We went into a deep dive about what Instagram is, but you should know the basics. Among a plethora of stuff users can do, we’ll focus on one set of actions. Users can leave likes and comments as well as likes on comments. But, as is inevitable with technology, a problem with functionality arises occasionally. But is it a temporary occurrence or a bug? Did your inappropriate actions lead Instagram to deliver swift justice? We’ll try to get to the bottom of it as we answer, “why can’t I like comments on Instagram?”
Quick Answer
You can’t like Instagram comments because you are temporarily blocked from using this feature due to suspected misuse as per their community guidelines, such as liking too many comments in a short period of time. This is known as an “action block”.
What are Instagram action blocks?
If you have yet to hear the term Instagram action blocks, then worry not, you are not alone. It is basically an Instagram policy that comes into effect whenever someone violates Instagram’s terms and conditions. The platform blocks the account and prevents the user from taking any action, such as liking comments.
Instagram is a popular social media platform, no doubt, and it rakes in almost 4.2 billion likes on a daily basis. But, all of it is supervised by an underlay algorithm that is constantly checking the platform for any misuse, misconduct, or data manipulation. Thus, when it determines any action to be suspicious, it takes action by enforcing one of the blocks. And yes, there are multiple types of Instagram action blocks, which we have mentioned below.
However, before that, it is pertinent that you know how to report any issues on Instagram, for which you can refer to the underlying video:
Types of Action Blocks
When it comes to such blocks, Instagram has 4 different types in its arsenal. Thus, knowing what type of block you are dealing with can make your life much easier. Here are the different types of action blocks:
1. Temporary block
First up is the temporary block. It is one of the most common measures taken, not only on Instagram but across all major social media platforms. It is also one of the easiest ones to get through, as you only have to wait it out. A typical block lasts up to 24 hours.
2. Instagram action block with an expiration date
Then, there are action blocks that come with an expiration date. Such blocks happen if you are found to be in violation of some serious terms or conditions. Such blocks can last anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days and are counted as major misconduct, meaning if you are involved in any more infringement, especially soon after the block, you might warrant some serious consequences.
3. Instagram action block without an expiration date
This brings us to the next type of block that only comes into play due to some serious action. These do not inform you about when they will cease, only that you are blocked, and can last from 24 hours at a minimum to a maximum of 2 months. Most worryingly, you cannot automatically report such types of blocks and have to go through the manual process.
4. Permanent block
And lastly, you have the final block, which is a permanent one, meaning if you have been permanently blocked, then chances are your account is done for, and you have to create a new one. Although you can always appeal such action blocks manually, typically, they won’t be revoked unless you have proper justification or evidence.
Reasons behind the Instagram action blocks
If you have read Instagram’s terms and conditions and user policy, then you must already know that the platform reserves the right to take action against your account if it is found to be in violation of any policy. As such, we have explained the reasons behind any action blocks enforced by Instagram in the form of a table:
| Reasons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Suspicious engagement rate | If your likes, comments, or posts are deemed suspiciously high or low, then the platform might enforce a block. |
| Automation | Instagram is pretty explicit when it comes to automation or using bots. |
| Excessive follows and unfollows | If you follow or unfollow numerous accounts within a short amount of time, it might take action under the assumption that your account is at risk. |
| Inappropriate content | This one is self-explanatory. |
| External reports | If many people report you, Instagram might look into the matter and decide whether to ban you or not. |
| Age of the account | You are only allowed a set amount of activity, depending on how old your account is. |
| Your location | If you are using a VPN and suddenly you go from point A to point B which is literally a thousand miles apart, then it might cause the platform to take action. |
Reasons Why You Can’t Like a Comment on Instagram
There are many reasons why you are not able to like comments on Instagram anymore.
1. It’s a glitch
The first reason for being unable to like comments on Instagram you should check is a visual or functional glitch. Simply restart the Instagram app. Or, if that doesn’t work, consider cleaning the app cache on Android:
- Tap on Settings, then go to Apps & notifications.
- Tap on Show all X apps. X signifies the total number of apps you have.
- Find Instagram, tap on it, and then go to Storage & cache.
- Tap on Clear Cache.
Note. There’s no iOS equivalent, but you can delete Instagram, then redownload it. If you do this, you can skip the next method.
2. You aren’t using an up-to-date Instagram app
The inability to like comments on Instagram might be due to an outdated Instagram app. Enable the Internet and wait for automatic updates. Alternatively, go to the Google Play Store/Apple Store and check for updates.
3. The comment was deleted
The reason you can’t like comments on Instagram might be because it was deleted by the user who posted it or the person whose post it was left on. This is common if it happens close/at the same time you like a comment on Instagram. It might show an error message, or show no symptoms. Although confusing, treat it as a glitch.
4. The poster turned off comments in the meantime
This is an almost identical situation to the one above, except that the cause is different. The person who published the post might have decided to turn off commenting at the same time you tried to like a comment, and cached data didn’t display the change. To check if that made you incapable of liking an Instagram comment, handle it as a glitch once again.
5. You got blocked meanwhile
The individual who published the post or the comment you’re trying to like might have blocked you. This can leave you confused in the interim, but only until you re-open the app, clear the app cache, or redownload Instagram.
6. Did you try to like a comment during Instagram Live?
It might seem silly, but this confuses a lot of users. You can like comments posted on an IGTV ”replay” video posted after a live stream on Instagram ends. You can also like or comment when someone goes live on Instagram. However, you cannot like a comment posted during an Instagram livestream.
7. You violated Instagram Community Guidelines
Are you getting the “Action Blocked” error message? It might also appear as “We restrict certain activities to protect our community”. It means Instagram’s algorithm detected a forbidden action and suspended you. In this case, it was most likely spam, e.g., too many comment likes in a short time. In fact, you might have broken any of their Community Guidelines.
Regardless of what you did to cause it, Instagram can ban you from liking, commenting, or, in some cases, publishing posts on your profile. This can last anywhere from a few hours, usually up to 12, or as many as 48 hours, depending on the severity.
Can I prevent this?
Yes – don’t act like a bot. There are numbers between 50 to 100 likes per hour floating around the Internet you should stay under. Also, slow the liking down by keeping it down to 3-4 comment likes per 5-10 seconds.
How to bypass the Action Block?
Instagram deals with punishment based on your IP address. So, you can start liking Instagram comments again after doing this:
1. iOS
To reset iOS network settings, follow steps 1 through 3 under the Instructions to restore your iPhone to factory settings headline in our “reset iPhone” guide. As step 4, tap on Reset Network Settings.
2. Android
Resetting network settings on Android works like this:
- Go to Settings, then select System.
- Expand the list by tapping on Advanced, then select Reset options
- Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth, then the Reset Settings button.
Why can’t I like comments on Instagram Reels?
If you find yourself unable to like comments on Instagram Reels, there might be a few reasons behind this frustrating experience. One common cause is a temporary glitch or bug within the Instagram app itself.
Such issues can often arise after an update, where new features or changes in the code may inadvertently affect how comment liking functions. These glitches are usually resolved with subsequent patches, so ensuring your app is up-to-date is one way to attempt to fix this problem.
Another possibility is that your account may be experiencing restrictions due to violating community guidelines or terms of service. Instagram has mechanisms in place to limit certain functionalities as a penalty for accounts that engage in inappropriate activities, such as spamming or harassment. If this is the case, you would typically receive a notification about the restriction.
Network problems or device-specific issues could also hinder interaction with the app, so troubleshooting your internet connection or restarting your device might help resolve the issue. If none of these steps work, reaching out to Instagram’s support team may be your next best move to pinpoint and address the problem.