Hey guys, ever noticed your Instagram account mysteriously following accounts you never chose? It's super annoying, right? Let's dive into why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it! We'll break it down in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're not a tech whiz. So, let's get started and reclaim control of your following list!

Why is My Instagram Automatically Following People?

Okay, so you're probably wondering, "Why the heck is my Instagram doing this without my permission?!" There are several reasons why your Instagram might be automatically following people. Understanding these reasons is the first step in stopping it.

1. Third-Party Apps and Bots:

This is a big one. Many third-party apps promise to boost your followers, likes, or engagement. These apps often require access to your account, and some use this access to follow accounts on your behalf. They do this to create the illusion of activity and attract more users. Think of it as a sneaky way to make their service seem more popular.

Sometimes, these apps aren't exactly upfront about their tactics. You might agree to some terms and conditions without realizing you're giving them permission to follow other accounts. Other times, these apps are outright malicious and designed to inflate numbers through shady practices. Always be super cautious about granting access to your Instagram account to third-party apps.

2. Hacked Account:

Unfortunately, your account might have been compromised. Hackers can gain access to your Instagram account through various means, such as phishing scams or weak passwords. Once they're in, they can do all sorts of things, including following accounts to spread spam or promote their own agenda. This is a serious security risk, and it's crucial to take immediate action if you suspect your account has been hacked.

3. Connected Apps with Broad Permissions:

Similar to third-party apps, other connected apps can also cause this issue. For example, you might have connected your Instagram account to a game or another social media platform. If these apps have overly broad permissions, they might be able to follow accounts without your explicit consent. It's always a good idea to review the permissions you've granted to connected apps and revoke access if necessary.

4. Automation Tools:

Some users employ automation tools to grow their Instagram following. These tools can be programmed to automatically follow, like, and comment on posts. While some automation tools are legitimate and used responsibly, others can be aggressive and lead to unwanted following behavior. If you've used automation tools in the past, they might be the culprit behind your account automatically following people.

5. Phishing Scams:

Phishing scams are deceptive attempts to trick you into revealing your login credentials. Scammers often send emails or messages that look like they're from Instagram, asking you to verify your account or update your information. If you click on a link in one of these messages and enter your login details, your account could be compromised. Always be wary of suspicious emails or messages, and never enter your login information unless you're absolutely sure the website is legitimate.

How to Stop Instagram from Automatically Following People

Alright, now that we know why this happens, let's get to the good stuff: how to stop Instagram from automatically following people. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you regain control:

1. Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps:

• Go to Instagram Settings: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon. Then, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."
• Navigate to Security: In the Settings menu, tap on "Security."
• Check Apps and Websites: Under the Security menu, tap on "Apps and Websites." Here, you'll see a list of all the third-party apps and websites that have access to your Instagram account.
• Remove Suspicious Apps: Review the list carefully and identify any apps you don't recognize or no longer use. Tap on the app and then tap on "Remove" to revoke its access. Be extra cautious of apps that ask for broad permissions or seem suspicious.

2. Change Your Password Immediately:

If you suspect your account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change your password. Choose a strong, unique password that's difficult to guess. Here's how:

• Go to Instagram Settings: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon. Then, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."
• Navigate to Security: In the Settings menu, tap on "Security."
• Tap on Password: Under the Security menu, tap on "Password."
• Enter Your Old and New Passwords: Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice to confirm it. Make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication:

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. When enabled, you'll need to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Here's how to enable it:

• Go to Instagram Settings: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon. Then, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."
• Navigate to Security: In the Settings menu, tap on "Security."
• Tap on Two-Factor Authentication: Under the Security menu, tap on "Two-Factor Authentication."
• Choose Your Security Method: You can choose to receive a code via text message or use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy. Follow the instructions to set up your preferred method.

4. Report Suspicious Activity to Instagram:

If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, such as unauthorized posts or messages, you should report it to Instagram immediately. Here's how:

• Go to Instagram Settings: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon. Then, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu. Scroll down and tap on "Settings."
• Tap on Help: In the Settings menu, tap on "Help."
• Tap on Report a Problem: Under the Help menu, tap on "Report a Problem."
• Choose Your Issue: Select the appropriate option based on the issue you're experiencing. You can report things like spam, abuse, or hacked accounts. Provide as much detail as possible to help Instagram investigate the issue.

5. Review Your Following List Regularly:

Make it a habit to regularly review your following list and unfollow any accounts you don't recognize or don't want to follow. This will help you keep your following list clean and ensure that you're only following accounts you're actually interested in. It's a bit tedious, but worth it for maintaining control!

6. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:

As mentioned earlier, phishing scams are a common way for hackers to gain access to Instagram accounts. Be extremely wary of any emails or messages that ask you to verify your account or update your information. Always double-check the sender's address and look for any red flags, such as spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. Never click on links in suspicious emails or messages, and never enter your login information unless you're absolutely sure the website is legitimate.

Additional Tips for Instagram Security

Beyond stopping the auto-follow issue, here are some extra tips to keep your Instagram account safe and secure:

• Use a Strong, Unique Password: We can't stress this enough! A strong password is your first line of defense against hackers. Make sure your password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthday or name.
• Keep Your Email Address Secure: Your email address is linked to your Instagram account, so it's important to keep it secure. Use a strong, unique password for your email account and enable two-factor authentication if available.
• Don't Share Your Login Information: Never share your login information with anyone, even if they claim to be from Instagram. Instagram will never ask for your password via email or direct message.
• Keep Your App Updated: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Instagram app. Updates often include security patches that can protect your account from vulnerabilities.
• Be Mindful of What You Post: Think before you post anything online. Avoid sharing personal information that could be used to identify you or your location. Be especially careful about posting photos or videos that reveal your address, phone number, or other sensitive details.

By following these tips, you can significantly improve the security of your Instagram account and protect yourself from hackers and other online threats. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it's worth the effort to keep your account safe and secure!

So there you have it! A complete guide on why your Instagram might be automatically following people and, more importantly, how to fix it. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and keep your Instagram account secure!