When you open Threads and see the message “Account Under Review,” you cannot post, follow accounts, or interact with content. This status appears when Meta flags your account for a policy review, usually after a report from another user or an automated detection of suspicious activity. The review process can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. This article explains why the status appears, how long you can expect to wait, and what actions you can take while your account is under review.
Key Takeaways: Threads Account Under Review Status
- Settings > Account > Account Status: Shows whether your account is under review and the reason for the restriction.
- Appeal form in Help Center: Lets you request a faster manual review if the automated process takes longer than 48 hours.
- Do not create a new account: Attempting to bypass the review with a new account can result in a permanent ban on all associated profiles.
Why Threads Puts Your Account Under Review
Meta uses automated systems and human moderators to enforce its Community Guidelines on Threads. An “Account Under Review” status is a temporary restriction triggered by one of these events:
Report from another user
If a Threads user reports your post, comment, or profile for violating guidelines such as harassment, hate speech, or spam, Meta places your account in a review queue. The system checks the reported content against policy rules before deciding whether to remove the content or disable your account.
Automated detection of suspicious behavior
Meta scans accounts for patterns that resemble bots or spam. Actions that trigger a review include sending many follow requests in a short time, posting identical comments across multiple threads, or using third-party automation tools. The system temporarily locks the account while it verifies whether the activity is legitimate.
Instagram account link issues
Threads uses your Instagram account for authentication. If your Instagram account is restricted, suspended, or flagged, Threads may show the “Account Under Review” status. The review is inherited from Instagram until the parent account is cleared.
During the review, you can still log in to Threads and view your profile, but you cannot create new posts, reply to threads, follow other accounts, or send direct messages. The restriction applies to all profiles connected to the same Instagram account.
How Long the Account Under Review Status Lasts
The wait time depends on the reason for the review and the volume of reports Meta is processing. Here are the typical time frames:
- Minor policy violations: 24 to 48 hours. Examples include a single reported post that contains borderline content like mild profanity or a misunderstood joke. The automated system often clears these quickly.
- Moderate violations: 3 to 5 days. Examples include multiple reports for harassment, posting copyrighted material, or suspected spam behavior. A human moderator may need to review the case.
- Severe violations: 7 to 14 days. Examples include hate speech, threats of violence, or impersonation. These cases require a thorough investigation and may involve a team of moderators.
- Instagram-linked restrictions: Until the Instagram account issue is resolved. If your Instagram account is under review or banned, the Threads review will not end until Instagram clears the restriction.
Meta does not send a notification when the review is complete. You will know the status has changed when you can post or follow other accounts again. Check your account status by going to Profile > Settings > Account > Account Status.
What to Do While Your Threads Account Is Under Review
You cannot speed up the review process directly, but you can take these steps to avoid making the situation worse and to prepare for a possible appeal.
- Do not create a new Threads account
Creating a second account while one is under review is a violation of Meta’s terms. The system detects duplicate accounts linked to the same phone number or email address. This action often results in a permanent ban on all associated accounts. - Check your Instagram account status
Open Instagram and go to Settings > Account > Account Status. If your Instagram account shows a restriction, resolve it first. Threads will follow once Instagram is cleared. - Review the Community Guidelines
Read Meta’s Threads Community Guidelines at help.instagram.com. Identify which rule your reported content may have violated. This helps you understand what to avoid in the future. - Submit an appeal if the review takes longer than 48 hours
Go to the Threads Help Center at help.instagram.com/contact/threads. Select the option for “Account Appeal” and fill out the form. Include your Threads username, the email address linked to your Instagram account, and a brief explanation of why you believe the restriction is a mistake. Appeals are typically answered within 24 to 72 hours. - Wait patiently and avoid repeated appeals
Submitting multiple appeals for the same issue resets the review queue and can delay the process. Send one appeal and wait for a response.
If the Account Under Review Status Persists Beyond Two Weeks
If your account remains under review for more than 14 days without any update, you have limited options. Meta does not provide phone support or live chat for Threads. Your best course of action is to submit a second appeal through the Help Center. In the appeal, mention that the review has exceeded 14 days and request escalation to a senior moderator. If your Instagram account is also affected, contact Instagram support through the Instagram app by going to Settings > Help > Report a Problem. Explain that both accounts are restricted.
In rare cases, the review may result in a permanent account suspension. If that happens, you will receive an email notification from Meta. You can appeal a permanent suspension by following the link in that email. The appeal process for permanent suspensions is separate from the account under review process.
Threads Account Under Review vs Account Suspension: Key Differences
| Item | Account Under Review | Account Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary, typically 1 to 14 days | Permanent unless appealed |
| Login access | Can log in and view profile | Cannot log in at all |
| Posting ability | Disabled during review | Disabled permanently |
| Notification | No notification when review ends | Email notification sent |
| Appeal process | Help Center appeal form | Link in suspension email |
You can now identify why your Threads account is under review and estimate how long the wait will be. The safest action is to wait the standard review period and avoid creating new accounts. For faster resolution, submit a single appeal through the Threads Help Center after 48 hours. If the review exceeds two weeks, escalate the case by filing a second appeal that references the extended wait time.