Overview
The dreaded “Instagram did not return a 200” message is something all developers fear. If you’re dealing with this error when testing an Instagram bot, it’s likely because the credentials you’re using are incorrect, or because your app is requesting a resource that’s been blocked by Instagram. Luckily, there are ways to identify the exact cause and address it, so that you can get your Instagram bot running smoothly again.
Step One: Identifying the Error
The first step in tackling the “Instagram did not return a 200” error is identifying the exact cause. If you’re able to determine the source of the issue, you’ll be able to address it more quickly and effectively. Here’s how:
Double-check your credentials. If you’re using OAuth for authentication, this is the most likely culprit of the “Instagram did not return a 200” error. So take a look at the credentials that you’re using and make sure that they’re accurate and up-to-date.
Check for any rate limits on the resources that your app is requesting. If you’re using the Instagram API to access certain resources, the server may be responding with a “rate limit exceeded” message, which can be misinterpreted as an “Instagram did not return a 200” error. You should check with Instagram to see what the rate limits are and adjust your requests accordingly to ensure that they don’t exceed any limits.
Inspect the code of your app to see if it’s requesting any blocked resources. If you’re using an Instagram bot to automate certain processes, it’s possible that you’ve inadvertently requested a resource that’s been blocked by Instagram. So inspect your code carefully and make sure that you’re not making any requests for blocked resources.
Step Two: Resolving the Error
Now that you’ve identified the cause of the “Instagram did not return a 200” error, it’s time to address it. Here’s how:
If you’ve determined that the credentials you’re using are inaccurate or out-of-date, simply update them and try again.
If a rate limit has been exceeded, you should change the frequency of your app requests and adjust your resources accordingly.
If you’ve found that your app is requesting blocked resources, you should modify your code or disable the feature of your app in question.
FAQ
Is the "Instagram did not return a 200" error the same as a "rate limit exceeded" error?
No, the “Instagram did not return a 200” error is not the same as a “rate limit exceeded” error. The "Instagram did not return a 200" error is typically caused by incorrect credentials or blocked resources, whereas a "rate limit exceeded" error is typically caused by repeatedly accessing the same resource too frequently.
Should I be concerned if I’m getting the “Instagram did not return a 200” error?
Yes, you should take the “Instagram did not return a 200” error seriously, as it typically means that you’re making requests with invalid credentials or blocked resources, and this can be detrimental to your app.
Can the "Instagram did not return a 200" error be addressed with code?
Yes, the “Instagram did not return a 200” error can usually be addressed with code, such as by updating your credentials or modifying the code of your app to no longer access blocked resources.
How can I prevent the "Instagram did not return a 200" error?
You can prevent the “Instagram did not return a 200” error by ensuring that the credentials you’re using are accurate and up-to-date, and that your app is not requesting any rate-limited or blocked resources from the Instagram API.
Can I get help with the “Instagram did not return a 200” error?
Yes, if you’re having trouble with this error, you can reach out to the Instagram API support team for more help.