There are a few common reasons why you might see the message “You can’t use this feature at the moment” when trying to use certain Facebook features:
Your Account is Restricted
If your Facebook account has been restricted for violating Facebook’s terms of service or community standards, you may be temporarily blocked from using certain features like posting, commenting, sharing, etc. This is usually accompanied by a notification saying your account is restricted. The block is temporary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the severity and frequency of violations.
Bug or Glitch
It’s also possible you are running into a bug or glitch, especially if the message pops up inconsistently. Facebook is complex software that doesn’t always function perfectly. Glitches happen. Trying logging out and back in or waiting awhile and trying again later.
Feature is Temporarily Unavailable
In some cases, Facebook intentionally makes features unavailable during maintenance and updates. The “you can’t use this feature” message is their way of letting you know the feature is temporarily down. This usually resolves itself within a few hours.
Location, Age, or Device Restrictions
Facebook restricts access to some features based on your location, age, and device. For example, certain features may not be available in your country. Some features have age minimums, like Facebook Dating and Facebook Pay. And some features are limited if you are accessing Facebook from a restricted device.
Account Security Precautions
If Facebook detects suspicious activity on your account, like an attempted login from a new device or location, they will sometimes restrict features temporarily until you can confirm your identity. This is for your security. Simply following their instructions to confirm your identity will lift the restrictions.
How to Fix “You Can’t Use This Feature at the Moment”
Here are some steps to try if you are getting the “you can’t use this feature” message:
- Refresh the page or app and try again later. It could be a temporary glitch.
- Log out of Facebook and log back in. This may resolve any bugs.
- Check if your account is restricted for violations. Read any messages from Facebook.
- Check the Facebook Help Community to see if others are reporting bugs.
- Make sure your app and software are updated.
- Try on a different device like a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache.
- If all else fails, contact Facebook support.
Why Specific Facebook Features Might Not Work
While the “can’t use this feature” message could apply to any Facebook features, here are some common specific features people have trouble with:
Posting and Commenting
As mentioned above, restrictions due to account violations are a common reason posting and commenting fails. Buggy software can also cause problems posting. Try an alternative device if posting is not working on your main device.
Live Video
Live video streams can fail due to restrictions, software bugs, device incompatibility, or network connection issues. Make sure mobile data or WiFi is enabled and switch devices if live video fails.
Facebook Stories
Stories may fail to load if there are network connectivity problems or bugs in the Facebook app. Closing and restarting the app and checking your internet connection can help.
Facebook Payments
Facebook Pay requires identity confirmation and has country and age restrictions. You may need to verify your identity or use another payment method if runs into problems.
Facebook Ad Previews
Ad previews may fail if your advertising account is still under review. You’ll have to wait for Facebook to approve your ads account before previewing ads you create.
Facebook Dating
Dating has age and location restrictions. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a full Facebook profile to use it. It’s not available in all countries so location can cause issues.
Facebook Games
Games depend heavily on your device, operating system, and network connection stability. Game glitches and bugs also happen. Slow internet connections frequently disrupt in-app games.
Facebook Events
Problems creating events are most often tied to account restrictions blocking the feature. Try verifying there are no restrictions on your account if you can’t make events.
Why Does the Error Happen More Often on Mobile?
The “can’t use this feature” error happens more frequently when accessing Facebook on mobile devices. Here are some reasons why:
- Spotty cellular data vs stable wired internet causes interruptions
- Low storage space, outdated OS, and older phones cause performance issues
- Buggy mobile app versions need updating
- Mobile security features and parental controls block features
- Battery saver/data saver modes disable background processes
- Multi-tasking on phones can cause memory problems
Resetting your phone, clearing app data/cache, uninstalling/reinstalling the app, and freeing up storage space can all help fix mobile issues. Connecting to WiFi instead of mobile data also avoids connectivity problems.
Prevent Facebook Feature Blocks
Here are some tips to avoid getting blocked from Facebook features:
- Carefully follow Facebook’s rules and restrictions
- Use strong privacy settings and avoid oversharing
- Enable login alerts and two-factor authentication
- Don’t open spam messages or click suspicious links
- Keep your devices and apps fully updated
- Use a stable internet connection for important actions
- Report impersonation or hacked accounts immediately
Conclusion
The “you can’t use this feature at the moment” message on Facebook is usually temporary and can be fixed. The most common causes are account restrictions, bugs, maintenance, location/age limits, and security precautions. Trying on a different device, reloading the app, clearing cookies/cache, and waiting a while often resolves the issue. Restricted features go back to normal once any limits on your account are lifted.
| Common Facebook Features Affected | Typical Causes | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Posting and Commenting | Account restrictions, bugs | Wait out restrictions, try other devices |
| Live Video | Restrictions, network issues | Enable mobile data/WiFi, restart app |
| Facebook Stories | App bugs, connectivity | Update app, check internet |
| Facebook Pay | Identity confirmation needed | Verify identity |
| Facebook Ads | Unapproved ads account | Wait for ads approval |