Instagram Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips to Fix Common Issues (2025)

Quick Answer:

If Instagram isn’t working, start by checking if the platform is down using DownDetector. If it’s not, try restarting your phone, clearing your cache, or updating to the latest version. If you’re still having trouble, log out and back in, or reinstall the app.

Key Takeaways:

• Most Instagram errors stem from outdated apps, cache overloads, or temporary server outages.
  
• Clearing the cache and restarting the app solves the majority of “not loading” and “feed not refreshing” issues.
  
• Login and suspension problems may require contacting Instagram directly.
  
• For business accounts, regular maintenance and two-factor authentication reduce disruptions.
  

Why Instagram Might Not Be Working

Few things halt your scroll like the dreaded spinning wheel on Instagram. You tap to refresh, swipe down again, and… nothing. Your Stories won’t upload, your feed won’t load, and your DMs refuse to send. In 2025, when Instagram is a major social media marketing and sales channel for businesses, that’s more than a minor inconvenience; it’s a disruption to your brand visibility, engagement, and customer communication.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to tell the difference and what to do next. Whether your feed isn’t refreshing, you’re locked out of your account, or you’ve seen that dreaded “Sorry, we can’t log you in” message, I’ll walk through the most common causes and their quick fixes.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Common Instagram Problems

Let’s run through the most common Instagram errors and how to fix each one step by step. Whether you’re running a business account, or just trying to get your personal feed working again, start here.

1. How to Fix “Instagram Feed Not Refreshing”

When your Instagram feed won’t load or refresh, it’s usually caused by:

• A weak internet connection
  
• Outdated app version
  
• Instagram server outage
  
• Cache overload or corrupted app data
  

Try this first:

1. Check your connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if either works.
   
2. Restart the app. Swipe up to close it fully, then reopen.
   
3. Update Instagram. Go to the App Store or Google Play and install the latest version.
   
4. Clear the cache. (More on this below)
   
5. Restart your device.
   

If your feed still doesn’t refresh, contact Instagram Help Center as it may be an account issue. 

2. Why Instagram Might Not Let You Log In

You open Instagram, type your password, and… nothing. Login errors usually appear because of:

• Incorrect credentials or saved password conflicts
  
• Server downtime
  
• Account disabled or flagged for suspicious activity
  
• Two-factor authentication delays
  

How to fix it:

1. Check your credentials. Use a browser to reset your password if needed.
   
2. Try another device. Sometimes your current phone’s cookies or session data cause login loops.
   
3. Disable VPNs or proxies. Instagram often blocks logins from unknown IPs.
   
4. Reset your password. Use your email or phone number linked to the account.
   
5. Check email alerts. If Instagram suspects a hack, you’ll receive a “Suspicious Login Attempt” email and you can use that to secure your account.
   

If you see “Sorry, we can’t log you in”, skip to section 5 for targeted fixes.

3. How to Clear Your Instagram Cache

Your cache is the temporary data stored by Instagram, which helps the app load faster. Too much stored data, however, can cause glitches, so clearing your cache occasionally is a good idea. Here’s how:

On Android:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage & cache → Clear cache.
   
2. Restart the app.
   

On iPhone:

You’ll need to delete and reinstall the app. (There’s no direct “clear cache” button on iOS.)

After reinstalling, log back in. Most bugs and feed issues disappear instantly.

4. Why Your Instagram Account Might Be Suspended

If you’re suddenly logged out and see a message saying your account is suspended or disabled, Instagram likely flagged something that violated its Community Guidelines or Terms of Use.

Common reasons for Instagram account suspension:

• Automated or spam-like activity (e.g. following/unfollowing too fast)
• Copyright or music infringement
• Reported content
• Impersonation or misleading info
  

What to do if your Instagram account is suspended

1. Visit the Help Center and choose “My Instagram account has been disabled.”
   
2. Follow the prompts to appeal the suspension.
   
3. If it’s a business account, have proof of identity or business verification ready.
   

💡 Tip: Avoid third-party “growth” apps. They may seem harmless but often trigger automated bans.

5. How to Fix “Sorry, We Can’t Log You In”

This specific error can be maddening. It usually means your login session is corrupted.

Try this sequence:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and use mobile data.
   
2. Open your browser, visit Instagram.com, and try logging in there.
   
3. If it works on browser, change your password immediately.
   
4. Delete the app → restart phone → reinstall → log in again.
   
5. Still no luck? Go to Settings → Apps → Instagram → Clear Data (Android) or reinstall on iPhone.
   

If nothing helps, reach out via the Instagram Help Center form. Choose “Login issue” and describe what steps you’ve already tried. This speeds up resolution.

6. How Do You Know if Instagram Banned You?

A ban looks different from a suspension. If you’re banned, your account might not appear in searches, or your actions (likes, follows, DMs) suddenly stop working.

Signs you might be shadowbanned or restricted:

• Your posts no longer show up under hashtags.
  
• Engagement suddenly drops.
  
• You can’t comment or follow new accounts.
  
• A warning appears: “You can’t perform this action right now.”
  

What to do:

1. Stop posting for 48-72 hours.
   
2. Remove any automation tools.
   
3. Avoid repetitive hashtags or messages.
   
4. Review Instagram’s guidelines and appeal if needed.
   

Most temporary restrictions lift within 3–5 days.

7. Why Instagram Isn’t Loading Your Feed

If photos, Reels, or Stories won’t load:

• Check Instagram’s server status (global issue).
• Test another app (e.g. YouTube) to confirm your connection.
• Free up storage space — low storage can block image caching.
• On Android: Settings → Apps → Instagram → Permissions → Allow all.
• On iPhone: Settings → Instagram → Photos → All Photos

When content still refuses to load, log out, delete, reinstall, and ensure your phone or laptop operating system (OS) is updated. Compatibility issues between outdated OSs and Instagram are surprisingly common.

8. Preventing Future Instagram Problems

Just like clearing your inbox, a little routine maintenance saves hours later.

• Update regularly. Instagram rolls out patches weekly.
• Avoid third-party login apps. They often trigger false activity flags.
• Enable two-factor authentication. It protects you from hacks and forced logouts.
• Keep storage free. The app relies heavily on cached media files.
• Check permissions. Especially after major OS updates.
  

If you manage multiple business accounts, tools like Meta Business Suite (or an agency partner) help monitor analytics and post scheduling safely, without violating Instagram’s terms.

9. When to Contact Instagram Support

If you’ve tried every fix above and the issue persists:

• Go to Profile → Settings → Help → Report a problem.
  
• Clearly describe the issue (include screenshots).
  
• Note your device model, OS version, and steps you’ve taken.
  

Response times vary, but detailed reports are processed faster.

10. The Business Case: Why Instagram Downtime Matters

For brands and creators, every minute offline costs engagement, impressions, and revenue opportunities.

Imagine scheduling a product launch Reel only to find the app frozen. The timing, algorithm boost, and audience impact all vanish.

That’s why proactive management matters.

At Bright Sprout, we don’t just post content; we act as your digital partner, ensuring your social platforms perform reliably. Our social media management service keeps your accounts secure, updated, and strategically aligned. Unlike distant agencies that set-and-forget campaigns, we stay embedded in your business, monitoring performance and responding to issues in real-time.

If you’d like to future-proof your Instagram presence and turn it into a consistent growth channel, get in touch today.

FAQs

Why isn’t my Instagram app opening at all?

Try force-closing and reopening. If that fails, reinstall the app. Also check for OS updates.

Why can’t I upload a Story or Reel to Instagram?

Check storage space and permissions. Reduce video file size or switch networks.

Why is my Instagram music not working?

Licensing restrictions vary by region and account type (personal vs. business). Switch account type or use royalty-free audio.

Why can’t I comment on or like posts on Instagram?

You may have exceeded Instagram’s rate limits. Wait 24 hours before retrying.

Can Instagram bugs affect business performance?

Absolutely. Outages reduce reach and engagement. It’s worth having a backup posting plan or an agency to handle scheduling and analytics when things glitch.

Final Thoughts

Instagram outages are frustrating, especially if you’re a business depending on it as a marketing tool. Thankfully, most issues are fixable within minutes once you know where to look.

Bookmark this guide for next time your feed won’t refresh or your login fails. And remember: a stable, well-managed social presence isn’t luck, it’s strategy. 

Looking for an agency who know their way around Instagram like the back of their hand? With our social media management services, you don’t have to worry about the dreaded refresh wheel ever again. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you. 

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