If you are getting a “User not found” error message on Instagram while searching for someone, then this article is for you.
Instagram, being a social media giant, has won the hearts of millions of people worldwide.
That said, many Instagram users are confused about getting a “User not found” error message on Instagram. There are multiple reasons why you might be seeing this annoying error message.
This article will explore the possible reasons for getting the “User not found” error on Instagram.
So, without any delay, let’s dive into the details.
Does ‘User not found’ on Instagram mean blocked
No, getting the “User not found” error message when searching for someone on Instagram doesn’t mean that you are blocked.
If you have ever tried to search a user’s profile on Instagram and been taunted by an annoying error message, you need to know that this error doesn’t necessarily mean that you are blocked.
There could be many reasons why you might be seeing the error message on Instagram, which we will discuss in the next section. So, keep on rolling!
Why does it say ‘user not found’ on Instagram but not blocked
If Instagram says “User not found”, it means the account in question is banned, deactivated, deleted, or suspended by Instagram.
If you are seeing a “User not found” error message on Instagram, there could be many factors contributing to the occurrence of this error.
The account may have been restricted by Instagram for violating Community Guidelines, or it may be deactivated or deleted by the owner. Another possibility is that the person has blocked you.
To gain a better understanding of why you might be seeing the error, let’s take a closer look at each reason:f
#1: Incorrect Username
If you’re seeing the “User not found” error when searching for someone, there is a high chance of a typo mistake.
You might have entered the wrong username or messed up the spelling, which is why you’re seeing the error in question.
Therefore, make sure to type the correct spelling with no typos.
#2: The user might have changed their username
In the fast-paced world of social media, people like to change their usernames from time to time.
If you are seeing the “User not found” error when searching for someone, it most likely means that the user has changed their username.
If this is the case, you won’t find their old Instagram profile. So, make sure you have the updated information about their username.
#3: The user might have deactivated their account
Many people opt to deactivate their account temporarily instead of deleting it permanently.
While deactivating an Instagram account is great for taking a few days off from social media, it can result in people scratching their heads when they see the “User not found” error.
This is because Instagram doesn’t specify that the account has been disabled temporarily. Instead, the platform just shows the error.
#4: The user might be banned from the platform
If the account you are searching for violated Instagram’s Community Guidelines, it’s possible that the account has been banned or suspended from Instagram.
Actions like engaging in bad behavior, cyberbullying, buying fake followers or views, spammy comments and likes, etc., can result in a temporary ban on the platform. The bans usually last for 48 to 72 hours.
#5: Their Instagram account might be permanently deleted
Sometimes, people choose to step away from Instagram by deleting their Instagram account permanently.
When someone deletes their Instagram account permanently, the traces of their profile and username will be removed from the platform.
So, if you get the error while looking for an account, it most likely means that the user has decided to permanently delete their Instagram account.
#6: You are BLOCKED
The most common reason why you might be seeing the “User not found” error message is that your account has been blocked. When someone blocks you on Instagram, your access to their profile will be restricted. You can check if someone has blocked you by using a secondary Instagram account to search for their profiles.
If the profile shows up on the secondary account but not on the main one, it means they have blocked your main account.
Bonus Tips
- Try searching for the username on a different device or using a different account.
- You can also ask a mutual friend to search for the user’s profile. If your friend can see their profile, it means you’re blocked.
User not found on Instagram but can still message means
If the Instagram user’s profile is not available on the platform, but you can still send them DMs, it means they have deactivated their account temporarily.
As stated earlier, the “User not found” error occurs when the user has deactivated their account temporarily.
The reasons for deactivating the Instagram account may vary from person to person. They might have decided to take a break from the social media world, or it is possible that their account has been disabled by Instagram for not adhering to terms of use.
Whatever the reason may be, they will be able to see all your DMs once their account is back on the platform.
See More:
- What Happens When You Unblock Someone On Instagram
- If You Block Someone On Instagram Can They Still See Dms You’ve Sent Them
- How To View Someone’s Instagram Story If They Blocked You
- What Does It Say When Someone Blocks You On Instagram?
An experienced technical writer who specializes in simplifying technical jargon. Being a lifelong learner, she stays up-to-date with the latest trends and tools in the world of technology. When she’s not writing technical stuff, you can find her reading self-help books.
