Why Is My Instagram Account Automatically Following People? | Troubleshooting Steps

Are you experiencing unnaturally high follow counts on your Instagram account, even when you don't follow anyone yourself? It's essential to consider several potential reasons behind this behavior, including hacked accounts, third-party applications, and even user mistakes. Here, we will explore the common causes and steps to take to fix the issue.

Causes of Automatic Followers

Hacked Account: Someone might have gained unauthorized access to your account and is using it to follow other users. They could also be sending suspicious messages or posting content you do not recognize. Third-Party Apps: Apps you have authorized to access your Instagram account might be performing actions on your behalf. This includes following other users or even deleting your content without your consent. Review and revoke access to any apps you no longer trust. Bot Activity: If you have used bots or automation tools to manage your Instagram, they might be programmed to follow users automatically. This can lead to unintended and potentially problematic follow counts. Account Settings: In rare cases, your account settings might allow for automatic actions without your knowledge. It's still a good idea to review these settings to ensure they meet your security and privacy preferences.

Steps to Fix the Problem

Change Your Password

The first and most critical step is to change your password immediately. This will help secure your account from unauthorized access. Here's how to do it:

Go to the Instagram website on your mobile or desktop browser. Log in to your account. Click on the profile picture or the notification icon at the bottom left corner. Select 'Settings Privacy.' Choose 'Settings' and then 'Account.' Find and click on 'Change Password.' Follow the prompts to create a new, secure password.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access in the future. Here's how to enable 2FA:

Follow the steps above to log in and go to the 'Settings Privacy' menu. Choose 'Settings' and then 'Account.' Click on 'Security Login.' Turn on 'Two-Factor Authentication' by following the prompts.

Unauthorize Suspicious Third-Party Apps

Review the apps that have access to your Instagram account. Here are the steps to follow:

Return to the 'Settings Privacy' menu. Choose 'Settings' and then 'Apps and Websites.' Instagram will display a list of all the apps and websites that have access to your account. Identify any suspicious or unauthorized apps and click the 'Remove' button next to them. Login to the affected app and ensure it has been deauthorized.

Check Activity Log

Monitoring your activity log can help you understand recent actions taken on your account:

Return to the 'Settings Privacy' menu. Select 'Settings.' Scroll down to 'Activity Log.' Review the log for any suspicious activity and take appropriate action.

Report the Issue to Instagram Support

If the problem persists after taking these steps, it's a good idea to report the issue to Instagram support:

Go to the Instagram Help Center website. Click on 'Contact Us' at the top of the page. Select the appropriate category and follow the prompts to submit a report.

Conclusion

Your Instagram account should only follow people who have a mutual connection or who you have decided to follow. If you find your account is following users without your knowledge, it's essential to take immediate action to secure your account and remove any unauthorized access. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help prevent unauthorized activity and ensure your Instagram account remains secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a website get access to my Instagram account?

Yes, third-party websites or apps that you authorize to access your Instagram account can perform actions on your behalf. This includes following other users, posting content, or even deleting your posts. To prevent this, review and revoke access to any apps you no longer trust.

What if someone hacked into my Instagram account?

If you suspect someone hacked your account, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication. Additionally, review and unauthorize any suspicious apps with access to your account. If the issue persists, contact Instagram support.

How to prevent future hacking incidents?

To prevent future hacking, enable two-factor authentication, regularly review app access to your account, and be wary of sharing your login credentials with third-party websites or apps. Keeping your device and app versions up to date can also help.