What does a user not found mean on Instagram? Are you trying to search for someone and coming across this error? Can you see your DMs from them but you can’t visit their profile? 

There are multiple causes of this error and we’ll go through all of them so you can better understand what’s going on.  

What Does User Not Found on Instagram Mean?

Instagram will throw up the “User Not Found” page for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, you’ll run into this glitch and it can be solved by force closing your app and restarting it. However, if the issue persists, it’s usually due to one of these six reasons: 

• The user you’re looking for has temporarily deactivated their account
• Their account is deleted
• Their account is suspended
• You have typed their username wrong
• They have changed their username
• They have blocked you

Common Reasons for the “User Not Found” Error

Let’s go further into detail for the most common reasons why you might be getting the “User Not Found” Error. 

Temporary Account Deactivation

Users can temporarily disable their account, which hides their profile as if they have deleted it. However, they can reactivate their account at a moment’s notice, which means they can be searched for again on Instagram. 

Account Deletion   

When users delete their accounts, their profiles disappear. If you had previously interacted with them, their profile may still show up in your messages or in your records. But tapping on their profile will generate the “User Not Found” error. 

Account Bans and Restrictions

You may also encounter this error when the user’s account has been banned or suspended. Instagram found them in violation of their Community Guidelines or Terms of Use. Thus, you will not be able to find them. 

Mistyped Usernames

If you typed their username wrong, the person you are looking for will not show up in search results. If no results are found, you’ll get a “User Not Found” error. It is also likely you may end up with results that you were not looking for. 

Username Changes

Instagram allows people to change their usernames whenever they want. Also, when people merge their Instagram accounts with Facebook, they can choose to make both places have the same name, which can sometimes result in username changes. 

There is a two week period where they may be found by their old username, but tapping on the profile gives the “User Not Found” error. They must be found using their new username. 

Being Blocked by the User

When you are blocked by a user, you will not be able to find them. However, if you have messaged them before, or you had been following them before they blocked you, you’ll still be able to see their profile in your messages or recents, but will not be able to actually visit their profile. 

Understanding the “User Not Found” Error

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why you may be encountering this error. 

Instagram’s Lack of Detailed Explanation for the Issue

Instagram intentionally keeps things vague to obfuscate situations in which you may be blocked versus the user deleting their account. Additionally, it is easier for them to give one simple error message, rather than several. 

Importance of Respecting a User’s Decision if Blocked

You can find out if you are blocked by searching for a user using a different profile. If you find that you are blocked by a user, it is important to respect their decision to block you. They do not want to interact with you and you need to leave them alone.  

FAQs

Why Does It Say User Not Found On Instagram But Not Blocked?

You are encountering this issue because the user account you are looking for has either been disabled or deleted by the user, or they have been suspended or banned by violating Instagram’s policies. Alternatively, they have changed their username, or you have mistyped the username. 

How To Fix User Not Found Instagram?

In the event that you are not blocked by the user, and you know that their account is still active, you should check the spelling of the username and ensure you are looking for the right one. If you are still encountering this issue, restart the app. 

Conclusion

Now you should have some clarity on the User Not Found error on Instagram. It is important not to jump to conclusions when you encounter this error. There are many reasons why you might be getting it. Go through all of them to verify which one it might be.