I. Introduction
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, sometimes you might accidentally or intentionally block someone and then regret it later. Fortunately, unblocking someone on Instagram is a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of unblocking someone on Instagram and discussing some common errors you may face while performing this task.
Unblocking someone on Instagram can be important for various reasons. Sometimes, people block others in a fit of anger or as a preventative measure. But, after some time, they may want to reconnect with that person. It can also be useful for business owners and social media managers who may have mistakenly blocked a valuable customer or follower.
II. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Unblock Someone on Instagram
Here’s a quick and simple guide that will walk you through the process of unblocking someone on Instagram:
- Log in to your Instagram account using the app installed in your phone or through the website if you use a computer.
- Go to your profile by clicking the profile icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen or the top left corner if you’re using a desktop.
- If you’re using an iPhone, open Options (gear icon) or equivalent for Android users.
- Select ‘Blocked Users’ followed by the ‘List’ tab.
- Click on the ‘Unblock’ button located next to the username of the person you want to unblock.
- You will be asked for confirmation by Instagram. Click on ‘Yes’ to complete the process.
- The person you just unblocked will be able to see your profile and follow you again.
- Follow back to restore your connection.
You can also use your desktop by following these steps:
- On your desktop, visit instagram.com and log into your account.
- Click on the Profile icon on the top right corner of the screen.
- Click on the three-lined icon located on the top right of the page.
- From the drop-down menu, select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Privacy and Security”
- Click on the ‘Blocked Accounts’ option.
- Find the person’s profile you want to unblock and click on ‘Unblock.’
- You will be asked for confirmation. Click on ‘Yes’ to proceed.
If you ever change your mind and want to block that person again, you can still do so through the same steps outlined above and by clicking on the ‘Block’ option instead.
If you face any issues or errors when unblocking someone on Instagram, you may want to ensure that the person hasn’t already un-followed you. Or, if that person has deleted their account, you will not be able to unblock them, as their account will no longer exist. Also, it is good to ensure that you have the most current version of Instagram.
III. Video Tutorial: How to Unblock Someone on Instagram
Some people learn better through watching videos. If you’re one of those people, we’ve got you covered. Check out our video tutorial that will take you through the unblocking process on Instagram step-by-step:
IV. Comparison with Other Social Media Platforms
Unblocking someone on social media is a common process across all platforms. However, the steps to follow may vary from one platform to the other. Here’s a quick comparison of unblocking someone across different social media platforms:
- Twitter: On Twitter, unblocking someone is similar to Instagram. All you need to do is to visit their profile and click on the Unblock button.
- Facebook: On Facebook, you can unblock someone by following a few simple steps in the settings.
- LinkedIn: On LinkedIn, unblocking someone is also simple just like Instagram. Go to the profile of the person you want to unblock and click on the More icon. Select the Unblock this member option, and confirm.
Although these platforms may seem similar, it is important to note that the unblocking process may vary subtly. So, it is important to carefully follow each platform’s instructions when attempting to unblock someone.
V. Common Errors and Issues Encountered
Despite how simple the process can be, Instagram may sometimes have a few hiccups during the unblocking process. Here are some issues you may encounter while trying to unblock someone on Instagram:
- Instagram keeps crashing: Make sure you have updated your Instagram app to the latest version and try again.
- You cannot find the account of the person you want to unblock: The person may have deleted their account or decided to make their account private.
- You cannot unblock someone because they are already unblocked: Ensure that the user has not already unblocked you.
There are still many other issues that could arise, but these are the most common. To avoid such issues, make sure your Instagram app is updated and follow the guidelines correctly.
VI. Alternatives to Unblocking
Unblocking someone may not be the best option in all cases. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Muting: If you still want to follow them but don’t want to see their posts on your feed, you can simply mute their account. You’ll still be following them, but you won’t see their posts or stories.
- Unfollowing: If you’ve fallen out with someone, you may want to unfollow them in addition to blocking them.
These two options can be useful when you don’t want to take the drastic step of blocking someone.
VII. Privacy and Security Concerns
Unblocking someone may open a few privacy and security concerns. It could allow them to start following you again, which can lead to further communication. There may also be a risk of harassment and cyberbullying.
To avoid these risks, it’s important to be mindful and careful about who you unblock and why. Always be sure to have strong privacy settings, and avoid sharing personal information with anybody you don’t trust.
VIII. Conclusion
Unblocking someone on Instagram may seem like a simple process, but sometimes issues may occur. We’ve provided you with a step-by-step guide that should help you to unblock someone successfully. However, if you encounter any issues, be sure to utilize the alternatives we listed and follow best privacy and security practices.
Remember, Instagram has over one billion active users, so there’s likely to be someone who wants to block someone at some point. So, if it happens to you, don’t worry: unblocking someone on Instagram is a quick process that you can easily do in just a few simple steps.