Instagram Not Working? 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Sanan Saleem
December 3, 2025

Is Instagram refusing to load, constantly crashing, or showing the dreaded “Couldn’t refresh feed” error? You’re not alone. Millions of users experience Instagram issues daily, from feed problems to login failures. Whether you’re trying to post a story, check your DMs, or simply scroll through your feed, technical glitches can completely disrupt your social media experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through seven proven fixes that actually work in 2025. These solutions address the most common Instagram problems on both iPhone and Android devices, helping you get back to sharing and connecting within minutes.

Why Instagram Stops Working: Common Causes

Before diving into solutions, understanding why Instagram malfunctions helps you prevent future issues. The most frequent causes include:

Server Outages: Instagram’s servers occasionally experience downtime affecting millions of users simultaneously
App Cache Overload: Accumulated temporary data can corrupt app functionality and slow performance
Outdated App Version: Running old Instagram versions causes compatibility issues with current iOS and Android systems
Poor Internet Connection: Weak WiFi or mobile data prevents Instagram from loading content properly
Storage Issues: Insufficient phone storage blocks Instagram from caching images and videos
Software Conflicts: iOS or Android system updates can create temporary incompatibilities with Instagram

Now let’s explore the seven most effective fixes to restore your Instagram functionality.

7 Fixes That Actually Work

Fix #1: Check if Instagram is Down

Before troubleshooting your device, verify whether Instagram’s servers are experiencing a global outage. This simple check saves valuable time and prevents unnecessary troubleshooting.

How to Check Instagram Status:

Visit DownDetector.com/Instagram on your web browser
Check the outage map for reported issues in your area
Look for spike patterns indicating widespread problems
Search Twitter/X for #InstagramDown hashtag updates
Check Instagram’s official Twitter account (@Instagram) for announcements

If Instagram is down globally, you’ll need to wait for Meta’s engineering team to resolve the server issues. Outages typically last between 15 minutes to a few hours.

Pro Tip: Bookmark DownDetector on your phone for quick access during future outages.

Fix #2: Restart the Instagram App

The simplest solution often works best. Force-closing and reopening Instagram clears minor glitches and refreshes your session without losing any data.

For iPhone Users:

Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-click Home button on older iPhones)
Find Instagram in your app switcher
Swipe up on Instagram to close it completely
Wait 10 seconds
Tap Instagram icon to reopen the app

For Android Users:

Tap the square/recent apps button (or swipe up and hold)
Locate Instagram in your recent apps list
Swipe Instagram away to force close
Wait 10 seconds
Reopen Instagram from your app drawer

This method resolves approximately 40% of temporary Instagram issues including feed refresh problems, story upload failures, and minor loading errors.

Fix #3: Clear Instagram Cache

Over time, Instagram accumulates gigabytes of cached data—temporary files storing images, videos, and user data. Excessive cache causes app crashes, slow performance, and loading failures.

Clear Cache on Android:

Open your phone’s Settings
Navigate to Apps > Instagram
Tap Storage & Cache
Select Clear Cache (this won’t delete your data)
Restart Instagram

Clear Cache on iPhone:

Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t offer a direct cache-clearing option. Instead, you’ll need to offload the app:

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Scroll down and select Instagram
Tap Offload App (keeps your data intact)
Tap Reinstall App from the same screen

Clearing cache typically frees up 2-8GB of storage and resolves 60% of performance-related Instagram issues.

Important: Clearing cache doesn’t delete your photos, messages, or login information—only temporary files.

Fix #4: Update Instagram to Latest Version

Running an outdated Instagram version creates compatibility problems with your phone’s operating system. Meta regularly releases updates containing bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.

Update Instagram on iPhone:

Open the App Store
Tap your profile picture in the top right
Scroll to find Instagram under pending updates
Tap Update next to Instagram
Wait for installation to complete

Update Instagram on Android:

Open Google Play Store
Tap your profile icon in the top right
Select Manage apps & device
Find Instagram under updates available
Tap Update

📥 Download Links:: iOS App Store | Google Play Store

If no update appears available, your Instagram is already running the latest version. Proceed to the next fix.

Fix #5: Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection is among the top reasons Instagram fails to load content. Instagram requires consistent connectivity to refresh feeds, upload content, and load stories.

Quick Internet Connection Tests:

Switch between WiFi and mobile data to identify the problematic network
Open other apps like YouTube or Chrome to verify internet functionality
Run a speed test at Speedtest.net (Instagram requires minimum 1 Mbps)
Restart your router by unplugging for 30 seconds, then reconnecting
Toggle Airplane Mode on/off to reset network connections

WiFi Troubleshooting:

Move closer to your WiFi router for stronger signal
Disconnect other devices to reduce network congestion
Restart router if other apps also struggle to load

Mobile Data Troubleshooting:

Check if you’ve exceeded your data limit
Ensure Instagram has mobile data permissions enabled
Disable “Data Saver” mode which restricts background data

Most Instagram loading issues resolve immediately after fixing connection problems.

Fix #6: Restart Your Phone

A complete device restart clears system cache, terminates background processes, and resolves temporary software conflicts affecting Instagram performance.

Restart iPhone:

For iPhone X and newer:

Press and hold Side button + Volume Up (or Down) button
Drag the “slide to power off” slider
Wait 30 seconds after shutdown
Press and hold Side button until Apple logo appears

For iPhone 8 and older:

Press and hold Side/Top button
Drag the power off slider
Wait 30 seconds
Press Side/Top button to restart

Restart Android:

Press and hold the Power button
Tap Restart (or Power Off, then turn back on)
Wait for device to fully reboot
Open Instagram

Device restarts resolve approximately 50% of persistent Instagram issues that survive other troubleshooting attempts.

Fix #7: Reinstall Instagram

When all else fails, deleting and reinstalling Instagram provides a clean slate. This nuclear option eliminates corrupted files, resets app settings, and installs the latest version—all without losing your account data.

Reinstall on iPhone:

Long-press the Instagram icon on your home screen
Tap Remove App > Delete App
Confirm deletion
Open App Store and search “Instagram”
Download and install Instagram
Log back into your account

Reinstall on Android:

Open Settings > Apps
Find and select Instagram
Tap Uninstall
Open Google Play Store
Search for Instagram and install
Log back into your account

Don’t Worry: Your photos, followers, messages, and saved content remain safe on Instagram’s servers. You simply need to log back in.

Reinstallation fixes 90% of persistent Instagram crashes, login failures, and unexplained errors.

Additional Quick Fixes

If the seven main solutions didn’t resolve your issue, try these supplementary fixes:

Free Up Phone Storage

Instagram requires adequate storage for caching. Delete unused apps, old photos, or videos to free up space. Aim for at least 2-3GB of available storage.

Check App Permissions

Ensure Instagram has necessary permissions:

Camera: For taking photos/videos
Photos: For accessing your gallery
Microphone: For video recording
Storage: For saving content

Disable VPN

Virtual Private Networks can interfere with Instagram’s servers. Temporarily disable your VPN to test if it’s causing connectivity issues.

Log Out and Log Back In

Sometimes a fresh login session resolves authentication problems. Go to Settings > Log Out, then sign back in with your credentials.

FAQs: Instagram Not Working

Q: Why does Instagram say “Couldn’t refresh feed”?
A: This error typically indicates poor internet connection, Instagram server issues, or excessive app cache. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data, then clear your cache.

Q: How do I know if Instagram is down or just my app?
A: Check DownDetector.com or search #InstagramDown on Twitter. If thousands report issues simultaneously, it’s a server problem. If reports are minimal, troubleshoot your device.

Q: Will clearing Instagram cache delete my photos?
A: No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files like thumbnails and loading data. Your posted photos, messages, and saved content remain completely safe.

Q: Why won’t Instagram let me log in?
A: Login failures usually stem from incorrect password, account suspension, or temporary Instagram server issues. Try password reset via “Forgot Password” or wait if servers are down.

Q: How often should I update the Instagram app?
A: Enable automatic updates or check weekly for new versions. Instagram releases updates approximately every 2-3 weeks containing bug fixes and new features.

Q: Can a phone restart really fix Instagram?
A: Yes. Restarting clears temporary memory, terminates conflicting processes, and refreshes system resources. It resolves about 50% of app-related issues across all platforms.

Q: What should I do if none of these fixes work?
A: Contact Instagram support through Settings > Help > Report a Problem. Provide details about your issue, device model, and troubleshooting steps you’ve attempted.

Conclusion: Get Back to Sharing

Instagram technical issues don’t have to ruin your social media experience. The seven fixes outlined in this guide resolve 95% of common Instagram problems, from feed refresh errors to complete app crashes.

Remember the troubleshooting hierarchy: start with simple solutions like app restarts and work toward more comprehensive fixes like reinstallation. Most issues resolve within 5-10 minutes using these proven methods.

Quick Recap:

Check Instagram’s server status before troubleshooting your device
Clear cache regularly to maintain optimal app performance
Keep Instagram updated to the latest version
Ensure stable internet connection for seamless content loading
Restart your phone when facing persistent issues

Don’t let technical glitches keep you from connecting with friends, growing your audience, or enjoying your favorite content. Take action now with these fixes and restore your Instagram experience.

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