Instagram Automated Behaviour: How to Fix It

Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Have you ever opened Instagram and seen a message saying, “We suspect automated behavior on your account”? It’s nothing to freak out about—it happens to a lot of people. Instagram uses systems to detect unusual activity, such as liking, following, or commenting at an unusually high rate. When that happens, they might think a bot is controlling your account. This is a sign of Instagram’s automated behaviour.

In this blog, we’ll break down what automatic behaviour means, why you might get flagged, and what you can do to fix it. We’ll also share some tips to help you avoid getting flagged in the future.

What Is Automated Behavior on Instagram?

Automated behavior refers to actions on your account that appear to be made by a bot rather than a human. Instagram has detection systems that look for activity patterns like:

• Mass liking or commenting
• Rapid following or unfollowing
• Generic or repetitive comments
• Usage of automation tools that violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines

Instagram Automated Behaviour: Are Bots Safe to Use?

It really depends on what the bot does.

Some automation tools are completely safe and even helpful, while others can violate Instagram’s guidelines and put your account at risk.

Bots that help you schedule posts, track analytics, or plan content are generally safe to use. These tools are designed to support your content strategy without pretending to be human. Examples include scheduling platforms like: Outfy, Later, Buffer, and Hootsuite.

However, bots that perform actions like liking, commenting, following, or sending direct messages on your behalf can get you into trouble. Instagram’s algorithm is smart enough to detect inauthentic behavior.

As long as the bot follows Instagram’s rules, it’s probably safe to use. Just make sure it’s allowed.

To be safe, it’s best to stick with bots that follow the rules. Focus on growing your account in a real way.

Why Instagram Flags Accounts for Automated Behavior

Accounts get flagged because Instagram has systems that look for unusual activity. If you’re doing things like liking or following too many people too quickly, Instagram might think it’s not a real person behind the account.

They flag accounts that look like they’re using bots or tools to act automatically instead of doing things naturally. Instagram wants to make sure everyone is following the rules and that no one is cheating to get more followers or engagement.

Types of Automated Behaviour That Trigger Flags

Instagram can tell when something doesn’t seem natural on your account. If you’re using bots or automation tools, doing things too fast or in large amounts can get your account flagged. Here are some common behaviours that can lead to trouble:

1. Following or Unfollowing Too Many People at Once: If you suddenly follow or unfollow a lot of accounts in a short time, Instagram might think you’re using a bot. Real users don’t follow and unfollow people that quickly.
   Learn more: Instagram action limits
2. Liking and Commenting Nonstop: Bots can like or comment on a lot of posts really fast, but Instagram notices. If you’re leaving the same generic comments like “Nice!” or “Great post!” on tons of accounts, that looks suspicious.
   Learn more: Instagram Engagement Rules
3. Sending Too Many Messages: Using bots to send a bunch of direct messages to people isn’t a good idea. Instagram can spot this kind of behaviour and it can get your account flagged.
4. Posting Too Frequently: While it’s okay to use scheduling tools, posting too often or at regular, robotic intervals can be suspicious. Instagram prefers a natural posting rhythm, so publishing every few minutes can get you flagged. Use Outfy to schedule with human-like timing.
5. Watching Tons of Stories with a Bot: Some people use bots to automatically watch hundreds of Instagram Stories, hoping to get noticed. But Instagram can tell, and this behaviour can get your account flagged.
6. Interacting with Fake Accounts: Bots tend to engage with fake or inactive accounts. If you’re using one, Instagram will notice that your interactions aren’t with real users, and that could lead to a flag.
7. Targeting Hashtags or Locations Automatically: Bots often like, comment, or follow users based on specific hashtags or locations. If this happens too quickly or too often, Instagram will see it as suspicious.

What Happens If You’re Flagged for Automated Behavior?

If Instagram flags your account, a few things might happen:

• You might get temporarily blocked, so you can’t like, comment, or use some features.
• Sometimes, your posts might not be shown to as many people (this is called “shadow banning”).
• If you don’t fix it, your account could be permanently banned.

If you use your account for business, it’s important to fix the issue as soon as possible.

How to Fix the ‘We suspect automatic behavior on your account’ Warning

If you get the “Instagram Detected Automated Behaviour” warning, here’s what you can do:

1. Check the Apps Linked to Your Instagram Account

Go to your settings and see which apps are connected to your Instagram. If you don’t recognize any, remove them. Here are the steps: 

• Open Instagram and go to Settings.
• Tap Accounts Center > Password and security.
• Tap Apps and websites.
• Review the list.
  If you see anything you don’t recognize, remove it immediately.

2. Check Your Login Activity

Make sure no one else is logging into your account from unknown locations or devices.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Accounts Center.
• Tap Password and security > Where you’re logged in.
• Review all active sessions.
  If you see suspicious activity, tap the session and select Log out.

3. Change Your Password

Change your password to kick anyone off who shouldn’t be on your account and stop any weird activity.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security.
• Tap Change password.
• Choose a strong, unique password — and avoid reusing old ones.

4. Avoid Spammy Behavior

Don’t like, follow, or comment too much too fast. Keep it slow and steady so Instagram doesn’t think you’re a bot.

5. Turn Off Your VPN

If you’re using a VPN, turn it off. It might make Instagram think something’s off with your location.

What to do:

• If you’re logged into Instagram while using a VPN, try disconnecting it.
• Log back into Instagram without the VPN and see if the issue resolves.

6. Update Your App

Make sure your Instagram app is up to date. An old app might cause problems.

Steps:

• Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Search for Instagram.
• If you see “Update,” tap it. If it says “Open,” you’re good.

Note: Instagram also explains how third-party apps can affect your account. You can read their official help article here.

What to Do If You’re Flagged on Other Platforms

If you’re flagged on other platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or even e-commerce sites, here’s what you can do:

• Check for Any Suspicious Activity: Look over your account to see if anything seems unusual. Maybe someone else is using your account or a mistake was made.
• Contact Customer Support: Reach out to the platform’s support team. Explain your situation and ask them to review your account. Most platforms will look into it and help clear things up.
• Follow the Rules: Make sure you’re not doing anything that might break their rules, like spamming or using automated tools.

How to Avoid Being Flagged in the Future

To avoid getting flagged again, try these tips:

• Act Naturally
  Don’t like, follow, or comment too much too quickly. Keep your activity steady, like you would normally do.
• Don’t Use Bots
  Stay away from apps or tools that automatically like or follow for you. These can get you flagged fast.
• Follow the Rules
  Always check the platform’s rules and stick to them. This helps you avoid getting into trouble.
• Keep Your Account Safe
  Make sure your login details are safe and don’t share your account with anyone. If something feels off, change your password right away.

Pro Tip for Sellers:
If you want to sell on Instagram, keep things simple and real. Use Instagram’s shopping tags to show your products, and talk to your followers like you normally would. Don’t use bots—just focus on making posts that show off your products in a natural way.

Summary

Getting the “We Suspect Automated Behavior on Your Account” warning can be a pain, but it’s not the end of the world. Just check your apps, slow down a bit, and make sure your account is secure. That’ll help fix the issue and keep it from happening again.

At the end of the day, just use Instagram like you normally would—nothing too fast or automated. If you keep it real, your account will be just fine.

FAQs on Instagram Automated Behavior

1. What is automated behaviour on Instagram?

Automated behavior means using a computer or bot to do things like liking, following, or commenting instead of doing it yourself. Instagram doesn’t allow this because it wants real people to interact.

2. Why does Instagram think I’m using automated behavior?

Instagram might think you’re using a bot if you follow or like too many things very quickly. Doing too much too fast can look suspicious.

3. How can I fix automated behavior on Instagram?

To fix automated behavior on Instagram:

• Stop using bots or apps: If you’re using anything that likes or follows for you, stop using it.
• Slow down your actions: Don’t like or follow too many people too quickly.
• Change your password: This can help remove any bots connected to your account.

4. Why did Instagram suspend my account?

Instagram might suspend your account if it thinks you’re breaking the rules by using bots or doing too much too fast. This helps protect other users from spam.

5. What does it mean when Instagram says automated behavior?

It means Instagram thinks your account is acting like a robot instead of a real person. For example, you might be liking or following too much in a short time.

6. Is Instagram automation illegal?

Automation itself is not illegal, but using bots for things like liking, following, or commenting too much can break Instagram’s rules. If you break the rules, your account might get flagged or banned.

7. How do I stop automated behavior on Instagram?

To stop automated behavior:

• Unlink any apps or bots connected to your account.
• Take it slow—don’t do too many actions quickly.
• Change your password and make sure your account is secure.
• Follow Instagram’s rules to avoid any future problems.