Alexis Kestler
Have you been seeing those frustrating “checkpoint_required” or “Checkpoint Required” error messages lately on the Instagram app?
I feel your pain. As a fellow Instagram power user, I know how annoying it is when that message pops up out of nowhere and blocks access to your account.
Not to worry though! In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through how to fix the "Checkpoint Required" error for good.
By the end, you‘ll be armed with the knowledge to get your account back up and running in no time. Sound good? Let‘s do this!
Why Does the "Checkpoint Required" Error Happen on Instagram?
Before we get into the solutions, it helps to understand exactly why the "checkpoint_required" error shows up in the first place.
Here are the main reasons Instagram hits you with this restriction:
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Temporary Outage: The most common cause is an Instagram bug or outage. For example, in early 2022 tons of users suddenly got the error during widespread technical issues.
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Unusual Login Location: Instagram may restrict your access if you try logging in from a suspicious or entirely new location. This is a security precaution.
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Terms of Service Violations: Things like spamming, fake engagement, nudity, harassment, etc. can trigger a checkpoint. Instagram restricts you pending review.
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Copyright Violations: If Instagram receives a valid copyright complaint against your account, they‘ll hit you with a checkpoint pending removal of the content.
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Suspicious Actions: Repeated rapid logouts, password changes, bot usage, etc. looks fishy to Instagram‘s systems, so they‘ll require checkpoint verification.
Basically, the checkpoint occurs whenever Instagram suspects something is off with your account. It‘s their way of stepping up security and reviewing your behavior.
Now let‘s go through the top ways to get past it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Instagram "Checkpoint Required" Error
If you see the “checkpoint_required” or “Checkpoint Required” error message, try these troubleshooting tips:
1. Be Patient – It Could Be a Temporary Outage
First things first – check if Instagram is down or having technical difficulties.
Head to the DownDetector site and view their live outage map. If you see a big red blob over your area, there‘s likely an outage or API issue on Instagram‘s end causing the “checkpoint_required” error message.
In this case, the only real solution is to wait patiently for Instagram to resolve the problem behind the scenes. Sit tight, grab some popcorn, and try again in a few hours or the next day. The error should disappear on its own once service is restored.
Pro Tip: While waiting, try opening Instagram in your mobile web browser rather than the app. If the mobile site works fine, you can view your feed and DMs there until the app is back up.
2. Update or Reinstall the Instagram App
If Instagram seems fine and there‘s no obvious outage, the next step is updating the Instagram app on your device.
Often the “checkpoint_required” bug is caused by an app glitch on certain versions. Updating to the latest version can make the error message go away.
On iPhone, open the App Store > Tap your profile > Check for an Instagram update under “Available Updates.”
On Android, open the Play Store > Tap the menu > My Apps & Games > Check for Instagram updates.
Or, you can completely uninstall and reinstall Instagram to force the newest app version to download. This essentially refreshes the app and clears any corrupt files that may be causing login issues and error messages.
Updating or reinstalling the app works surprisingly often to fix not just “checkpoint_required” but other Instagram bugs too. It’s one of the first troubleshooting steps I always try when things go wrong.
3. Complete the Security Checkpoint Process
If updating the app doesn‘t help, chances are you actually need to complete Instagram‘s checkpoint process for security reasons.
This usually happens when you try logging in from a suspicious location, violated policy, got hacked, or for other risk-based reasons.
To complete the checkpoint, open Instagram on your mobile device or by visiting instagram.com on desktop.
You‘ll be prompted to confirm it‘s really you before regaining access. This typically involves:
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Submitting an emailed or texted login verification code
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Uploading a photo of your face from different angles
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Providing a list of your followers and who you follow
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Answering questions about previous posts and account activity
I know… it’s a pain. But this verification is Instagram’s way of ensuring your account hasn‘t been compromised. Submitting accurate information will let you pass the checkpoint and recover access.
4. Try Different Wifi or Mobile Data
In some cases, the “checkpoint_required” error is tied to your specific internet connection or IP address.
Try toggling your phone from Wifi to cellular data, connecting through a VPN, or switching to a different Wifi network like at a friend‘s house or coffee shop.
Renewing your IP address essentially gives you a “fresh start” with Instagram‘s servers, clearing up any connection-specific issues.
5. Log In from a Different Device
Similarly, attempt accessing Instagram from a totally different device like a friend‘s phone, public computer, or tablet.
Sometimes the “checkpoint_required” error is triggered on your usual smartphone but doesn‘t appear on other devices. Logging in fresh elsewhere may do the trick.
6. Contact Instagram Support
If you still can‘t access your account after trying all troubleshooting steps, it‘s time to reach out to the Instagram pros themselves.
Head to Instagram‘s Help Center page and submit a support ticket describing your “checkpoint_required” error.
Be sure to include helpful details like:
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When did the error start appearing?
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What troubleshooting have you tried already?
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Did you change locations, reset your password, etc. beforehand?
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What type of content do you typically post?
The more info you provide, the better equipped Instagram‘s support team will be to investigate and restore your access.
According to Instagram, they aim to reply to support inquiries within 1 business day. However, in reality it often takes 2-5 days for a response.
So I‘d expect to wait 3 days or so before hearing back. But hopefully they can resolve the pesky “checkpoint_required!”
Temporary Ways to Access Instagram While Fixing Checkpoint Errors
While you wait for your checkpoint error to be fixed, here are some sneaky backdoors to access Instagram in the meantime:
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Instagram mobile website – Load the Instagram login page in your phone‘s browser at instagram.com. The restriction seems to mostly affect the app.
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Instagram only browsers – Specialized tools like Rocket or GramEntry let you access Instagram from their own mobile sites.
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Instagram client apps – Try alternative Instagram apps like Unfold that have built-in tools for bypassing certain blocks and restrictions when you login.
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Friends & family – Use a trusted friend or family member‘s Instagram account to post urgent updates, reply to messages, etc while you‘re blocked.
Again, these are just temporary solutions. But they can buy you access on Instagram while you work to resolve the real “checkpoint_required” issue.
How to Avoid "Checkpoint Required" and Other Instagram Errors in the Future
Once you regain access to your account, here are some tips to help prevent Instagram errors like “checkpoint_required” moving forward:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account by requiring a special login code sent to your phone whenever you log in from an unrecognized device.
This prevents hackers or snoopers from accessing your account even if they have your password.
But be sure you have backup 2FA verification methods on file in case you ever lose your phone!
Avoid Third-Party Apps and Services
Steer clear of shady third-party sites offering things like fake followers, automated engagement, banned hashtags lists, location spoofers, etc.
These services frequently use bot accounts and spammy tactics that get flagged by Instagram‘s security systems. Using them is asking for your account to get restricted.
Stick to posting organic content and engaging with your followers the honest way. It‘s better for your account‘s security and integrity in the long run.
Don‘t Violate Instagram‘s Policies
Be extra careful to avoid violating Instagram‘s community guidelines around nudity, hate speech, harassment, bullying, spam, and regulated goods.
Instagram has been cracking down hard on these policy violations lately, so staying in line is crucial for avoiding issues.
Change Your Password Regularly
Update your Instagram password every few months to keep it stronger and less vulnerable. Avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts and sites.
Enabling two-factor authentication minimizes the risks of a weak password. But changing it up routinely is still smart.
Be Careful When Switching Locations and Devices
Since logging in from new devices and locations is a red flag, try to stick to your home WiFi network and personal smartphone whenever possible.
When you do use new devices or change locations, be extra diligent about re-confirming it‘s you during any checkpoints that pop up. Consider giving Instagram a heads up in advance through their support options.
Avoiding sketchy apps and services, securing your account properly, and being careful when switching devices/networks are the keys to dodging “checkpoint_required” and other issues in the long run.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, while the “checkpoint_required” error message on Instagram is annoying, it‘s usually just temporary and fixable on your own without too much fuss.
Now that you understand what causes it, and have a full menu of troubleshooting steps to try, you can be back up and scrolling #nofilter pics again in no time!
Let me know if you have any other questions down in the comments, and I‘ll try my best to help get your account back on track. That‘s what us Instagram pros are here for!
