instagram login error
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Instagram suspicious login attempt

Suspicious Log In Into Your Instagram Account? Is this a Serious Issue? How Can You Fix This?

In September 2017, millions of Instagram accounts were hacked where the hackers made use of a bug in the API to access the email addresses and phone numbers of the users.

Such attempts have been common with almost every other popular social networking app. In a bid to avoid such hacks in the future, Instagram has significantly improved the security of its mobile app.

we detected unusual login attempt

But while better security is always welcome, several users have recently complained that they were unable to log in to the Instagram account.

Their accounts get frozen and they receive a “Suspicious login attempt error” when they try to use Instagram. Apart from “There was a problem with your request”, “Suspicious login attempt” is now also a common Instagram error.

If you are struggling with the same, there are a few workarounds to resolve this problem. But before we start talking about the solutions, let us first try to understand why this problem occurs.

What is Suspicious Login Attempt on Instagram?

Instagram freezing your account is one of the many ways in which it tries to protect your account. There are generally two reasons for this problem-

  • You’ve tried to log in to your Instagram account from a different device or many different devices
  • Someone might have tried to log in to your account

More often than not, it is the first reason due to which people end up getting this error. Fortunately, there are some very simple solutions to get rid of this problem.

But make sure that you tread carefully as a lot of users have actually lost their account in their bid to resolving the problem.

instagram suspicious login attempt - was this you

If Instagram has noticed any unusual activity in your account which it believes to be a suspicious login attempt, you’ll receive two options when you open the app- It Was Me and It Wasn’t Me. Let us have a look at what you can do.

  1. If It Was You

If you were trying to log in to your Instagram account from a different device than you generally use or even from a different location, Instagram might see this is a suspicious activity and your account would be frozen.

Along with the error on the screen, you’ll also get details of the login attempt along with the time and location of login. If it was actually you, just select the “It Was Me” option, close the app and start it again.

You’ll now be asked to enter your username and password. Once you enter the details, you’ll be able to use your account again.

  1. If It Wasn’t You

If there was actually someone trying to log in to your account, thankfully, the Instagram security saved you.

Select the “It Wasn’t Me” option and you’ll receive a code or link through email or mobile number to change your account password.

Remember that the code/link will only be sent to the email address and mobile number that you’ve submitted when registering your Instagram account.

Follow the link, enter your old password and select a new password to keep your account secure.

Now, close the Instagram app, and try logging in with the help of your username and new password. You should now be able to use your account again.

What if You Entered a Fake or Old Email Address or Mobile Number?

A lot of people generally use fake or old email addresses or old mobile numbers at the time of registering.

You should never submit fake details and update them in the app as soon as you change your email address or mobile number.

If you are guilty of this charge and are locked out of the app due to suspicious activity, the only option you have is to get in touch with the Help Center or Support Forum of Instagram.

You might also try emailing them your problem and they might provide you with a solution.

If it was an old email address which you don’t use anymore, Instagram suggests that you should try contact the email service provider to access the old email address again.

Apart from these problems, there are some other reasons due to which your Instagram account might be frozen due to a suspicious activity. Some of the most common ones are as follows-

  1. Problem with the IP address

Even if you are not using another device to log in to your Instagram account, a problem with your IP address can make Instagram believe that someone else is trying to get into your account.

instagram suspicious login attempt - reset your password

A lot of times when you use Wi-Fi, the IP address is automatically changed without you making any modifications. There are a few ways to fix this problem.

Once the problem is eliminated, try to change your account password and you might be able to access your account again.

If the problem persists even after resolving the IP address problem and changing the password, just be patient. Try logging in after 4-5 hours and things should get back to normal.

  1. Technical glitch

While a technical glitch with an app as popular as Instagram is not very common, it can still be the reason for you not being able to log in to your account.

A simple fix for this issue is to uninstall and then reinstall the app. As the app data and cache would be deleted when you uninstall the app, it might also delete the corrupted data responsible for the problem.

instagram suspicious login attempt - uninstall this app

Install the app again and try to log in and you might get access to your account.

Alternatively, also check if there is an updated version of the app available. Install the update as it might resolve the error.

  1. Try Instagram on Web

If you don’t know this already, Instagram is now also available on web. You can not only browse your Instagram feed but also upload videos and photos on web.

instagram suspicious login attempt - instagram web viewer

If you are unable to access your account from mobile, try logging in through the web. Just visit Instagram.com, enter your username and password to see if it works.

If you are able to access your account on web, try to change the password here and then use the new password to log into the mobile app.

  1. Try to use a different VPN

Many countries have banned social media apps, including Instagram.

People in such countries make use of VPN to use Instagram and other social networking platforms. If you were able to log in to your Instagram account through VPN but cannot do so now, try changing the VPN.

This problem is similar to an error related to the IP address. Change VPN, set a new password, and then try to log in after a few hours.

Some Tips to Avoid This Problem in Future

  • Make sure that you only link your current email address and mobile number to your Instagram account
  • Set 2-Factor authentication (2FA) from the Settings menu on Instagram
  • Only use your mobile phone to access your account
  • Do not share your Instagram password with anyone
  • Make sure that the password is not similar to the ones you have on other social networking platforms

Conclusion

Any social networking platform that you use should definitely have implemented advanced security measures to protect the users.

It is great that Instagram freezes the account as soon as it detects any unusual activity in user accounts.

The advanced security features keep your account protected and ensure that none of your sensitive data like phone number, email address, etc. is leaked.

If your Instagram account has been frozen due to a suspicious activity, use the solutions discussed above and you’d probably get access to your account again.

Do let us know whether or not the solutions worked for you through the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Make sure that you also visit the blog section of our website to find other amazing tips, tricks, and hacks for Instagram.

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