How do you appeal an Instacart deactivation?
Start with the appeal option in the deactivation notice or the Shopper app's Help section, and submit a calm, factual explanation backed by your in-app delivery photos, chat history and receipts. If that appeal is denied, the Independent Contractor Agreement usually includes a binding arbitration provision, and some shoppers send a formal notice of intent to arbitrate. Read your own agreement, and consider advice from a lawyer or a gig-worker legal organization. Never open a second account.
Evidence by deactivation reason
| Reason | Shopper-reported outlook | Evidence that helps |
|---|---|---|
| "Not delivered" complaint | Can be appealed | In-app delivery photo with door number, app time/location record, chat |
| Selfie verification failure | Often resolvable | Manual review with a clear live selfie and your license |
| High cancellation rate | Difficult | Documents for real emergencies (accident report, hospital record) |
| Time or mileage manipulation | Very difficult | Prevention is the only real defense |
| Alcohol ID violation | Zero tolerance | Appeals rarely succeed |
Instacart does not publish reactivation rates; every case is reviewed individually.
Writing the in-app appeal
- Stick to facts: dates, order numbers, what happened.
- Reference the evidence already in the app (delivery photo, chat, receipts) instead of personal photos of customer addresses.
- Stay polite. Support records are reviewed.
The arbitration notice
If the appeal is denied, some shoppers send a formal notice of intent to arbitrate under the arbitration provision in their agreement. A notice typically includes your legal name, the phone number and email on the account, the deactivation date and a clear account of why you believe it was unfair. Shoppers usually send it by USPS Certified Mail with return receipt to the notice address listed in the agreement. Many agreements include an informal resolution period before arbitration can be filed.
Under rules applied by bodies such as the American Arbitration Association, a large share of fees for individual workers is usually placed on the company. That is one reason some disputes are re-examined. Outcomes are not guaranteed, and this is not legal advice.
What never to do
- Do not open a second account with the same SSN, license or phone number.
- Do not rent or borrow someone else's account.
- Do not threaten Support agents.
Prevention beats appeals
Most deactivations shoppers describe trace back to a few habits: weak proof of delivery, cancellations, sharing verification codes and leaving alcohol at the door. See how to handle "not delivered" claims and the verification code scam.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get reactivated on Instacart?
Sometimes, especially for disputed delivery complaints or selfie verification failures with good evidence. Manipulation and alcohol ID violations are very hard to reverse.
How do I appeal an Instacart deactivation?
Use the appeal option in the deactivation notice or the Help section of the Shopper app. Give a factual explanation and point to your in-app delivery photos, chat and receipts.
What is the Instacart arbitration notice?
A formal letter some shoppers send under the arbitration provision in their contractor agreement after an appeal is denied. Read your own agreement and consider legal advice.
Can I make a new Instacart account after deactivation?
No. Opening a second account with the same identity details can be treated as fraud and weakens every path back.
Go deeper. Chapter 9 of the guide covers account security and deactivation in full, including an appeal guide by reason and a step-by-step arbitration notice process. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- How do you protect yourself from Instacart "not delivered" complaints?
- How does the Instacart verification code scam work?
- How does the Instacart cancellation rate work?
Sources
- American Arbitration Association
- Instacart Shopper app: deactivation notice and appeal (in app); your Independent Contractor Agreement