Sometimes Instagram behaves in a confusing way, especially when you search for a username and see the message “User Not Found,” but are still able to view that person’s profile picture. This situation often leaves users wondering whether the account still exists, has been deleted, or if they have been blocked.
In reality, this issue rarely happens without a reason. Instagram’s system stores data in different ways, and usernames, profile pictures, and messages are not always updated at the same time across every part of the platform.
One important thing to understand is that profile photos are often cached. This means Instagram temporarily saves a copy of the picture to load it faster later. Even if a user changes their settings, deactivates their account, or blocks you, your device may still show the old photo for some time. That cached image can remain visible even when the account itself is no longer searchable.
In some cases, the user may have changed their username. When this happens, searching for the old username results in “User Not Found,” yet the system may still show the previous profile photo for a short time due to delayed updates/internet connection with Instagram’s servers. These delays can cause temporary mismatches between what you see and what actually exists.
What Does it Mean for ‘User Not Found’, But Can See Profile Picture?
When you encounter a situation where Instagram says “User Not Found” but you can still see a profile picture, it usually points to a background process rather than a glitch. One of the most common causes is being blocked by that user. When someone blocks you, their profile becomes invisible in your search results, and you lose direct access to their page. However, Instagram does not immediately remove every trace of that account from your device. Old profile photos may still appear through cached data.
Another major cause is account deactivation. If a person temporarily disables their account, their username disappears from Instagram’s search results. At the same time, Instagram may still retain the last known profile image in its cache. This makes it appear like the account still exists even when it has been turned off.
There is also the possibility of a username change. When someone updates their username, the old name becomes invalid instantly. Searching for it leads to “User Not Found,” while parts of the app may still display the profile photo linked to the previous name for a short period.
Sometimes, this happens because of a slow sync between Instagram’s servers and your app. If your app has not refreshed properly, you might be seeing outdated information. Clearing your app cache or logging out and logging back in can solve this.
Lastly, the account might have been deleted permanently. Just like deactivation, deletion does not immediately wipe all visible data in every place. Profile images, especially in chat sections, may remain visible for some time.
In short, seeing a profile picture while getting “User Not Found” does not mean the account is secretly active. It is mainly caused by blocking, caching, username changes, or account removal.
How to Fix if an Instagram User is not Found
If you want to fix the ‘User Not Found’ problem on your Instagram, then you have to take a few steps to fix this issue from your Instagram account.
1. Delete Third-party Apps
If you are using any third-party tools to automate your Instagram for your likes & post comments or for the follower list gain, then this can be an issue of spam for which Instagram may ban your account permanently or for a temporary period.
To fix the touch issue in the future, you have to delete all such third-party apps that automatically use your Instagram credentials to use your account by a bot. It is recommended that you uninstall all such third-party apps or don’t use any online tools to do any spam, to be safe on Instagram, and also to change your password to recover your account from this hack.
2. Request a Review on Instagram
The final solution is to contact the Instagram team for a review request. If you’re supposed to be blocked by Instagram for spam or abuse, and if you feel that was an error, then you can request a review from the Instagram team. They can give your account back to you if they find out the problem is not serious. Explain well if they ask for clarification to restore your account on an urgent basis.
Why Can’t I Find Someone on Instagram If Not Blocked?
Sometimes you cannot find an Instagram profile even though you are sure the person did not block you. This can happen because the user changed their username, deactivated their account, or adjusted privacy controls. In most cases, the account still exists but is temporarily hidden or harder to discover.
1. The profile has been deactivated
Instagram has an account deactivation feature, which means during this deactivation period, your Instagram account will behave like a deleted account.
It is not the same as deletion, as you can reactivate your account again within a time limit, but this time, the posts, photos, likes, and even the person’s entire profile will be hidden from Instagram. Since his profile is hidden, you cannot see his mutual friends.
2. Changed Name or Username on Profile
Like other social media platforms, you can also change your Instagram username, so if the targeted person is not in your friend list and suddenly changes their username, it will be difficult for anyone to find their Instagram profile.
Why can’t I see someone’s posts on Instagram, but not blocked?
Not seeing someone’s posts on Instagram does not always mean you have been blocked. Many users become confused when content suddenly disappears from their feed, even though the profile still seems visible. This usually happens due to privacy settings, restrictions, or Instagram system updates rather than blocking.
1. The profile is Private
If the person’s profile is private, you can not see their content; to see their posts, reels, and everything, you need to follow the person. Private profiles always get higher security from Instagram, and stalkers can not stalk their accounts.
2. The Posts Are deleted
If the Instagram technical team deleted any account for a violation, you can also not find the person. If the reported content of the video is hyperbolic speech, Instagram first warns them to remove it.
If they don’t follow this policy after receiving a warning, their account will first be disabled and eventually permanently suspended. So, you can not find a deleted account there.
3. The profile has been deactivated
You cannot find the user if the person has deactivated or deleted their TikTok account. As it has this deactivation feature, users can take a break from Instagram, and during this time, their existing account will behave like a deleted account.
Deactivation is not the same as deletion because, after 30 days, you can get it back. But during this time, you can not find his account.
Instagram User Not Found Means Blocked Or Deactivated
If you see the ‘User Not Found’ error on your Instagram while you are trying to open someone’s profile, then this can happen due to several reasons on your Instagram.
Now, let’s find out what the reasons are that create the ‘User Not Found’ issue on your Instagram:
1. The User May have deleted His profile
The ‘User Not Found’ means the person is not accessible on Instagram from your profile. Now, this situation occurs whenever a person deletes their Instagram profile.
Here you can read the guide to find out if the person has deleted their Instagram account.
First of all, you must be sure whether a person has deleted their profile or not. If you can see his profile picture whenever you open his Instagram profile from your Instagram app or on the desktop, then this might be a clear indication that the person either has blocked you or just removed his details from Instagram by deactivating his account.
2. Mistyped the Username
This is the most common error that you make by yourself by mistyping the username of someone’s profile link.
Whenever you open your profile on your desktop, try checking the URL correctly to open the exact link.
You can search for the person from the followers or followings tab and then go to their profile.
3. Banned the Account for Spam
There is another reason that comes to that end, showing ‘User Not Found’ if the person has excessively spammed on Instagram. In that case, Instagram will block his profile for a limited period or may ban his Instagram profile permanently.
The person is suspected on Instagram of violating any community standard guidelines on Instagram. Instagram took action on that person by blocking their actions and the whole profile (sometimes for a temporary period).
If such a situation happens to someone, you will see their profile under the error message ‘User Not Found,’ and the fix to the problem is automatic. After a few days, you will see the profile again on Instagram after the ban is removed from the profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you suspect you’re not blocked but still can’t find the person, try searching from a different account or ask a friend to check. If they show up there, you might be blocked on your main account. If they don’t appear on any account, they might have changed their username or temporarily disabled their profile.
When you’re restricted, you can still find and view their profile, and your comments on their posts might be hidden from others but visible to you and them. If you’re blocked, you won’t be able to find their profile at all — their username won’t appear in searches, and their content is completely inaccessible.
