What’s going on with Instagram right now? Many users are reporting that Instagram is not opening, failing to load the newsfeed, Stories, or Direct messages. For some, the app crashes just a few seconds after use. The problem is on the side of the social network itself – its servers are overloaded due to a large number of user requests or technical issues. All that remains is to wait until the company’s specialists resolve the issue.
Reasons why Instagram may not be working for you:
- Outdated app version. If your device is running an old version of Instagram, it may conflict with the updated social network servers. Therefore, it is recommended to always keep the app updated to the latest version;
- Instagram requires a stable internet connection to work correctly. If your internet is slow or intermittent, the app may not open or may operate with errors;
- Insufficient memory on the device. Instagram needs a certain amount of free space in the internal memory of your phone or computer to function properly. If there is not enough space, the app’s performance may be impaired.Incorrect device or app settings;
- If your phone’s settings prohibit Instagram from accessing the camera, microphone, gallery, or contacts, some features may be unavailable. Also, errors may occur when using special power-saving modes or VPNs.
Instagram not working on android
Android smartphone users frequently encounter issues with Instagram not functioning properly. Let’s explore the most common errors and their solutions.
On Xiaomi
One of the most frequent problems is Instagram crashing or refusing to open on smartphones from the Chinese brand Xiaomi. This is usually due to the characteristics of the MIUI shell and its impact on app performance. To fix this issue:
- Check for Instagram updates in the Google Play Store and install the latest version if available;
- Clear the cache and data of the app in the phone settings. Go to Settings – Apps – Instagram – Storage – Clear cache and data;
- Disable power saving and resource optimization modes that may limit Instagram’s background operation;
- Check Instagram’s permissions in settings – access to the camera, microphone, and device memory.
If the above steps do not help, reinstall the Instagram app.
Via Wi-Fi
Another common problem on Android devices is Instagram lagging, freezing, or crashing when connected to Wi-Fi networks. Often this is due to an unstable or slow internet connection. Recommendations for solving this issue:
- Check the speed and stability of the Wi-Fi connection used by Instagram. You can use third-party apps from Google Play for this purpose;
- Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if the problem is typical only for one access point;
- Reconnect the phone to the Wi-Fi network – remove the network from the list of saved networks and connect again;
- Reset the network settings on the phone. Go to Settings – General – Reset – Reset network settings. Afterward, you will need to re-enter passwords for all used Wi-Fi networks.
Instagram Not Working on iPhone
iPhone users also sometimes experience difficulties with the Instagram app, although less frequently than Android users. Let’s consider typical errors and ways to fix them.
Without Wi-Fi
One of the most common complaints from iPhone users is that Instagram refuses to load the feed, Stories, or send messages when connected to mobile internet. Usually, the reason is a weak network signal or issues with the mobile operator. To resolve this situation:
- Check the quality of the cellular network signal and move to an area with more stable coverage if Instagram is not working due to a weak connection;
- Make sure there are sufficient funds on the phone account for using mobile internet and that the option to connect to roaming networks is active in the device settings;
- Switch to another mobile operator if the problem is only with one company;
- Reset the cellular network settings. On iPhone, go to Settings – General – Reset – Reset network settings.
On Apple Watch
Some users complain that Instagram on their Apple Watch operates incorrectly – it does not display notifications, does not load the feed, or does not open at all. How to fix:
- Make sure that the latest version of the Instagram app is installed on the paired iPhone from the App Store;
- Check that the Instagram app is installed on the Apple Watch itself. If it is not there, open the Watch app on the iPhone, go to the “My Collection” section, and install Instagram on the watch;
- Disable and re-enable the option to mirror notifications between the iPhone and Apple Watch in the Watch app settings on the phone;
- Restart both devices – the iPhone and Apple Watch. If the error occurs only on the watch, reset its settings and set up as new.
Why Instagram is not working on a computer
Problems with Instagram also occur on desktop computers when trying to use the web version of the social network. Users often complain about errors when loading the feed or being unable to publish photos or Stories. Here are the main solutions:
- Refresh the Instagram page using Ctrl + F5. This will refresh the browser cache and fix minor errors;
- Clear cookies and browsing history from recent times in the browser settings. Sometimes problems occur due to outdated or corrupted cookies;
- Disable extensions and add-ons in the browser, especially ad blockers and VPNs. Many of them conflict with the code of the Instagram page and disrupt its operation;
- Check the date and time settings on the computer. If they do not match real-time, Instagram may produce errors and refuse to load content;
- Try alternative browsers. Sometimes the web version of Instagram does not work correctly in one browser but functions normally in another. Try opening it in Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Safari.
If none of the suggested methods help, check the status of Instagram servers on special sites like Downdetector. The problem may be widespread and will be resolved by the developers in the near future.
Conclusion
Instagram malfunctions in 2024 are quite common on both mobile devices and desktop computers. The causes can be as varied as simple errors in phone settings to serious problems on social network servers.
Fortunately, most issues can be resolved independently by following the recommendations provided in the article. The key is to regularly update the app and the operating system of the device, ensure a stable internet connection, and correctly set up Instagram, browsers, and antivirus software.
If nothing helps, the only thing left is to wait for a response from Instagram’s support service and hope that the mass outages will be resolved as soon as possible. In any case, temporary difficulties in the operation of one social network are no reason to get upset or despondent. Instead, take the opportunity to spend the freed-up time on something more important and useful: take a walk in the fresh air, chat with loved ones, read a book, or do some sports.
And Instagram will surely be up and running again – Meta’s (formerly Facebook) best specialists are working on it. They may even make the app even better, faster, and more convenient. So sooner or later, we’ll all return to the feed to see what’s new with our friends and followers. In the meantime, let’s enjoy life in the real world and not forget that Instagram is just a pleasant addition to it, not a replacement.
