Instagram Not Working? 12 Ways To Fix The Problem (Solved)

Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms globally, has quickly evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a robust platform for business, entertainment, and personal expression. With millions of users engaging with the app daily, the expectation is that it operates smoothly. However, it’s not uncommon for users to experience technical issues—from the app crashing to error messages appearing when attempting to log in. When Instagram is not working, it can be frustrating, especially when you’re keen on sharing that perfect shot or scrolling through your feed for inspiration.

If you’re facing problems with Instagram, don’t worry! Here are 12 effective ways to troubleshoot and solve the issues you might encounter on the platform.

1. Check Instagram’s Server Status

Before diving into specific fixes, it’s wise to check if Instagram is experiencing a widespread outage. Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end but rather due to server issues from Instagram’s side. Websites such as DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow can provide real-time updates about Instagram’s server status.

If you find that Instagram is down for everyone, the best course of action is to wait it out. Server issues typically get resolved in a few hours, and the app will be back up to speed.

2. Restart the App

Sometimes, all your Instagram needs is a quick reset. Closing the app entirely and restarting it can eliminate minor glitches that may be causing problems. Here’s how to do it:

iOS Users: Double tap the home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if you have a newer model without a home button), then swipe up on Instagram to close it.
Android Users: Open the recent apps menu (usually a square or overview button), find Instagram, and swipe it away.

After restarting the app, try logging in again to see if the issue persists.

3. Update the App

Using an outdated version of Instagram can lead to compatibility issues or bugs that might prevent the app from functioning correctly. Regular app updates often include bug fixes and enhancements that improve performance.

To update Instagram:

iOS Users: Open the App Store, tap on your profile icon, and scroll down to see pending updates. If Instagram is on the list, tap the "Update" button.
Android Users: Open the Google Play Store, tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "My apps & games," and check for updates. If Instagram needs an update, tap "Update."

After updating, reopen the app and check if the issue persists.

4. Clear the App Cache (Android)

If you’re using an Android device, clearing the app cache can resolve various issues as it removes temporary files that may cause the app to slow down or misbehave. Here’s how to do it:

Go to your device’s Settings.
Tap on Apps & notifications.
Find and select Instagram from the list.
Tap on Storage.
Select Clear Cache.

Note that clearing the cache will not delete your data, including your login credentials and photos.

5. Log Out and Log Back In

Sometimes, simply logging out of your account and logging back in can help resolve session-related issues. To log out:

Go to your profile by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
Scroll down and select Settings.
Scroll all the way down and click on Log Out.

After logging out, wait a few moments before logging back in to see if the problem is resolved.

6. Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent Instagram from working correctly. Verify whether your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, and try switching between them to see if that resolves the issue.

You can also run a speed test using applications like Speedtest to confirm whether your connection is fast enough. If your connection is slow, consider restarting your router or contacting your Internet Service Provider.

7. Disable VPN

If you’re using a VPN, it might be worth disabling it as it can sometimes cause connectivity issues with specific apps, including Instagram. VPNs can cause delays or interruptions in your connection, leading to errors or failure when attempting to access the app.

Turn off the VPN, then try accessing Instagram again. If it resolves the issue, you may want to switch VPN service providers or avoid using a VPN when accessing Instagram.

8. Update Your Device’s Operating System

Keeping your device’s operating system up-to-date is critical for app performance and security. If your phone’s software is outdated, it can result in compatibility issues not only with Instagram but with other apps as well.

To update:

iOS Users: Go to Settings, then General, and select Software Update to check for available updates.
Android Users: Open Settings, scroll down to About Phone (it might vary depending on your device), and select Software Update.

After updating your device, reopen Instagram and see if it is functioning smoothly.

9. Reinstall the App

If the above steps have not resolved the problem, a fresh installation of the Instagram app may be necessary. This action deletes the existing app data and downloads a clean version from the app store, potentially fixing persistent issues.

To uninstall and reinstall Instagram:

iOS Users: Long-press the Instagram icon on your home screen until it wiggles, then tap the "X" to delete it. Open the App Store, search for Instagram, and reinstall it.
Android Users: Go to Settings, select Apps, find Instagram, and tap Uninstall. Then go to the Google Play Store to reinstall it.

10. Check App Permissions

Instagram requires certain permissions to function correctly. If these permissions aren’t granted, you may experience issues. To check app permissions:

iOS Users: Go to Settings, scroll down and select Instagram. Ensure all necessary permissions are toggled on.
Android Users: Go to Settings, select Apps & notifications, find Instagram, and tap on Permissions. Make sure all permissions, especially for storage and camera, are enabled.

11. Check Device Storage

Low storage space on your device can lead to app malfunctions, including Instagram. If your device storage is almost full, consider deleting unnecessary files, apps, or media.

To check device storage:

iOS Users: Go to Settings, click on General, and select iPhone Storage to see a breakdown of your storage and what is consuming it.
Android Users: Go to Settings, select Storage, and review what apps or files might be taking up significant space.

Free up some storage, then restart Instagram to see if performance improves.

12. Contact Instagram Support

If none of the above methods work, it might be time to reach out to Instagram support. You can report a problem directly through the app:

Head to your profile and tap on the three horizontal lines (menu).
Select Settings, then Help.
Tap on Report a Problem and follow the prompts to notify Instagram of your specific issue.

Provide as much detail as possible to help them assist you better.

Conclusion

Technical issues, while frustrating, are a common occurrence in the fast-paced world of social media apps like Instagram. Hopefully, the 12 solutions outlined above will help you fix any problems you encounter while using the platform. From simple tasks like restarting the app to more involved steps like contacting support, most issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting.

The next time you find Instagram not working as expected, try these tips before giving up. Engaging with this vibrant platform is too rewarding to let technical glitches stand in your way!