The week I Got Locked Out of Instagram (and How I got back in)

Last week, I had one of the most stressful experiences as a small business owner: I got completely locked out of my Instagram account.

Fittingly, the beautiful photo above was shared by a customer — one of my new takeaway tumblers, resting on driftwood with the sea in the background. It feels like the perfect reminder of why I do this work: to create pieces that connect people to moments, places, and memories.

So when Instagram shut me out, it wasn’t just about losing an app. It felt like I’d lost my way of sharing these connections — the community, the stories, and the everyday beauty.

If you run a creative business, you’ll know Instagram isn’t just a social app. It’s how we connect with our community, share new work, and make sales. Losing access right before the busiest buying quarter? Absolutely crushing.

The dreaded verification loop

Every time I tried to log in, Instagram sent me into what’s called a verification loop.

I’d request a code by text or WhatsApp, but when the code arrived… there was nowhere to actually put it in. Over and over again, the same loop.

I tried everything — desktop, incognito tabs, Facebook login. Nothing worked. It felt like being stuck in a revolving door you can’t escape.

And honestly? For a few days, I thought it was all gone. Two years of building, over 1,000 followers, and the little community I’d worked so hard to grow.

The turning point

Finally, I decided to step back and give it time. After 48 hours, I tried again — this time on my partner’s Apple phone instead of my usual Android.

And that’s when it happened: the magical option appeared. “Try another way.”

Turns out, it had been hidden behind the Android navigation bar all along. Once I clicked it, I could finally verify my account properly… and just like that, I was back in.

The relief was enormous.

What worked for me

If you ever find yourself locked out the same way, here’s the process that got me back:

1. Wait at least 48 hours before trying again.
2. Use a different device (an Apple phone worked for me).
3. Look for “Try another way” on the verification screen — it may be hidden.

Hopefully, you’ll never need this advice. But if you do, I hope it spares you some of the panic I felt.

What I learned

If this saga reminded me of anything, it’s that Instagram is borrowed ground — we don’t truly own it, and it can vanish overnight. The one place I do get to stay connected, no matter what happens on social media, is through my newsletter.

At any point, Social Media can glitch, lock you out, or worse. The only place I can be sure of staying connected with my community is right here — on my own platforms, in my emails, and through markets.

So for everyone who reads, replies, or comes to say hi in person — thank you. You reminded me this week that even if Instagram disappears, my community doesn’t.

If you enjoy stories like this, sneak peeks at new work, and market updates, I’d love you to join my newsletter. It’s where I can always reach you — no loops, no glitches, just clay and community.

Back to clay, back to mugs, and very, very grateful. 💛