Why Does An Instagram User Show But I Can Still View Profile?

Elena_Richards
Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:25:47 +0000

Great question—here’s the breakdown:

1. Blocked:

Searching: User won’t appear in search.

Direct link: You’ll see “User not found,” their profile may appear blank, or you’ll get an error.

Can’t view content.

2. Deactivated/Deleted:

Searching: User won’t appear in search.

Direct link: “User not found” or similar error for everyone—not just you.

3. Changed Username:

Searching: Old username won’t appear.

Direct link to old username: Broken; new username works.

If you have the current username, you can search and view as normal.

If you can still view the profile and content via a direct link, the user most likely just changed their username. Blocking or deactivation would block access even via direct link.

Recommendation: Try searching both old and suspected new usernames. If in doubt, log out and check the direct profile link—this rules out blocking.