> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.overlap.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Disconnected or Restricted Accounts

> Understand why Facebook or Instagram disconnects and restore publishing after a security or account-status change.

> Facebook and Instagram can revoke an existing authorization when they detect a security event or require action on the account.

## Why an account can disconnect

Common triggers include:

* changing the Facebook password or username
* signing in from a new browser, device, or region
* using the same Facebook login across several browsers or locations
* changing an Instagram account between Personal, Business, and Creator
* removing the connection between an Instagram account and its Facebook Page
* changing Page access or business-portfolio permissions
* a Facebook or Instagram security checkpoint, policy restriction, or required verification
* high-frequency or repetitive activity across many Pages controlled by one Facebook login

A Facebook security event usually applies to the login, not just one Page. Multiple Facebook Pages—and Instagram accounts connected through them—may need to be reconnected.

## Reconnect the account

1. Sign in directly to Facebook and Instagram.
2. Complete every alert, identity check, CAPTCHA, terms prompt, or verification request.
3. Confirm the Facebook Page and Instagram professional account are still connected to each other.
4. Confirm the linking profile still has the required [Facebook Page access](https://www.facebook.com/help/510247025775149/).
5. In Overlap, open **Accounts**, disconnect the affected account, and connect it again.
6. Approve all requested permissions during authorization.

After reconnecting, confirm the correct destination account is selected on future posts in [`Social Calendar`](/essentials/social-calendar).

## Facebook reports a security or authorization requirement

Open Facebook from a desktop browser and follow the required confirmation steps. Depending on the Page, Facebook may ask you to:

* turn on two-factor authentication
* confirm your location or recent login
* verify a business portfolio
* review Page access
* complete a security check and wait before third-party publishing is restored

Facebook may impose a waiting period after a security check. Do not repeatedly reconnect during that period; wait for Facebook to restore account access, then reconnect once.

## Facebook limits posting or flags content

If Facebook says it is limiting how often you can post, comment, message, or perform other actions:

1. Open the account and Page directly and review **Account Status**, notifications, and recent content.
2. Complete any required action or appeal available in Facebook.
3. Review recent posts for repetitive copy, suspicious or shortened links, policy-sensitive material, or unusually high frequency.
4. Pause automated and manual activity for several days instead of continuing to retry.
5. Resume with a lower cadence after the restriction clears.

Do not include HTML in Facebook post copy. Prefer a normal destination URL over an unfamiliar link shortener.

See [`Posting Limits & Best Practices`](/essentials/limits) for safe ceilings and [`FAQ`](/essentials/faq) for cadence guidance.

## Instagram is checkpointed, inactive, or restricted

Sign in with the Instagram mobile app and complete any action shown there. Check **Account Status** and review whether Instagram requires identity, security, or policy confirmation.

Also verify:

* the account is still Business or Creator
* it remains connected to the intended Facebook Page
* any minimum-age setting is appropriate for the audience and region
* the account is not private or otherwise ineligible for professional publishing

Reconnect the account in Overlap only after Instagram no longer shows an unresolved action.

<Warning>
  Overlap cannot remove a platform restriction or bypass a Facebook or Instagram security check. Resolve the issue in the platform first; repeated violations can lead to longer or permanent restrictions.
</Warning>