Instagram Not Loading? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Instagram not loading? Force close and reopen the app, then check your internet connection. Clear Instagram cache in app settings. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data. Update the app from App Store or Play Store if available.

Why Won’t Instagram Load?

Instagram loading issues come from poor internet connection, app cache problems, outdated app version, server outages, or account restrictions. The feed may show old posts or fail to load entirely.

Method 1: Force Close App

Restart the app fresh.

1. Swipe up to see recent apps
2. Find Instagram
3. Swipe up to close it
4. Wait 5 seconds
5. Reopen Instagram

Method 2: Check Internet Connection

Instagram needs stable internet.

1. Open browser and load a website
2. If browser fails, internet is down
3. Toggle WiFi off and on
4. Or switch to mobile data
5. Restart router if needed

Method 3: Clear App Cache

Cached data may be corrupted.

1. Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Clear cache
2. iPhone: Delete and reinstall app
3. Or in Instagram: Settings > Security > Clear search history
4. Restart app after clearing
5. Cache will rebuild

Method 4: Update Instagram

Old versions have bugs.

1. Open App Store or Play Store
2. Search for Instagram
3. Tap Update if available
4. Wait for download
5. Open updated app

Method 5: Check Instagram Status

Servers may be down.

1. Visit downdetector.com
2. Search for Instagram
3. Check for reported outages
4. If down, wait for fix
5. Check Twitter for #instagramdown

Method 6: Restart Phone

Restart clears glitches.

1. Hold power button
2. Select Restart
3. Wait for phone to boot
4. Open Instagram
5. Test if loading works

Method 7: Disable VPN

VPN can block Instagram.

1. Check if VPN is active
2. Disable or disconnect VPN
3. Try Instagram without VPN
4. Some countries block Instagram
5. VPN may route through blocked region

Method 8: Reinstall App

Fresh install fixes corruption.

1. Delete Instagram app
2. Restart phone
3. Download from official store
4. Sign in to your account
5. Test loading

Method 9: Check Account Status

Account may be restricted.

1. Try logging in on browser
2. Check for emails from Instagram
3. Look for suspension notice
4. Verify phone number or email
5. Appeal if wrongly restricted

Method 10: Try Instagram Lite

Lite version uses less data.

1. Download Instagram Lite
2. Uses less bandwidth
3. Works better on slow connections
4. Has most main features
5. Good for troubleshooting

FAQ

Why does Instagram say couldn’t refresh feed?

“Couldn’t refresh feed” means connection issue or Instagram server problem. Check internet connection, try switching WiFi/data, clear app cache. If others report same issue on Downdetector, servers are down.

Why do Instagram stories not load?

Stories need good bandwidth. If feed loads but stories don’t, connection is slow. Use WiFi instead of data, move closer to router, or wait until connection improves. May also be server-side issue.

Why is Instagram slow but internet is fast?

Instagram can be slow despite fast internet if their servers are overloaded. App cache may also need clearing. Try reinstalling app, updating to latest version, or waiting for server issues to resolve.