Many people come across “User not found” on Instagram when they try to look up an account they’ve previously chatted with before.
Yeah, we know you’ve questions, and we got all the answers. User not found error message on Instagram happened for different reasons.
And we have a way to help you confirm these different reasons so that you’ll know if the account has been disabled or the person has blocked you.
In this article, you’ll learn what “User not found” on Instagram means, and everything you need to know about the error message on the app.
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What Does “User Not Found” Mean on Instagram?
If you’re seeing the “User not found” error message when you try to look up a person’s account, [sometimes when signing in], this can be because of different reasons.
From the person blocking you, their account disabled or deleted, username change, to typing the wrong username when searching.
The “User is not found” error on Instagram occurs because of several issues if you’re unable to see an account profile.
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Reasons Why You’re Seeing The “User Not Found” Error On User Profile
1. They Deactivate Their Account
If you try to view a person’s profile page and you see the message error, it may be that the person has temporarily deactivated their account.
When a user deactivates their account, they’ll not be available on Instagram, and it’ll be as if they weren’t on the app before.
And when you try to view their profile page, you’ll get a User not found error. This is because Instagram sees deactivated accounts as if they weren’t already there.
2. The Account Has Been Deleted
If the person didn’t deactivate their Instagram account, it could be that they’ve deleted their account and left Instagram for good.
When you tried to view a deleted Instagram account, you’ll get the user not found error message at the TOP when you view their page from the previous Chat.
Maybe they’ve deleted their account to let go of the app for good, or switch to another other social media network.
3. The Account Is Disabled [By Instagram]
If you’re seeing the User not found error message on someone’s profile when you try to view it, it may be that the account has been disabled by Instagram.
If the person didn’t delete or deactivate their Instagram account, well they may have likely gotten their account deleted or suspended.
This is for people that violate Instagram terms of service and community guidelines.
The account doesn’t have to be deleted, the account is banned by Instagram and you’ll not be able to view the profile page.
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4. Changed Their Username
People change usernames on Instagram all the time, even sometimes I do, and I’m even planning to.
When a person changes their Instagram username, and you tried to view their profile you’ll get the user not found error.
So when you see the error message, it could be that the person hasn’t deleted or got their accounts disabled, it may be that they’ve changed their username.
5. You’ve Been Blocked
One of the most common reasons and probably the last you can think of when you can’t view an Instagram account is that the person has blocked you.
Well, you don’t have to take this reason to heart, because you can always confirm if the person has blocked you or not.
You can use another Instagram account to search for the person’s username, and if you can access the person’s profile, it means that you’ve been blocked.
If you still can’t access the person’s profile it could be that the person has deleted or deactivated their accounts, or have their account disabled by Instagram.
It could also be that they’ve changed their Instagram name for personal reasons, and you’ll not be able to find them again.
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What To Do When Instagram Says “User Not Found”
If you’re seeing the “User not found” error on Instagram when you try to see a person’s Instagram page, you can do a quick search for the account using another account.
Here’s what you can do when you get the Instagram User not found error message.
If You’re Looking For A User Profile
If you’re trying to see a person’s picture and you’re getting the user error message, you can use another Instagram account to search for the username.
And if you find it, it means that the person has blocked you. If you don’t see the account, it could mean that the account has been deleted, or disabled, or the person has changed their username.
Apart, from this, there isn’t much you can do, while using another Instagram account can help, if you don’t see the account.
It means that other factors may have happened, and there isn’t anything you can do about it.
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If You’re Trying To Login And Getting The User Not Found Error
If you’re getting the error when you try to sign in to your account, it means that you’ve either entered the wrong username, or password, or the account has been deleted.
What you need to do now, is to check if Instagram is working, and if it’s, you’ll need to request for your account password change. Now, you’ll get a link.
If you don’t receive any link to reset your password, it might be that your account has been compromised by someone close to you or others.
If you received one, you can quickly go ahead and change your password. Do well to remember them if you’re using a secure password, you can always use a password manager.
Then try signing in to your account again, and make sure you’re not using caplock on the “username” and your password should be correct.
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Why Can’t I Find An Instagram User?
If you can’t find an Instagram user, they’re different reasons why this might be happening. And it may be that the Instagram user has blocked you.
When this happens, you’ll not be able to see their accounts profile, when you search their account you’ll not be able to see them.
If you’re not blocked, the person may have deleted their Instagram account, or have their account disabled by Instagram.
If either of these is the problem, the person might still be on Instagram and you’ll not be able to find them because they’re using a different username. They must have changed it, and you’ll not be able to find the user.
Conclusion
The “User not found” error message on Instagram doesn’t provide the reason why it’s showing. It could be one of the reasons above.
And Instagram doesn’t even provide any way for you to know, you’ll have to do your research and see if the person has blocked you or not.
If they haven’t, it could be that their accounts had been disabled because of a policy violation, or they’ve deleted their accounts.
It could also be that they’ve changed their username. With all this, you can use a second Instagram account to find out.
Try searching their username and if you can’t find it, well it’s the most possible reason “they’ve blocked you” and you can’t do anything.
If you’re getting the error when you try to sign in to your account, you can fix it by requesting a password change for your account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if you have been blocked on Instagram?
To know if someone blocks you on Instagram, you’ll not be able to see their Instagram profile again. If you’ve previously had a DM with them, their profile photo will turn white. To be sure, you’ll need to use another Instagram account to search for the person.
Will I be able to send a message to the user not found?
No, you’ll not be able to send a message to an Instagram user account that says User not found. It is just like sending messages to someone that has blocked you.
Why can’t I find an Instagram user if I know that I am not blocked?
If you know you’re not blocked and you can find an Instagram user, It’s because they’ve changed their Instagram username, or had their account deactivated or deleted. The account may have been disabled by Instagram.
What does it mean when it shows Instagram users not found?
If you’re getting the error message that’s User not found, it means that the person has blocked you, the wrong username, and their account is no more [either deleted or disabled].
