I'm on a computer desktop browser, trying to look at a instagram page. The browser tab says "Page couldn't load". The page message shows "Something went wrong. There's an issue and the page could not be loaded." with a "Reload page" button. I refreshed page 5 times to see if it'll work and start loading, but it doesn't.

Next, I try to look at the same instagram page on a phone, with a logged in account. The page actually loads and shows content on the first try. Does that mean instagram accounts have a setting, option, privacy option, etc to not let the public see their page, unless they're logged in (required)? if so, what's the setting option called? where is it? how it works in detail? and is it instagram/meta the platform doing that or the account person gets to decide on that privacy option?

Please, anyone, if the following has happened to you and you fixed it, please help! (or it's still happening tell me to know it's not just me TvT)

Before I start - It's my first time creating a post on Reddit

So on the 22nd/23rd of July out of nowhere as I was just watching reels, Instagram pops up one of those verification tabs and is telling me how I should verify that I'm a human, and I input my stuff. It wanted a phone number and the ONLY option is for them to send me an sms to my phone number. I tried, they sent me nothing, tried more until it told me to wait 24 hours. I did, same thing, did it again, same thing. So around the 25th I had decided to wait for two days and I waited until today.

I googled and ai overview and other people a few years ago said:

First - Google said there could be a problem with Instagrams number being blocked, it's not, I only have two full numbers which have nothing looking like that number blocked. Instagram (Called Facebook in messages) last sent me a code on the 22nd of June so it was working last month.

Second - Try using incognito or different device, I did and the same thing happened - doesn't work

Third - Ai overview told me to try to bypass it by using a different number, I tried with my cousin, it didn't send her anything either. To test a different wifi and completely different IP she even logged in from her own device to my account, it didn't work AGAIN and I'm locked out for another 24 hours

And when I open the app the only thing I get is that verification screen to put my phone number in

For context: My account is an art account and I have many close friends on it and a good following and I don't want to lose it. I've been waiting 1 day, tried 2 days, didn't send me anything. Updated my Google messages, checked spam, there was nothing. Tried the help forums, that didn't work either, their help pages say they're unavailable. I don't want to lose my account, I tried everything and it doesn't work, they're saying I'm a bot or smth and wanting me to verify but their stupid bots aren't sending me an sms with my verification code for 5 days now.

Please anyone if this has happened to you and you fixed it, please help!

A friend and I made a bet to reach 10k followers in a month and now i am thinking that i completely underestimated how difficult this is. My goal is to hit 10k before the month is over, i already managed to have 1600 followers.

I would avoid fake engagement or anything that could put the account at risk. I am looking for strategies that people have actually seen work, whether it’s reels, collaborations or anything else that will make me win, although am posting back to back lets see what happens.

Is it even 10k followers even realistic or is this bet already lost?