The “challenge_required” Instagram error usually appears when the algorithm thinks you’re a bot or if something weird is happening on your account. Are you a bot? 🙂
If not, then go through these steps to fix this problem:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
- Close all third-party apps on Instagram
- Uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 2-3 days
My advice is to stop doing things in a “spammy” way (liking things too fast, following 100 people in 2 minutes, etc). That’s the likeliest reason for Instagram’s suspicions of you.
Either way, follow along with my guide below to get rid of this pesky error!

How Can You Fix The “Challenge_Required” Error on Instagram?
There are three ways you can do this:
- Switch from WiFi to Mobile Data
- Close all third-party apps
- Uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 2-3 days
One of these ought to work and fix the “Challenge_Required” error. I say “ought to” because the ways of Instagram are mysterious and you never know what to expect.
Anyway, let’s get to it!
1. Switch between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
Starting with something simple – switching between WiFi and Mobile Data, or the other way around. To do this, simply swipe down from the top of your screen.

Doing this will open the Shortcuts menu, which has several options, and two of them are Mobile Data and WiFi (check the screenshot above).
They should be 1st and 3rd on the list but, depending on your phone, they may be positioned differently.
Switch between them by disabling one and enabling the other, and see if the error is still there.
Still there? Then, move on with the next solutions!
2. Close all third-party apps
Closing all third-party apps within Instagram may resolve the bug and appease the algorithm’s wrath. Or not… It’s worth a try, at least.
To do that, go to Menu – Settings – Security – Apps and websites.
1. Tap the Menu and select “Settings“

Begin by opening Instagram and going to your profile page (profile icon in the bottom-right corner). Then, tap the Menu icon in the top-right corner, and this will open a menu at the bottom of the page.
See the “Settings” option at the top of the list? Yeah, tap it!
2. Select “Security“

Once you’ve opened the Instagram settings, you should find the “Security” option. Select it and see the next steps below:
3. Go to “Apps and websites“

On the “Security” page, you’ll see the “Apps and websites” option under the “Data and history” heading. Select it and follow my next instructions:
4. Close all active apps and websites

Reached the “Apps and websites” page yet? Then, open the “Active” option and close everything within. Leave nothing alive!
Doing this should, in theory, clear away the “Challenge_Required” error.
3. Uninstall and reinstall Instagram after 2-3 days
If nothing works, try uninstalling Instagram and reinstalling it after 2-3 days.
This will delete the cache files and help the algorithm forget your account’s suspicious activity (stealth level 100).
First, you should remove all third-party apps, so they no longer interfere with Instagram.
To uninstall Instagram, either tap-hold the icon on your phone and select uninstall or go to Settings – Apps – Instagram – Uninstall.
Then, after 2-3 days, reinstall Instagram from the App Store or Google Apps.
The “Challenge_Required” error shouldn’t appear anymore.
Conclusion
Instagram uses algorithms to detect spammy behavior like other social media platforms, so this security measure protects the community against bots and automation tools.
The “Challenge_Required” error can still appear by mistake, though but it’s a temporary error and should disappear after a few days.
You can wait it out, switch between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data, or remove your third-party apps from within Instagram.
One of these solutions should help you but if something happens, let me know in the comments below!