What Does “User not found” Mean on Instagram?

Have you come across a “User not found” error on Instagram when you try to view someone’s profile?

The error can also occur when you message someone but when you try to go to their profile and you come across this error message.

Or maybe you tried to search for someone on Instagram but the user is not found there.

There are many causes for this error and it does not mean that you are blocked from that user.

In this post, I am going to tell you 5 different reasons why did you get “User not found error” on Instagram. In the end of this post, you will come to know why did you see the error.

What Does “User not found” Mean on Instagram?

“User Not Found” error on Instagram is an indication that the user has blocked you or changed their username, deleted their account or their account is disabled or their account is suspended.

If the user has blocked you on Instagram, you will come across “User not Found” error when you try to go to their profile.

The same is the case if the person has changed their username or their account is suspended or disabled or the user has deleted the account or profile and it is not available on Instagram anymore.

Below I am going to discuss the five reasons why you got the error message on your Instagram.

Reason 1: Username has changed

The first reason can be the user has changed their username that is why Instagram says “User not found”.

If someone changes their username, you cannot find them from their old username.

The profile of someone who has changed the username may result in the “User not found” error.

It happens because their old username is no longer available on Instagram.

So, in order to find that person you need to search for them using their new username.

You will not be able to find them if you try to search for their old username on Instagram.

But in case if you have found them using the old username in the search results when you will visit their profile, you will come across “User not found” error.

You may need to contact them to find their new profile on Instagram.

When you get in touch with them, ask for the new username and search them on Instagram.

When you do that you will be able to visit their profile and you will not receive that error message again.

Reason 2: You’re blocked

The next reason you are facing “User not found” error is because you are blocked, therefore, you are restricted to visit the profile of that user.

This is one of the most common reasons why users get this error.

If any user blocks you on Instagram, you will have to face “User not found” error.

You cannot find them on Instagram or able to visit their profile when the user blocks you on Instagram.

Even if you search for their username in the search engine, you will not be able to see their profile in the search results.

However, if you had messaged them earlier if their profile is in your recent messages, you can still send the messages.

For instance, if you were messaging the user while they blocked you, you can still see their profile from your direct messages.
But when you try to visit their profile from your messages, “User not found” error message will be shown.

In addition, if you have their profile in your search results, you can still go to their profile.

The same result will happen whether you visit their profile from your recent or visit their profile from your direct messages, you will receive “User not found” error.

In short, there is a high chance that you are facing “User not found” error because the person has blocked you when you visit their profile.

Reason 3: Account is deleted

The third reason is that the user has deleted the account.

Whenever the user deletes the account on Instagram not only the profile but all of their posts are also gone.

In short, the username of the user is no longer available on Instagram.

So, if they deleted their account, you will not be able to visit their profile and get the “User not found” error.

If the account is deleted, it means that the username no longer exists on Instagram.

However, if you messaged them earlier or you have their profile in your recent, you can still go to their profile.

But the result will be “User not found” error.

Reason 4: Account is suspended

The fourth reason of this error can be suspension or disabled account.

In a nutshell, the account is permanently disabled, suspended or banned by Instagram.

When the account is banned, the profile will also be disabled and you cannot found them on Instagram.

The most common cause of this suspension on Instagram can be the violation of one or more guidelines of Instagram.

For instance, the user might have posted inappropriate content that result in a permanent suspension.

Instagram does not give warning to accounts that violates the Instagram terms of use or guidelines.

If the user gets reported for violation multiple times or AI detects it, the account will be banned.

In this scenario, when you visit the profile of that user which is recently suspended will give you “User not found” error.

Reason 5: Disabled account

The last reason which is why you get the “User not found” error while visiting an Instagram profile is that Instagram user has disabled its account.

It is a temporary thing, disabling doesn’t mean deleting.

When someone disables the account, their profile as well as their post will be hidden from the platform.

It means that the profile is hidden from Instagram users unless the user reactivates it.

So, when you go to someone’s profile on Instagram that just got disabled recently, you will see the error message of “User not found”.

How can you tell if you have been blocked on Instagram?

You cannot search the profile if the user has blocked you on Instagram.

However, you can still go to their profile if they are in your recent contacts or you have messaged them directly.

From your direct message list, you can still go to their profile.

But it will not prevent “User not found” error if you are blocked by the user.

Additionally, you can also go to their profile if you have recently searched them in Instagram search engine.

The same is the case when you will get the error if you are blocked by the user.

Why can’t I find an Instagram user?

The main reason can be the user has blocked you on Instagram that is why you cannot find the user.

You can use another account to confirm that whether you are blocked on Instagram or not.

First of all, search for their username from your main account.

If they have blocked you, their account will not be visible to you.

Then try to use another account to find the profile of that person.

If you are able to find it from an alternative account, it means that your main account is blocked by them.

Why can’t I find someone on Instagram if I’m not blocked?

If you are not blocked, there are four reasons that you cannot find someone on Instagram.

The person might have either deleted the account or changed the username.

Otherwise, their account might have been disabled or suspended by them.

Final Words

It is a common error on Instagram that is, “User not found” error.

In this post, I have described 5 different reasons why you got this error.

In short, here are the reasons:

1. The user has blocked you.
2. The user has changed their username.
3. The user has disabled their account.
4. Their account is deleted.
5. Their account is suspended by Instagram.

Do not conclude anything before asking the correct reason from the person.

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