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?”
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, 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The inability to like comments on Instagram might be due to an outdated Instagram app.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 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 live stream.
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 of 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 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.