Instagram Error Challenge Required – What to Do

If you use Instagram daily, you’ve probably encountered an Instagram bug or error problem at least once. Although hundreds of Instagram error messages exist for different malfunctions, users mostly experience just a few.

This article helps you solve the Challenge_Required Instagram error and provides solutions that could also fix other Instagram errors.

Understanding the Instagram Challenge_Required Error

Several versions of the challenge_required message exist, but the most common is “InstagramAPI/Response/LoginResponse: Challenge required.”

If you see this error message or any other version containing Challenge_Required, it means there’s an issue establishing the proper security protocols that Instagram needs to operate correctly. Challenge_Required is also a method that Instagram developers created to check whether users are human or not and prevent bots from using the platform. Furthermore, its other goal is to ensure that you own the account.

When prompted with the Challenge_Required error message, Instagram asks you to prove the account belongs to you. The error message is commonly displayed when logging in to your Instagram account from a web server.

Common Causes of the Instagram Challenge Required Error

The “challenge_required” error occurs for many reasons, including the following:

• You used an unknown or new device.
• Your internet is weak, spotty, or misconfigured.
• Instagram servers have issues or are currently down.
• Your Instagram app is outdated.
• The Instagram app or its cache is corrupt.

How to Solve the Instagram Error Challenge Required Error

Based on the various reasons that cause the IG challenge required error, the steps below cover the most common causes and offer solutions to get you back in the game.

1. Check your internet speed and connection using “fast.com” or “speedtest.net.” Instagram processes tons of data and requires a solid internet connection (not spotty), preferably 10 Mbps or above. 3 Mbps might work, but anything lower or that goes in and out could cause potential issues.
2. Check Downdetector for Instagram server issues, or try IsItDownRightNow. If there are numerous reports of outages, the problem is most likely Instagram-related.
3. Try logging in on a different device. If it works, there’s an underlying problem within the original one.
4. On your device, navigate to “Settings -> Apps & notifications -> See all ### apps -> Instagram -> Storage & cache,” then choose “Clear cache.” This removes old, temporary data that often clashes with or confuses current processes and requests.
5. Access the “Play Store,” search for “Instagram,” then select “Update” if it appears. If it shows “Open,” you have the latest version. An outdated Instagram app can collide with server requests, data retrieval, and overall functionality.
   
6. Using another device that allows you to log in, enable “Two-factor authentication” from within the “Settings” menu. Look for privacy options to find it. This setting helps secure your account and prove that you are the owner, which could prevent the “challenge_required” error.
   
   
   

If you are still getting the same error message, Instagram doesn’t want to allow your server’s IP to connect. In this case, you need to use a proxy server.

As mentioned in the comments, it’s possible that one of your comments was flagged as offensive or against Instagram’s policies, which could result in a “challenege_required” error. Check your recent post activity on another device to see if it caused the issue.

Troubleshooting Instagram Errors

One of the best ways to begin troubleshooting is to think about any changes you made to your phone or account when the issue started. It sounds simple, but many things can interfere with your Instagram’s ability to function.

Some Instagram errors occur due to the following:

• Did your phone do an update recently?
• Have you downloaded any third-party applications that needed access to your Instagram account, such as collage apps?
• Did you use Instagram on another device?
• Are you using a new malware or anti-spyware program?

If you aren’t sure of any changes you’ve made that led to the error, or perhaps you’re unsure how to fix them, keep reading.

Check for Instagram Server Issues

One of the first things to try is checking for Instagram outages. The best way to do that is by visiting Instagram’s official website and looking for recent messages. You can also check the Down Detector website for any reported issues. If Instagram’s servers have problems, you must wait it out or watch for a status update.

The developers usually notify users that their servers are down by posting on the app’s official website. If there’s nothing on Instagram’s website, ask your friends who use it if they can post and update their Stories.

Check Your Internet Connection

Once you’ve checked for server issues, you should ensure your Instagram app gets enough bandwidth to perform its tasks. If you are on Wi-Fi, try toggling it off and connecting to cellular data and vice versa. You can perform a speed test to ensure your internet is acting correctly.

Close the Instagram App and Restart it

A temporary glitch may occur, resulting in odd bugs such as not posting content. Go to the multi-tasking center on your phone and swipe the app away. Although Android and iPhone are different operating systems, the app closure process is similar.

Reopen the app and try posting the same content. If you still have trouble, there are more things to try.

Check for Instagram Updates

Instagram regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Unfortunately, an older app version may have issues working with a newer version of your operating system. Check that your app is current by visiting the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.

The easiest way to check for updates is to type Instagram in the search bar. It should give you the option to update if one is available. If not, visit the Updates option in either app store and update it.

Clear the Instagram App Cache

Android users are fortunate as their operating system allows them to clear the app cache without deleting user data.

1. Go to Android “Settings” via the dropdown shortcuts or the app drawer.
2. Tap “Apps & Notifications.” Older Android versions may call it “Applications” or “Apps.”
3. Select “See all ### apps.”
4. Scroll down and choose “Instagram.”
   
5. Select “Storage & cache.” On older phones without the option, skip to the next step.
6. Tap on “Clear cache.”

Offload the Application

Apple users don’t have an option to clear the cache. You can “Offload” access data by visiting the settings on your iPhone.

1. Open Settings and tap General.
   
   
   
2. Tap iPhone Storage.
   
   
   
3. Select Offload App.
   
   
   
4. Confirm by tapping Offload App again.
   
   
   
5. Choose Reinstall App.
   
   
   

This process removes excess data that may cause issues. Once reinstalled, your Instagram app and all of its data appear as expected.

Most Instagram problems aren’t severe, especially the Error_Challenge issue, and they are usually fixable using the various procedures above. If problems persist, it is best to contact Instagram’s Help Center. You can also get the help you need by sending them an email or messaging them on Facebook.

Instagram Errors Resolved

Ideally, your problems should be resolved with the Instagram Challenge_Required error after you log in with a recognized device. If that’s not the case, then attempt the other fixes for this problem. It’s always annoying when you lose access to an account; hopefully, this helped.