If you get a “user not found” message on Instagram, It could indicate an issue with the account.
The account in question could be wiped out or blocked or may have been barred.
The user may have also banned you.
Suppose you’ve tried to connect with a profile on Instagram and received an error message saying the user’s profile could not be located. In that case, it’s pretty frustrating, which is made more difficult by knowing there is a reason to believe this could have occurred.
What Does User Not Found on Instagram Mean?
Instagram may display its “User Not Found” page in various ways. There are times when you’ll encounter the issue, and it could be fixed by forcing shutting down your app and restarting the app. But, if the problem persists, it’s likely caused by one of the following six possible causes:
The person you’re searching for has been temporarily removed from their account. Their account has been suspended, and they mistyped their username. The username has changed, but they’ve blocked you.
User Not Found on Instagram
Below are possible reasons for your “User not found” message on your Instagram:
Typo
In certain situations, the “User not found” message may appear because of an error in spelling. You’ll likely encounter the message if you’re trying to locate the Instagram user but misspelling their account or username. Be sure to check your spelling.
The User Has Changed Their Username
Unlike other social media, Instagram makes changing a username incredibly simple regardless of platform. If the person you’re trying to find has changed their username, you’ll see that “User not found” message.
What is the reason for this? This is because Instagram utilizes a person’s username as the basis base of the account. When a person alters their username, the Instagram “location” also changes. However, while Instagram generally redirects users to a new address, it’s not guaranteed to be the case. If you try to locate the person with their previous username, you may get the “User not found” message because, technically, the place no longer exists.
This is how you can be sure that this isn’t the issue:
- Look at other social media platforms. You can check the individual’s Facebook or Snapchat profiles to determine if they’ve changed them.
- Go through the Followers or Following lists. If you’re trying to find the person with whom you’ve shared followers, go to one of your mutual followers’ profile pages and search for their name. You’ll likely be able to identify their profile photo and the name.
- Look up chat history. If you’ve had a conversation with the person in dispute, you can locate the conversation in your Instagram Inbox. Visit their account by clicking on their profile.
The User Has Temporarily Disabled Their Account
Instagram lets users “shut down” their accounts for a short period. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to unwind from social media but then be back at a later time. It’s okay for specific individuals not to use Instagram, while others prefer to deactivate their accounts.
If someone’s account was temporarily shut down, you’ll receive the “User not found” message when you try to locate them.
You can determine if this is why you’re getting this message by inviting one of your friends to check the profile you’re trying to access.

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t provide details about whether a specific account has been blocked.
Summary
You may need assistance to locate the Instagram account due to a variety of reasons. It could be that the person has changed the handle of their profile, which is among the main reasons. Big accounts with a significant following do not usually alter their IG handles unless there’s an urgent need to do this.
Companies and brands are also represented on additional sites and social media channels. It is possible to check their websites to determine if the information on their websites has changed. Ask your colleagues and acquaintances about the person you’re looking for who is also following the person you’re searching for via social media.
FAQs
Why Does It Say User Not Found On Instagram But Not Blocked?
You are experiencing this problem because the account you’re trying to find was either removed or removed by the user. Or they’ve been banned or suspended for breaking Instagram’s rules. Or, they may have altered their username, or perhaps you’ve mistyped it.
How To Fix User Not Found Instagram?
If the user does not ban you and you’re sure that the account is active, You should verify the spelling of their username to ensure that you’re trying to find the correct one. If you’re still experiencing this issue, try restarting the application.