This error has been around since 2018, and Instagram still hasn’t offered an official fix for it. So, it’s up to me to help you find a solution for it.
After some tests, I noticed that almost nothing solved the problem, except:
- Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Going through the “Forgot password?” to change your password
The error also doesn’t have an exact cause, which makes it so hard to troubleshoot. But following my guide should help you get rid of it.
Keep reading! I’ve also included screenshots to help out keep up with the step-by-step guide, so you’ll be done in no time!
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Why Does the “Sorry there was a problem with your request” Error Appear?
The “Sorry, there was a problem with your request” error appears because Instagram has blocked your IP. This could have happened for any number of reasons:
- You logged in and off to app too quickly
- You liked posts too quickly
- You acted like a bot and spammed
- You simply existed, and Instagram was offended by it
Sometimes, the algorithm goes full paranoia mode and blocks your IP for no reason at all (robots, man…), at which point you should contact support and ask for guidance.
How Can You Fix the “Sorry there was a problem with your request” Error?
As I said, I’ve only found two fixes for this error:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Go through the “Forgot password?” process on Instagram
Why switching between WiFi and Mobile Data fixes this error is a mystery, but the password change does have some credit to it.
Instagram may believe your account is compromised and changing your password tells the robot you’re still…you. You’re in control of your account, and now you’ve secured it.
So it lowers its weapons and lets you go about your business.
Let’s not tarry and see how you can solve this error:
Switch Between WiFI and Mobile Data
Follow my instructions below to do this:
1. Swipe down from the top of your screen
No matter where you are on your phone, if you swipe down from the top of your screen, you’ll open the Shortcuts menu.
Do that (twice if necessary) to reveal the menu.
2. Switch between WiFi and Mobile Data
You should find the “Mobile Data” and “WiFi” options at the very top (highlighted in the picture above). Switch between them (enable Mobile Data instead of WiFi and vice-versa) and try Instagram.
Does the error pop up again? If it does, then you should move on to the second solution.
Go Through the “Forgot your password?” Process
To go through the “Forgot your password” process, you’ll need to log off from your Instagram account first.
You can do this by going to your profile, selecting “Menu,” (top-right corner), and then tapping on “Settings”.
Once you select “Settings“, a new page will open where you’ll see a load of options. Check the screenshot below to see what’s next:
On the “Settings” page, scroll to the bottom until you see the “Log out” option (in blue). Select it and then confirm to the robot that YES, you DO want to log out by selecting “Log out“.
This will redirect you to the log-in page, where you’ll need to tap on “Get help logging in” if you don’t have a “Forgot your password?” button.
Then, a new window will appear (see below).
On this page, you clearly need to enter your username, email address, or phone number to proceed. So, enter whichever you want and see below:
Now, you’ll have to select an option to access your account – via email, phone, or by connecting Instagram to Facebook.
Please select the option that sends a code to your mobile phone because it’s more accessible (and easier to use).
This will take you to a final page where you must enter the confirmation code sent on your phone.
You’ll receive a 6-digit code to your mobile phone which you’ll need to enter in the field shown in the screenshot above.
This will let you change your password and eliminate the “Sorry there was a problem with your request on Instagram” error while at it.
Finally… If the error still persists, then you can only contact Instagram support and ask them to do something. Anything, really.
Leave a comment below if this guide was helpful and you managed to get rid of the error. Or, if something’s wrong, send a comment as well. Cheers!
