Many Instagram users complain that they cannot log into their Instagram account even though the username and password entered is correct.
When users happen to click log in repeatedly, a notification like Unknown network error, Please try again later or we detected a suspicious login attempt on Instagram might pop up.
These message typically appears when users fail to access their accounts.
A Suspicious Login attempt is Instagram’s way of saying, someone is trying to break into your Instagram account that they do not recognize.
Instagram keeps track of the IP addresses and devices you regularly use.
If they see an attempt to access your account with a device and IP address that Instagram does not immediately recognize, they will sound the alarm and send you a notification.
On the other hand, you could be the one who triggered their security alarm.
If you were logging into Instagram with a new device, then Instagram will see it as a threat.
In that case, it was an honest mistake, but a happy one.
That means Instagram’s security measures are working.
Causes of Suspicious Login Attempts on Instagram
To solve the Instagram login problems, you need to first understand the reasons behind Suspicious Login attempts.
Only then can you detect and solve unusual login attempts or suspicious login attempts.
Here are some reasons why Instagram will notify you with Suspicious Login attempt.
1. Log In attempt with Incorrect Password
Forgetting password is not unusual, with so many login details to keep track of.
We tend to mess up a bit when it comes to remembering password.
If you attempt to login to your Instagram account multiple times with wrong password then Instagram might flag this attempt as suspicious.
You will then be asked by Instagram to confirm whether the account you are trying to access is yours.
Verification can be done by email, cell phone number, Facebook, and other methods.
Verify the confirmation from Instagram if it was you that was trying to genuinely log into your account.
2. Someone trying to hack into your Instagram Account
When anyone makes multiple login attempts and fails to log in to Instagram, they are considered as bad actors.
Usually, you will get a notification informing you about an unusual login attempt on Instagram.
You might receive this message on the Email ID you registered with or on Instagram itself when you log in.
Verify the activity and if you find something unusual then report to Instagram and change your password as soon as possible.
3. Your cell phone is connected to VPN
It is possible that you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your cell phone or PC.
VPN is generally used to access to the internet from the location of your choice.
For example, if you use a VPN with a IP Address from other countries, Instagram will notice a change in the user location and can flag this log in attempt as a suspicious or unusual login.
Make sure you don't have your VPN on.
4. Instagram Login from a new device
If you are using a new or different device that has never been used to log in can also be flagged as a suspicious login attempt.
Instagram keeps track of which device you normally use, therefore if there is any difference to the device, Instagram will notify you that there has been a login with an unrecognized device.
Solution to Suspicious Instagram Login
If you’re receiving the Suspicious Login Attempt error on Instagram and you don’t know your Email ID or phone number, you won’t be able to access your account.
If you have no email or phone number, you should select “I can’t access this email or phone number” or contact the Instagram support team for assistance.
Below we have mentioned some of the necessary steps and precautions you can take to avoid suspicious login problem in Instagram:
1. Setting up Two Factor Authentication on Instagram
Nowadays with so many suspicious and attacks on online accounts, setting up 2FA is very important.
Two-factor authentication is a security feature to keep your account safe. If you set up 2FA, you'll be asked to enter a special login code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing the Instagram account from a device or location that they don't recognize.
You can stop a bad actor from making an illegal login attempt to your account.
So let's set up 2-factor authentication on Instagram. There is a couple of option, choose anyone and set up 2FA.
- Log into your Instagram account.
- Tap or click on the Profile Picture which should be located at the bottom right to go to your profile.
- Click the settings option.
- Then click on the Security option.
- Find and click on Two-Factor Authentication.
- Click on Get Started option.
- Select Text Message. If your account doesn't have a confirmed phone number, you'll be asked to enter one.
- Enter the phone number, and then click on Next.
That's it, you have set up to 2fa using your phone number.
- Tap or click on your Profile picture.
- Next, click on the Settings option.
- Then, click on Security and scroll down to tap Two-Factor Authentication.
- If you have not yet used two-factor authentication, click on Get Started option.
- Select the Authentication App option, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- In the end, enter the confirmation code from the third-party authentication app to complete the process.
This is how you can be able to set up 2FA on Instagram using 3rd part authentication app.
2. Change your Instagram password
When you receive a notification from Instagram regarding suspicious login, changing your Instagram password should be the first step. Follow the steps mentioned below to change your Password.
- Log into your account.
- Click on the Settings.
- Then select the Security option.
- Click on Password.
- Enter your current password, and then create a new one. Your new password must be different from your last one.
3. Clear cache history on the Instagram application
The cache contains historical data and if it is rarely cleared then caching can eat a lot of storage memory. This is for mobile users.
Due to cache using a huge amount of storage space and so can lead to errors and malfunction of mobile apps. To clear cache storage memory is quite easy:
- Open your mobile Settings.
- Select Apps or Application option.
- Find and click on the Instagram app.
- Then click on the Storage option.
- Click on the Clear Cache option.
- Wait for a while, sometimes the process takes a bit longer if it is rarely cleaned. Once the process is complete, you will be left with a healthier Instagram app.
Remember any stored user credential and saved materials can also be deleted. It is advisable to take a backup of your files before clearing out the Cache.
4. Disable Mobile Data and Switch to WiFi.
As mentioned previously, one of the reasons you see a suspicious access attempt message is due to a change in IP.
When Instagram notices an unknown IP it flags it as unusual and sometimes as a direct threat to your account.
In a situation where you are using your mobile data, and as there is the probability that you are traveling and your network can bounce between different cell towers. When the IP is not recognized or looks unusual from your normal IP address, you will be notified of suspicious activity.
If you ever get such notification then check the activity and make sure it was your login attempt that triggered the suspicious account notification.
5. Uninstall Instagram and perform a new installation.
When things get tricky, then it may be best to run a fresh Instagram install. Sometimes cleaning cache and data is not enough. The entire application could be corrupted. In any case, uninstalling it from the Settings app and reinstalling it with your device's app store should fix the problem.
5. Upgrade Instagram app
You are using an outdated Instagram application, it is time to update to the latest version to improve the user experience and enjoy the presence of many new features.
The old version of the application may have some bugs which are now closed by the system so when using the old version of the Instagram application, the server asks you to update the Instagram version to increase the security and stability of the application.
6. Ask for help on Instagram.
Instagram itself has a team that specializes in handling problems experienced by users, do not hesitate to ask questions through the Instagram help feature. Notify network security problems as well as error problems when logging into the account who knows there is a conflict between IP addresses. Usually, you must wait for several hours but if it is true there is nothing wrong with asking the Instagram team for help to delete the IP history of the session.
7. Sign in with PC / Laptop
If you are still having problems with your mobile app, then you can try switching to a PC. Try logging in to your account and find out if you have any issues. If you still can't login and get's issues similar to mobile app, then you should contact Instagram Help Center.
