automation Users

Warm Up Accounts: Manual use for 3–5 days before automation.

Quality Proxies Only: Use premium residential proxies from providers like OkeyProxy, not datacenters. 150M+ real residential IPs across 195+ countries.

Act Human: Set your tools to pause randomly (e.g., 30–60 seconds between actions) and cap daily limits (20–30 likes, 10–15 follows).  

Rotate IPs: Change your proxy IP every few hours or after heavy use to avoid detection. OkeyProxy’s rotating proxies simplify this.  

Official API over scraping: If possible, use Instagram’s Graph API for compliant data access.

Advanced Tips for Professionals

Geo-targeted IP pools: With OkeyProxy, assign country-specific residential IPs to mimic local logins.

Device fingerprinting: Change device IDs and user-agents programmatically.

Error-trigger analytics: Log every feedback_required event with timestamp, action type, and IP used—then adjust volumes dynamically.

Progressive scaling: Gradually increase daily action limits over weeks to establish trust with Instagram’s systems.

Bonus: Related Errors to Watch For

The "feedback_required" error often pairs with these issues:

"Challenge Required": A verification step for new devices or locations. Solve it by following Instagram’s prompts.  

"Open Proxy" Error: Linked to flagged or unsecured proxies. Switch to a residential proxy to fix it.

Summary Table

Users	Fix Steps	Prevention
Manual	Wait 30 min–48 hrs Switch network Clear cache/reinstall Verify account	≤ 60 actions/hour 3–5 hashtags Home networks
Automation	Pause bots & reset sessions Proxy rotation (15–30 min) Emulate humans (20–90 s delays) Use OkeyProxy proxies	Warm-up days 20–30 likes/day Residential proxies with rotation

Conclusion

The feedback_required error is Instagram’s way of saying, “Slow down.” By understanding the triggers, applying quick fixes, and implementing robust prevention—especially with OkeyProxy residential proxies—you can keep your account in good standing, whether you’re a casual liker or running enterprise-scale automation. Sign up and get your free trial today!