Rules and Help for Instagram and Facebook
Describe what you want to do or what happened. Each guide has an answer, an example and next steps.
Not sure what to search for? Choose what happened
A published Reel or video has lost its sound
Check playback, music availability and rights notices before changing an existing post.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideWhere did the off-Meta activity setting go?
Find the control for activity shared by other businesses and understand what your choice changes.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideWhat to do with the account of someone who has died
Choose memorialization, a removal request or limited legacy-contact help without assuming access to the account.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideStop uploading contacts and review earlier uploads
Turn off future Facebook address-book uploads, then inspect contacts already uploaded.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideRemove an unwanted Facebook tag or hide a post
Choose the right action for your tag, your profile or the original post.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityReview or remove an app’s Facebook access
Check permissions granted through Facebook and disconnect services you no longer want to use.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityCheck or stop Instagram location sharing
Review Map sharing, phone permissions and location-tagged content separately.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideLimit who can remix or download your Instagram content
Review reuse controls for your posts and Reels, and download settings when publishing a Reel.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityControl Instagram read receipts
Choose whether to show that a DM was read, and check the setting before relying on it.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityManage search-engine links to your Facebook profile
Review the external-search setting, check public content separately and handle an old search listing without assuming instant removal.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityLock your Facebook profile when the option is available
Check eligibility, understand what profile locking changes and review what can still be public.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityRestrict someone on Messenger
Limit contact from one person, check the restricted list, and know what changes before you undo it.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityArchive or restore your own Facebook posts
Keep an old post visible only to you, restore an archived post, or recover an eligible item from Trash.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideSwitch Instagram back to a personal account
Review the business-tool consequences, change account type and check privacy separately.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideChoose who can see your Facebook friends list
Limit the list on your own profile without assuming every friendship becomes invisible.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideChoose Facebook event privacy before creating it
Check the host, audience and invitation options before putting an event online.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFilter repeated abuse or spam in Facebook Page comments
Use a narrow keyword list, review mistakes and keep ordinary criticism visible.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideReview tags people add to your own Facebook posts
Check a proposed tag before approving it, and review the post’s audience separately.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideSet quiet hours with Instagram Sleep mode
Choose notification-free hours and understand the automatic reply and teen-account limits.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideInvite people to an Instagram group with a QR code
Find the group invitation, share it with the intended people and know what to do if the code spreads.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideAccounts Center has become Meta Account: check the scope first
Find the right settings and understand which profiles a change could affect.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCheck who can see a Facebook Reel before sharing
Review the actual audience, especially when a video arrives from Instagram.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityRespond to a Messenger scam warning or AI-review prompt
Pause a suspicious conversation, understand the message-sharing choice and choose your next action.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityCheck a suspicious Facebook friend request
Verify an unexpected request, including a second profile using a friend's name, before accepting it.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityUnderstand a blurred image warning in Instagram DMs
Respond to unwanted images without confusing nudity protection with a report, a block or complete protection.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCheck an accidental Instagram repost
Find the repost, check its audience and removal status, and avoid assuming nobody saw it.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideAdjust Facebook recommendations with Your algorithm
Check the new topic controls, give useful feedback and separate unwanted recommendations from reportable content.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityCheck Instagram Instants audience and undo
Choose recipients, separate viewing expiry from archive retention, and check whether an accidental send can still be withdrawn.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityCheck privacy before posting anonymously in a Facebook group
Separate the name shown on your contribution from its audience, check availability, and avoid identifying yourself through the details.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityChoose who can comment on your public Facebook post
Narrow the commenting audience without confusing it with post visibility, removal of old comments or Page settings.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityCheck the limits of your Reels Friends-tab privacy
Separate exposure through the Friends tab from the likes and comments themselves. Verify the setting, then review unwanted interactions independently.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guidePreserve a Facebook Live recording before it disappears
Check the recording’s deadline, save a real copy and verify it before relying on your archive.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCheck the audience before sharing an Instagram Trial Reel
A Trial Reel is not a private draft. Check automatic sharing and handle unexpected follower exposure without assuming it can be recalled.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityReduce a sudden wave of unwanted Instagram comments
Choose between audience-based Limits and word filters, keep useful messages accessible and handle threats separately.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCheck comments hidden by Facebook Moderation Assist
Check whether one of your moderation rules hid the comment before changing settings or restoring comments in bulk.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityReview who can see your Facebook contact details
Limit displayed phone numbers and email addresses without confusing profile privacy with account recovery.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideSee recent posts from the Instagram accounts you follow
Choose Following or Favorites when you want to catch up with people, rather than browse recommendations.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideFind recent posts from friends and groups on Facebook
Use Feeds and its filters when Home is not showing the updates you came to read.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guidePause someone’s Facebook posts without unfriending them
Use Snooze for a temporary feed break and check which account the control applies to.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideKeep an important Instagram post at the top of your profile
Pin an introduction, booking details or a useful Reel, and make sure the information is still current.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideYour friend cannot see your saved posts? Check the collection
A personal bookmark folder is different from a collaborative collection.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideA Messenger photo looks blurry: what to check
Check the original picture, then try the available HD sending option.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guidePhotos get lost in Messenger: make a shared album
Keep a group’s pictures together and check who can change them.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideFind someone on Messenger with a QR code
Open the code in settings, then check who you are about to message.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideAn Instagram DM is in another language: translate it
Read the translation in the chat, then confirm details that matter.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideA file will not send in Messenger: check its size
Compare the attachment with the limit before retrying the upload.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideKeep an important Instagram chat at the top
Pin a conversation so new messages do not bury it in your inbox.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideShare a song in an Instagram conversation
Send a music preview and make sure it is the recording you meant.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideListen to a long Messenger voice message faster
Speed up the recording, then replay important details at normal speed.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCourtSA Final Notice P1: a careful route through a Meta dispute
South Australia: eligibility, real costs, service, evidence and what a final notice can and cannot achieve.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideOlder Messenger chats missing
Check recovery options after changing phones or reinstalling.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guidePasskey missing or not working
A missing key, a mismatch or a device-unlock prompt.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMeta Verified: charges, cancellation and refunds
For creator subscriptions on Instagram and Facebook.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendations“Comment YES” on an Instagram post
Separate a useful question from a demand for empty interactions.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsHealth promises on Instagram
Review a promised result when promoting your product or programme.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securitySomeone is pretending to be me on Instagram
Choose the right route for a copied profile, an account takeover, or a genuine intellectual-property complaint.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy Instagram post or story has disappeared
Work out whether content was archived, deleted, removed by Meta, or is simply unavailable to the viewer.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideI cannot use or change my Instagram username
Separate an unavailable handle from a pending edit, forgotten username, unwanted change or rights dispute.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy Facebook group is restricted or disabled
Identify whether Facebook acted on the group, a member, a post or the account used to manage it.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityManage linked Instagram and Facebook accounts
Choose the correct connection to change without accidentally disrupting login, sharing or business access.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy Meta ad payment failed
Check the billing error and payment status before retrying or treating stopped ads as a policy restriction.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityI don't recognize a Meta ad charge
Trace the transaction, distinguish a pending hold from a charge, and respond to suspected unauthorized spending.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMeta can't verify my business
Find the correct verification request and address the stated problem without confusing it with a badge or account appeal.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy creator monetization is restricted
Find whether the restriction affects an earning tool, specific content or the whole creator account, then use that platform's review route.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy creator payout has not arrived
Check the payout transaction, account setup and displayed hold before treating a missing transfer as an earning restriction.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideCan Meta Verified help with my account?
Understand subscription support and its limits before relying on it for a lost or disabled account.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideHow do I download my photos and account data?
Save a copy of your Instagram or Facebook information before taking a break or deleting a profile.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideDeactivate or delete Facebook?
Want a break and the option to return? Choose the right action before confirming.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityHow do I hide when I am online on Instagram?
Turn off activity status if you do not want to explain why you were online but did not reply.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityHow do I share Stories with close friends only?
Colleagues and clients follow you, but this story is just for your personal circle.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy Instagram recommendations are all wrong. What can I do?
Your feed is full of a topic you no longer care about. Start with your viewing preferences.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideMy account is suspended. Where do I start?
The screen says “suspended” or “disabled”. Where to look for a review option and what to keep.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideInstagram account suspended for CSE: what to do
What CSE means, how to request a review and what to keep without sharing disputed images.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideInstagram Account Integrity ban: what it means
What to do about an integrity suspension, a notice naming another profile or evidence of a hack.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook suspended because of Instagram
The notice names an Instagram account: yours or an unfamiliar one. Where to start and what to explain.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideInstagram video selfie is not working
Camera trouble, a failed upload or a rejected check: different steps for each.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook identity confirmation is not working
Your ID will not upload, was rejected or is still under review. Choose the right next step.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook login code is not arriving
Check your email and phone number, and find out whether you need a text message or an authenticator app code.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook Marketplace restricted: what to do
A rejected listing, restricted Marketplace or disabled Facebook account? Find the right next step.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook Page disabled or unpublished
Find out whether the Page is restricted or your permissions changed, and look for a review option if available.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideLost admin access to a Facebook Page
The Page is live but you cannot manage it: check access and choose a recovery route.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideHow to delete or temporarily deactivate your Instagram account
Choose a break or deletion, save your data and check the account before confirming.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guidePost or account removed over a trademark complaint
How to appeal a decision about a trademark complaint and what information to prepare.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideThe app crashes or the feed will not load
Checks to try on Instagram and Facebook while keeping account access and unfinished posts safe.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideFacebook: “Session expired” or “Account locked”
Find out whether you need to sign in again, complete a security check or appeal a suspension.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideHow to contact Instagram and Facebook support
Where to find help, who can use chat and where to send your question.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideMy appeal will not submit, or I am still waiting
Tell a submission error from a pending review and choose your next step.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securitySomeone offers paid account recovery
What to check before paying, and what to do after sharing a code or money.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideFacebook ad account disabled
Find out what is restricted and request a review if one is available.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideMeta business account or portfolio restricted
Find out whether the restriction affects the business, an ad account, a Page or your access to manage them.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideHow to change your name on Facebook
Your profile name, username and Page name use different processes.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideInstagram views dropped? Check for account restrictions
Find Account Status, understand what Instagram is telling you and choose your next step.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideInstagram blocks a follow, like or comment
What to do when you see “Action blocked” or “Try again later” but can still open your account.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideWhen to post: find a time for your audience
Use your post insights to compare a few possible posting times.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideViolation notice: what exactly was restricted?
Understand an Instagram or Facebook decision and find a review option if one is available.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideOpen Instagram or get the official app
The official website, phone app and help if you cannot sign in.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideFacebook, Marketplace or Messenger: where to go
Official services for your profile, shopping, messages and Page management, plus an introduction to Facebook Lite.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideWatch, save or download a video: what to choose
Stories, Reels and Facebook videos: save a bookmark, download a file or get a copy of your own posts.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideAccount recovery is stuck at a link, code or identity check
An email arrived but its link fails, a code is rejected or recovery loops. Find the stage that is stuck.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityPrivate Instagram: who can see my photos?
What changes when you go private, and why your existing followers still matter.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityWho can see my Facebook post?
Friends, Public and Only me: choose an audience and check older posts separately.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityMute, restrict or block on Instagram?
These are three different tools. Choose according to what you want to change.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideForgot your password? Start here
Your new phone asks for a password you cannot remember. Start with recovery before creating another profile.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideI know my password, but lost my authenticator
Your phone broke or was replaced, and sign-in still needs a second code. The password is only one part.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPractical guideMy old email or phone number is unavailable
The code goes to an old work inbox or a SIM you no longer have.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityA reset email arrived, but I did not request it
Is this a hack or just a request? Check your account without rushing.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and securityThere is an unfamiliar login. What should I check?
Check whether a signed-in session is yours and protect your account if it is not.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleWeight-loss ads without body shaming
“Embarrassed to go to the beach?” — replace that opening with what the service offers.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPosting ruleA vape ad: an “18+” label is not enough
A shop wants to promote a nicotine-vape video. What to check before buying ads.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPrivacy and security“Pay me or I’ll send everyone your photos”
What to do when someone threatens to share intimate images in private messages.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideAn adult can see the post; a teen cannot
Why a post may be available to viewers of one age but not another.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleA job ad: a café is hiring a barista
How to describe the job and what to check before choosing an ad audience.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleA property ad: describe the home
What to consider when paying to promote a home for rent or sale.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleAn AI voice in your video: tell viewers
The footage is real, but a voice service created the narration. Check that before posting too.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleLeftover tablets: can I post a listing?
Why sealed packaging and an honest description do not replace checking medicine-sale requirements.
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleSomeone else’s logo does not make your shop official
An ad shows a famous retailer, but another seller takes the payment. Make it clear who customers are buying from.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideA Community Note appeared: is my account in trouble?
A note adding context and a violation notice are different messages. Read what is actually shown first.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleWhen a complaint becomes a threat
A contractor misses an order deadline. How to ask for an answer without threatening them in Stories or comments.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleA complaint about a tradesperson does not justify attacking a nationality
What changes when a story about poor workmanship becomes a call to hurt a whole group of people.
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleCalling it a “replica” does not resolve the logo issue
A bag carrying another brand’s logo, an honest “not genuine” label, and a seller wondering whether that is enough.
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleWhen the ad and the website promise different things
The ad offers a free consultation; the link only offers a paid booking. What to fix before launch.
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleAn extra profile without someone else’s identity
How to make it clear who you are when using an extra profile in a neighbourhood group.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleResponding to a bad review without a pile-on
A customer leaves an unpleasant review. How to explain your position without directing followers at them.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsA post staying online does not promise reach
A practitioner shows a close-up procedure. Why a post remaining on the profile does not settle its recommendation eligibility.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleInstagram giveaways: clear entry rules
“Win a skincare box. Details later.” What people need to know before entering.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPosting rule“Share and tag three friends” on Facebook
A café offers breakfast in exchange for a share. Why its giveaway needs a different entry method.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPosting ruleAd copy: “Do you have acne?”
How to describe a service without diagnosing the person reading your ad.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPosting ruleSharing a screenshot: what to hide
You want to explain a customer dispute. Their phone number and home address are still visible.
Source partly reviewedExplore topicReach & recommendationsBuying followers and comments
“A thousand followers tonight.” What comes with that bigger Facebook number?
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideInstagram asks you to verify your age
An ID or video selfie request: how to follow the app’s instructions without sending your passport to a stranger.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleSomeone else’s photo
Does crediting the photographer give you permission to post their photo?
Source partly reviewedExplore topicPosting ruleMusic in an ad
The song is available in the app. Can your business advertise with it?
Source partly reviewedExplore topicReach & recommendationsPosted, but not reaching new people
Being allowed on a profile and being recommended are separate questions.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleA gift in exchange for Stories
No money changed hands, but the brand expects a post. How do you disclose it?
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleAn angry review without harassment
Explain what went wrong without sending people after someone.
Preliminary guideExplore topicPosting ruleAds in other people’s comments
Why repeating your pitch under unrelated posts looks like spam.
Preliminary guideExplore topicReach & recommendations“Leave a + in the comments”
When asking for a reply becomes a tactic to manufacture engagement.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsA caption unrelated to the photo
A manicure photo with football text. Why that can backfire.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsSomeone else’s video, your captions
Why a border, faster playback or subtitles don’t make a video original.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleA realistic AI-generated video
If it looks like real footage, viewers need to know what they’re seeing.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and security“Support” asks for your login code
A message threatens suspension and demands an urgent account check.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPosting ruleAn extra profile, not another person’s identity
Separate your interests without pretending to be someone else.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityYour password is only the first step
Prepare for changing or losing your phone while you still have access.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideYour account was hacked and the email changed
Where to start when someone else has changed your details.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideA post was removed. What should you write?
Prepare a clear request to review the decision.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPractical guideA grey screen instead of your profile
Explain the problem when no restriction notice is visible.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityA photo editor wants your Facebook password
Being in an app store doesn’t establish that an app is trustworthy.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicPrivacy and securityA teen can’t start a live broadcast
Some features depend on age and protective settings.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsWhen a product promises a health benefit
Why a dramatic health promise can hurt a post.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topicReach & recommendationsA headline hides the important part
Create interest without misleading the reader.
Based on Meta’s materialExplore topic