EC2 RunInstances returns "Blocked - not recognized as a valid account" on a multi-year-old account

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear that you've experienced this issue with your EC2 RunInstances being blocked.

I can understand your need to have this resolved & I've passed along your concerns internally.

You'll receive updates through your case, so continue monitoring your correspondence.

— Aimee K.

The error message you're encountering indicates that your account has been flagged or restricted specifically for launching EC2 instances, even though other EC2 API operations are working normally. This type of selective block typically occurs when AWS's automated systems detect unusual activity patterns or potential policy violations related to instance launches.

Since you have a Basic Support plan, your primary channel is indeed the AWS Support Center. However, given that you've been waiting 9 days without response, here are your options:

First, add a new correspondence to your existing case through the AWS Support Center at https://console.aws.amazon.com/support/. Sometimes adding new information or bumping the case can help move it forward in the queue.

The fact that other EC2 operations succeed while only RunInstances is blocked suggests this is an account-level restriction rather than a technical or quota issue. These restrictions typically require manual review by AWS teams and cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting steps. Unfortunately, there's no self-service way to remove such blocks—they require AWS Support intervention.

Continue working through the AWS Support Center for resolution, as that's the official channel for account restriction issues.