Instagram errors seemingly come out of the blue, and that can be quite frustrating. This is especially true when you try to sign in and see a message that says “Please wait a few minutes before you try again”. So, what does this error message mean and what can you do about it?
The “Please wait a few minutes” error on Instagram happens if you have an unstable Wi-Fi connection or if your IP address is temporarily banned. Instagram may temporarily ban your IP address if they suspect fraudulent activity or if you sign out and back in via third-party apps. Reinstall the app, update Instagram, or wait for Instagram to fix the glitch.
You can get around this problem if you use a VPN to change your IP address in some cases. Follow along as we explore what the “Please wait a few minutes” error means on Instagram and highlight how to fix it.
Why Does Instagram Say, “Please Wait a Few Minutes”?
Logging Out Frequently
Have you been logging in and out of Instagram frequently today or over the last few days? If so, that can explain why you see the message, “Please wait a few minutes before you try again”. When you repeatedly sign out and back in, it can trigger Instagram’s security algorithms.
They may suspect fraudulent activity, such as a data breach, or that you were hacked. Because of that, they may temporarily ban your IP address. Unfortunately, you must wait for Instagram to resolve the problem. Avoid logging in and out of Instagram too frequently to avoid this problem.
Instagram’s Servers are Down
Server problems can explain countless glitches on Instagram. That includes the common “Please wait a few minutes” prompt when you log in on Instagram. In this case, the message has nothing to do with your account or IP address.
Instagram server outages affect many users in specific areas, and you can’t do anything about it. However, you can check for updates about the status of the server outage on websites like downdetector.com. The servers typically go back up within a day.
Unstable Wi-Fi
If your Wi-Fi is unstable and keeps connecting and disconnecting, you won’t be able to use Instagram in many cases. Instagram will tell you to wait a few minutes before you try again if you try to sign in without a stable Wi-Fi connection. However, you can get around this if you turn on cellular data until you can connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Instagram Glitch
While Instagram glitches are few and far between, they still occur. Instagram glitches are typically minor, and they are resolved with updates in most cases. However, you must report the problem to Instagram so they know what’s going on.
You can report the problem online if you use a PC, or you can simply shake your phone with the app open if you have an iPhone or Android. Shake the phone, follow the on-screen prompt, and explain the problem.
You Logged in Via a Third-Party App
Do you log in on Instagram through third-party apps? If so, then you will likely see the “Please wait a few minutes before you try again” message on Instagram. Third-party apps that ask you to sign in can confuse Instagram.
The more you sign in on Instagram through third-party apps, the more likely it is that Instagram will suspect unusual activity. Instagram limits how many third-party apps and websites you can use for security purposes. Avoid using third-party apps on Instagram, or you risk getting logged out and having your IP address banned.
How to Fix “Please Wait a Few Minutes” Instagram
Reinstall Instagram
If Instagram’s cache is full and features corrupted data, you may struggle to log in to the app. The app will tell you to wait a few minutes, but that’s not necessary if you delete the app. When you delete the app, this will clear the cache and remove the corrupted data. Simply reinstall the app, sign back in, and the problem should stop.
Try a VPN
Instagram tells users to “Please wait a few minutes” when their IP addresses are temporarily banned. In that case, you can get around this problem with a VPN. A VPN lets you use a different IP address, and this will let you sign into the app.
However, this will only fix the problem if you get the error message because your IP address is banned. This won’t help if your account has been banned or if you’re experiencing network connectivity issues.
Update the App
When you are behind on updates, Instagram simply doesn’t work well. You will encounter error messages and the app may crash or perform slowly. Update Instagram if “Please wait a few minutes” and other error messages appear for seemingly no reason. Delete apps, messages, and pictures from your phone to make space for the update if you need to.
Wait for Instagram
Sometimes, you must take the “Please wait a few minutes” error literally. You may simply need to wait a few minutes, try again, and see if it works. It may simply be that Instagram must reauthenticate your account or IP address. Otherwise, Instagram may be in the middle of fixing a glitch that affects many users.
So, What Does “Please Wait a Few Minutes” Mean on Instagram?
“Please wait a few minutes before you try again” on Instagram means that your IP address is temporarily banned or that you have an unstable Wi-Fi connection. This error can also occur if Instagram’s servers are down or if the app needs an update. You may simply need to wait a few minutes, or you can delete and reinstall the app to clear the cache and speed up the process.
David Miller is a seasoned tech aficionado with a profound expertise in NGINX and Ubuntu. With a career spanning over a decade, David has honed his skills in optimizing web servers and enhancing server performance to perfection. His deep-rooted passion for open-source technologies has led him to become a go-to resource in the field. Whether it’s crafting intricate NGINX configurations or troubleshooting complex Ubuntu server issues, David’s problem-solving prowess shines through.