How to Fix the Challenge_Required Error on Instagram

Instagram employs several security protocols to deter bot interactions with its platform. Should there be any detection of suspicious activity or unrecognized login attempts, Instagram confronts the users with a message known as “Instagram Challenge Required”.

The primary purpose of this prompt is to confirm the rightful owner of an Instagram account. This may involve entering a verification code sent to a linked email or phone number or providing a selfie to confirm your identity. These measures ensure the safety and integrity of the platform.

Encountering this message may be attributed to various reasons:

• Logging in from a new IP address
• VPN usage
• An unstable network connection
• Instagram server outages
• Glitches or bugs within the app
• Posting content that violates Instagram’s community guidelines
• Engaging in excessive liking, commenting, or following in a short period

To resolve the “Instagram Challenge Required” message, proving your ownership of the account or addressing bugs is necessary. This not only lifts any temporary restriction on your account but also enhances your awareness of potential security threats, prompting you to adopt more robust safeguards.

1. Verify Your Account

Should you encounter this issue for the first time, the most straightforward solution is to authenticate your account ownership by responding to the given challenge. Once prompted, click on the “Challenge Required” message and adhere to the subsequent instructions displayed on your screen. You may be required to confirm your identity via an associated email or phone number, or possibly by submitting a photograph of yourself.

After verification, it’s wise to scrutinize recent account activities for any anomalies. Changing your password is also a prudent measure for enhancing account security.

2. Check Server Status

Should the error persist or account verification fail to resolve the issue, Instagram may be experiencing downtime or undergoing server maintenance. The current status of Instagram servers can be checked here.

3. Check Internet Connection

An insufficient network can hinder your connection to Instagram’s servers. If accessing Instagram via Wi-Fi is problematic, consider toggling to cellular data or vice versa. This action will alter your IP address, potentially rectifying any IP-related issues.

1. Navigate to the Control Center.
   
2. For Wi-Fi connection, tap the icon to disable it and switch to Mobile or Cellular Data.
3. Conversely, for Mobile Data, switch to Wi-Fi.
4. Another option is to reset your device’s network settings, thereby refreshing your DNS server and IP address.

For iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
   
3. Tap on Reset and select Reset Network Settings from the ensuing options.
   

For Android:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Proceed to System or General Management depending on your device.
3. Choose Reset or Reset options.
   
4. Select Reset Network Settings.
   
5. Confirm the resetting of network settings by tapping on Reset settings.

4. Disable/Enable VPN

If you started to experience the Instagram “Challenge_Required” issue after enabling a VPN, the issue could likely stem from the VPN’s altered IP address. Instagram may have difficulty recognizing your account since activating a VPN assigns a new IP address each time. Try disabling the VPN to see if that resolves the problem.

Conversely, if Instagram has blocked your usual IP address due to violations of the app’s community guidelines, activating a VPN might help. This will provide you with a new, unrecognized IP address, which may allow Instagram to grant you access to your account and its features.

5. Switch to a Known Device

Logging into Instagram from a new device usually prompts an identity verification. If you wish to bypass this verification, switch back to a device that you’ve previously used to access Instagram successfully.

6. Clear Cache/Offload App

An overloaded cache can affect app performance, making it necessary to clear it to prevent potential corruption. Clearing your cache won’t delete any personal data from your Instagram account, just the unnecessary temporary files.

1. Navigate to Settings on your device.
2. Select Apps > Manage Apps.
   
3. Find and tap on Instagram from the list of apps.
4. Choose Storage.
5. Click on either Clear cache or Clear data.
   

For iPhone users, there is no option to clear cache data directly. Instead, you can offload the app which has a similar effect to clearing cache.

1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to General.
3. Scroll down to and tap iPhone Storage.
4. Find Instagram in the list and tap it.
5. Select the Offload App option.
   
6. Wait momentarily for the process to complete, then tap on Reinstall App.

7. Update to the Latest Version

Apps that are out of date can be prone to glitches and bugs. Updating to the latest version often includes fixes that can resolve errors, potentially giving you back access to your account.

1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Search for Instagram.
3. If an Update option is available, tap it to install the latest version.
   

8. Re-Login to Your Account

Issues within your current session might be resolved by logging out and then back into your account, which will refresh the connection. It is also advised to close the app and restart it before logging back in, to refresh the app session.

1. Launch the Instagram app.
2. Tap on your Profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. In the top-right corner, tap on the three horizontal bars icon.
4. Select Settings and privacy > Log out.
   
5. Confirm by tapping Log out again.
6. Return to the Home Screen and swipe up from the bottom of the screen, pausing in the middle to view the App Launcher.
7. Swipe through the apps to locate Instagram, then swipe up on the app preview to close it.
8. Reopen the app and enter your credentials to log in to your account again.
   

9. Reset Instagram Password

Resetting the password for your account is another method to confirm your identity with Instagram. You’ll need to use the email or phone number linked to your account for this process.

1. Open the Instagram app to the login page.
2. Below the Username and Password fields, tap on the Get help signing in link for Android, or Forgot password? for Apple devices.
   
3. Enter the required details and select Next.

You’ll need to follow the instructions provided in the message you receive to complete the password reset.

10. Wait It Out or Report the Issue

The “Challenge_Required” error on Instagram can also indicate a temporary block if suspicious activity is detected. This block typically lasts 24 to 48 hours before it is removed automatically. If you’ve tried the aforementioned solutions without success, consider waiting a day or two. If the issue continues, report it to the Instagram Help Center to get assistance from the official support team.