Short answer. To avoid an Instagram ban, keep the password to yourself, turn on two-factor authentication, skip follow-and-DM tools, and read Account Status when you can still log in. If a disable notice appears, screenshot it and appeal from that screen.
How to avoid an Instagram ban is a set of habits, not a switch in settings. If a notice is already on the login, skip ahead and appeal it. This page is for the account you can still open.
Keep the login yours
Use a password that is not reused on other sites. Turn on two-factor authentication and store the backup codes offline. Remove apps you do not recognize from the accounts center. Read login alerts in the email on the profile. A hack that posts for you can become a disable. The recovery steps are on Instagram hacked recover.
Do not buy followers, auto-DMs, or follow-unfollow tools. Those tools are a common way accounts pick up a spam notice. If you already have one, read Instagram suspended for spam.
Read Account Status while you still can
In settings, Account Status lists removed posts and feature limits. Appeal a removed post from that list when you disagree with it. A feature limit is not a disabled account. Instagram shadowban vs ban explains the difference. A community-guidelines removal is Instagram community guidelines violation appeal.
If a notice is already up and you want it filed, message us. We use Meta’s own official channels. It takes a few days. Start a case on the contact page. How it works is the three steps. We never ask for your password.