At some point, you’ll definitely come across “Checkpoint required” on Instagram, and one of the scenarios that can lead to the checkpoint required error is when you changed a new device or when you changed Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The reason here is that your device isn’t recognized since you have now used a device you haven’t used before and you changed ISP which will also change your IP address.
Instagram will assume someone is trying to access your account from a different device and hence the “checkpoint required” message is displayed to verify the ownership of the account.
Instagram is capable of tracking the device and IP address you’re using to log into your account. Once there is an unusual attempt to log into your Instagram account, the user will face the checkpoint required error.
The checkpoint required message is mostly displayed when trying to login into your Instagram account, and can also be shown when you’re already logged in, you’ll be signed out of your account and will be directed to the checkpoint required page.
This happens when Instagram detects you’re using excessive automation or there are a lot of complaints about your content including posts and comments.
The checkpoint required message shouldn’t be considered as an error because Instagram is trying to secure your account from unauthorized access.
Using a different device or IP address isn’t the only cause of checkpoint required on Instagram, there can be other causes and we’ll share them in the next section of this post so that you can avoid making these mistakes. We’ll share all the necessary steps you need to take in order to avoid the checkpoint required message on Instagram.
What does the “Checkpoint Required” Error mean on Instagram
Every social media platform out there has a checkpoint where the user is required to perform some form of verification before they proceed with login into their account.
When you receive the “Checkpoint Required” message on Instagram, you’re required to verify the ownership of your Instagram account by receiving a text message with a code that needs to be typed on the field provided, or you’ll receive an email with the code using the email address attached to that Instagram account.
The verification isn’t actually a big deal since it just requires receiving a code and then typing that code. The problem arises when you don’t have access to the phone number used to register the account or you can’t log in to your email address.
In this case, you’ll have to find a way to bypass the checkpoint and we’ll share some of the effective methods you can follow in order to avoid the message from showing up.
Causes Of Checkpoint Required On Instagram
Using a different IP address
When you changed location, you’re definitely going to use a different internet service provider and you’ll be assigned a new IP address that is different from the previous IP address you’re using.
Instagram has a record of all your login details and once the Instagram algorithm detects you’re using a different IP address, they’ll perceive it as unauthorized login, they’ll now try to block the user from login into the account even if they have supplied the correct login details.
You’re logging into your account with unauthorized apps
Once you’re trying to access your Instagram account using a third-party app that is not authorized by Instagram, you’ll be required to go through a checkpoint where you’ll need to verify your account before you proceed.
There are lots of automation tools out there that claim to provide Instagram management services but will most of the time lead your account to suspension.
There are some tasks you want to automate on Instagram like sending Auto DMs, but you have to be careful when choosing your tools. Avoid using new Instagram tools and services that are new to the market and also ensure to check for customer reviews.
By customer reviews, I don’t mean some lengthy affiliate blog post that is aimed at promoting the product, you should check for real customer reviews for users that have tested the product and have provided an unbiased review regarding the tool or service.
Entering the wrong login credentials multiple times
If you type your login details multiple times and you finally type the correct one, you’ll find that Instagram won’t let you log into your account right away.
You’ll have to pass through the checkpoint required message and that’s because the Instagram algorithm has identified the login as a threat, they assume someone who is not authorized is trying to log into your Instagram, and that’s why they want to block the login attempt.
Most of the problem we get is with our password and that’s because it’s not seen. The best way to avoid that after typing your login details twice and it’s not correct, you should type your password on a text document and then copy and paste. This way you can see what you have typed and you’re sure it’s correct.
You’re generating fake follows, comments and likes
This is a common practice for people these days, even celebrities engage in such actions. They want to attract massive followers and fake likes to their posts using various services.
The providers of these services use automation which can be easily detected by the Instagram algorithm.
Once they detect you’re using automation to send likes and follow or comments, they’ll block that Instagram account, and, in some cases, even after completing the checkpoint verification, you’ll find that your IG account isn’t still accessible.
They’ll have to review your account manually before they can lift the block or suspension placed on the account.
Using a different device
Once you change a new device, you’ll most of the time face checkpoint required to message on Instagram. This is because with a new device you now have a new app installation and when a new login attempt is made, the checkpoint message is displayed.
When you get a new device and you attempt to log in to your IG account, Instagram considers it as an unauthorized device and it’s the reason why you’re receiving the “Checkpoint required” message.
You’re exceeding your daily actions
Instagram has a daily limit for all actions including the number of likes, follows, and comments you send every day. The moment you exceed these limits and you’re still attempting to send more actions; you can be directed to the checkpoint required page.
In other cases you’ll face an action block, this is a temporary account suspension and will automatically expire when the timeframe expires without the need to contact support. It mostly lasts for twenty-four hours but can last for up to one month, or you might have to contact support to unblock your account.
You haven’t verified your Phone number or email address
After creating a new account, Instagram will send either a code to the phone number used for the signup or an email verification link will be sent to your email address.
You might find that it’s possible to access your Instagram account but can’t perform any action and if you haven’t verified the phone or email, you’ll receive the checkpoint required message whenever you attempt to log into your Instagram account.
You haven’t completed your profile
If you start sending massive actions without filling in your profile details, Instagram will identify you as a robot, not a real user. That’s why even after performing a few actions, you’ll see the checkpoint required message in your Instagram account while you’re still logged in.
The first thing you want to do after verifying your phone number and email is completing your profile. Add everything including bio and profile picture of a real person before you start engaging with users on the platform.
Make sure your account is receiving interactions, that’s to say your posts are receiving likes and comments.
Reports on your account
Reports on your account will always raise a flag that will make your IG account suspicious. If users end up reporting your account for posting inappropriate content or for spamming especially if your account is new, you’ll end up with a checkpoint required message and in some cases, a manual review will be required for your account.
The best way to prevent reports on your account is by avoiding sending unsolicited marketing messages in the DM to users that don’t know you.
If you want to send marketing messages, try to build the connections first, and later on, you can promote anything in your posts that will show up in their feed.
These are the common causes that will lead to the “Checkpoint required” on your device, let’s now share how to fix this message so that you can log in to your Instagram account without any block.
How To Fix Checkpoint Required Error On Instagram
Acknowledge The Login Attempt
If you’re trying to log in to your account on a different device and you have access to the device you normally log into your Instagram account, you should approve the action by selecting the “it was me” button that will be displayed for you when you log in your Instagram account using the app or browser that’s been used to access the Instagram account.
Even if you’re not currently logged in, you should log in and a pop up will appear to you displaying a message that there was a login attempt on another device and you’ll be prompted with the option “it was me” or “I don’t recognize the login attempt”.
Just select “it was me” and you’ll now be able to login to the new device without the checkpoint required message. You just need to refresh the page or if you’re using the Instagram app, you should close the app and try to login again, this way you won’t face any block.
Deactivate And Reactivate Your Account
If there is a device you’re logged into, you should temporarily disable your Instagram account and after some hours, you then reactivate again. Here are the steps to follow;
- Log into your IG account on the usual device, this can be your browser or the app.
- Go to your profile page.
- Click/Tap on the option “Edit Profile” icon.
- You’ll notice a blue link with the text “Temporarily disable my account”, you should tap on that.
- You’ll be prompted to specify the reason for such action and you just need to select “Just need a break”.
- After that, you need to enter your password.
- Leave your Instagram account disabled for up to 3+ hours.
- Then you go back to your profile page and enable your IG account again.
- You should now login on to any device without receiving the checkpoint required error message.
Complete The Checkpoint Verification
If you want to authorize the device that’s showing you the message “checkpoint required”, you should proceed and complete the verification required by Instagram.
You’ll need to receive a code through email or phone, just add it and you’ll not receive any checkpoint message in the future on the device since you have now authorized it.
How To Avoid The Checkpoint Required Message
- Always use the same IP address to log in to your Instagram account: Avoid using random proxies or VPN to log in to your IG account. If you must use proxy or VPN, make sure it’s the same IP for every login you made on Instagram.
- Stop buying fake likes and follows: Whatever action you want to send on Instagram, you want to make sure that you’re sending the actions manually. You should also earn followers and likes naturally without the use of any tool or robot.
- Don’t use unauthorized apps to log in to your Instagram account: You should verify that the app you’re using for managing your Instagram account is approved by Instagram and you should use it manually.
- Don’t exceed the daily limits for Instagram actions: You should know the limitations on your account, don’t exceed these limits at all costs.
- Complete your Instagram profile: Before you start engaging with users on the platform, always make sure that your profile is complete. Make your IG account look like a real human.
- Only post content of your own or at least have permission to reuse in your account: This will help you avoid copyright complaints that can raise flags on your Instagram account.