The primary purpose of this prompt is to confirm the rightful owner of an Instagram account. This may involve entering a verification code sent to a linked email or phone number or providing a selfie to confirm your identity. These measures ensure the safety and integrity of the platform. Encountering this message may be attributed to various reasons:
Logging in from a new IP addressVPN usageAn unstable network connectionInstagram server outagesGlitches or bugs within the appPosting content that violates Instagram’s community guidelinesEngaging in excessive liking, commenting, or following in a short period
To resolve the “Instagram Challenge Required” message, proving your ownership of the account or addressing bugs is necessary. This not only lifts any temporary restriction on your account but also enhances your awareness of potential security threats, prompting you to adopt more robust safeguards.
1. Verify Your Account
Should you encounter this issue for the first time, the most straightforward solution is to authenticate your account ownership by responding to the given challenge. Once prompted, click on the “Challenge Required” message and adhere to the subsequent instructions displayed on your screen. You may be required to confirm your identity via an associated email or phone number, or possibly by submitting a photograph of yourself. After verification, it’s wise to scrutinize recent account activities for any anomalies. Changing your password is also a prudent measure for enhancing account security.
2. Check Server Status
Should the error persist or account verification fail to resolve the issue, Instagram may be experiencing downtime or undergoing server maintenance. The current status of Instagram servers can be checked here.
3. Check Internet Connection
An insufficient network can hinder your connection to Instagram’s servers. If accessing Instagram via Wi-Fi is problematic, consider toggling to cellular data or vice versa. This action will alter your IP address, potentially rectifying any IP-related issues. For iPhone: For Android:
4. Disable/Enable VPN
If you started to experience the Instagram “Challenge_Required” issue after enabling a VPN, the issue could likely stem from the VPN’s altered IP address. Instagram may have difficulty recognizing your account since activating a VPN assigns a new IP address each time. Try disabling the VPN to see if that resolves the problem. Conversely, if Instagram has blocked your usual IP address due to violations of the app’s community guidelines, activating a VPN might help. This will provide you with a new, unrecognized IP address, which may allow Instagram to grant you access to your account and its features.
5. Switch to a Known Device
Logging into Instagram from a new device usually prompts an identity verification. If you wish to bypass this verification, switch back to a device that you’ve previously used to access Instagram successfully.
6. Clear Cache/Offload App
An overloaded cache can affect app performance, making it necessary to clear it to prevent potential corruption. Clearing your cache won’t delete any personal data from your Instagram account, just the unnecessary temporary files. For iPhone users, there is no option to clear cache data directly. Instead, you can offload the app which has a similar effect to clearing cache.
7. Update to the Latest Version
Apps that are out of date can be prone to glitches and bugs. Updating to the latest version often includes fixes that can resolve errors, potentially giving you back access to your account.
8. Re-Login to Your Account
Issues within your current session might be resolved by logging out and then back into your account, which will refresh the connection. It is also advised to close the app and restart it before logging back in, to refresh the app session.
9. Reset Instagram Password
Resetting the password for your account is another method to confirm your identity with Instagram. You’ll need to use the email or phone number linked to your account for this process. You’ll need to follow the instructions provided in the message you receive to complete the password reset.
10. Wait It Out or Report the Issue
The “Challenge_Required” error on Instagram can also indicate a temporary block if suspicious activity is detected. This block typically lasts 24 to 48 hours before it is removed automatically. If you’ve tried the aforementioned solutions without success, consider waiting a day or two. If the issue continues, report it to the Instagram Help Center to get assistance from the official support team.
