Instagram is currently everyone’s way of escaping this dire situation while sitting at home or elsewhere. The official app is pretty stable, but not completely bug-free. There are times when the Instagram app crashes or some features refuse to work as designed. These problems are not normal, but they do happen. So, if Instagram is not working on your iPhone, read this guide to find out why it is happening and how you can fix it.
Before continuing, you can browse our dedicated Instagram resource page for solutions to specific issues affecting Stories, Instagram Live, IGTV and more. This page also contains many useful tips and tricks to elevate and improve your Instagram experience.
Now, let’s move on to the helpful solutions to fix Instagram on your iPhone.
1. Check Internet Connection
If Instagram isn’t uploading pictures, videos, or direct messages, make sure your iPhone has an active internet connection. Try using other social media apps and check if they work properly. If these (internet connected) apps are also not working, continue troubleshooting your iPhone. Otherwise, skip to method #2.
For cellular data, turn it off and back on after a few seconds. Do the same for the Wi-Fi connection. You should also make sure that your internet router is turned on and working properly. Restart the router and verify with your service provider that there are no network outages or glitches on their end. Alternatively, enable Airplane mode and disable it after 30 seconds. This will refresh your iPhone’s internet connection and remove any glitches that slow down your device’s internet or prevent it from transmitting data.
Another reason why your iPhone’s data connection is not working could be that you have exhausted your data plan. Therefore, we recommend that you verify the validity period, data volume and expiration date of your internet plan.
See these guides for more detailed instructions on how to fix connection problems on your iPhone.
- Top 8 Ways to Fix Cellular Data Not Working on iPhone
- A Complete Guide to Fix iPhone Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
- How to Fix Cellular Data Graying Out Issue on iPhone and iPad
- How To Fix iPhone Connected To Wi-Fi But Internet Not Working Issue
- How to Fix Apps That Only Work on Wi-Fi on iPhone
If you are unable to access the internet over both cellular data and Wi-Fi, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings.
2. Check and Change Permissions
To use and enjoy certain features on Instagram, you must grant the app access to your gallery, files, and device hardware (camera, microphone, etc.). Suppose you are unable to create Instagram stories or are having difficulties going Live on the platform, check that Instagram has the necessary permissions for this to happen.
Basically, for Instagram to work properly on your iPhone, it needs access to your pictures, microphone, camera, mobile data, and more.
Stage 1: Scroll to the bottom of your iPhone’s Settings menu and select Instagram.
This will launch the Instagram permissions and settings page.
Step 2: Click Photos and select All Photos.
Stage 3: Return to the permission page and make sure Camera and Microphone are turned on.
Step 4: Additionally, make sure that Mobile Data is also enabled. You can turn it off and on again.
This can help you fix other internet related issues that cause Instagram not working properly on your iPhone.
Step 5: Finally, check that the Notifications option is also enabled. This way you can get timely alerts for new posts, messages or account activity. On the Instagram settings page, tap Notifications.
Step 6: Turn on Allow Notifications.
Still not getting Instagram notifications as fast as you’d like (eg delayed notifications)? Or maybe you don’t get notifications from the app at all. We have some comprehensive resources (link below) that can help you fix Instagram notification issues. Check them out.
- How to Fix Instagram Notifications Not Working on iPhone
- How To Fix Instagram Not Sending DM Notifications
- How Do You Notify When Your Favorite People Post on Instagram?
3. Update Instagram
The problem you encounter while using Instagram may also be the result of bugs. Updated versions of Instagram come with bug fixes that fix various performance issues.
Stage 1: Launch the App Store and tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the app.
Step 2: Scroll through the list of apps, find Instagram and tap the Update button.
If Instagram is still not working after updating to the latest version, move on to the next solution.
4. Restart iPhone
Sometimes restarting your iPhone is the ultimate solution to fix apps not working as they should. Turn off your iPhone, turn it back on, launch Instagram and check if it works.
5. Is Instagram Down?
Instagram servers have a history of occasional downtime thus making the platform or some of its features unusable on mobile and PC. If the issue affects many people (i.e. other people in your area aren’t able to use Instagram as well), there’s a good chance their Instagram servers are down. Click on the link below to check the status of Instagram.
If Instagram is experiencing downtime, you’ll have to wait for the company to fix the problem.
6. Reinstall Instagram
This is another reliable fix that you should try if Instagram is still not working on your iPhone after trying all the above troubleshooting methods. That means you have to delete the Instagram app from your iPhone and reinstall it from the App Store. Note that you may need to re-enter your account credentials when you reinstall. If you are worried or afraid that deleting the app will negatively affect your account, you should not delete the app.
However, deleting the Instagram app has almost no effect on your account status, pictures or messages. To clear your doubts, we suggest you take a moment to read what happens if Instagram is removed from your phone.
Stage 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap iPhone Storage.
Stage 3: Find and select Instagram from the list of apps.
Step 4: Tap Delete App and select Delete App at the confirmation prompt.
Animate the Gram
When you use Instagram, the app creates cache files that allow it to run faster on subsequent uses. Instagram may not work properly when your iPhone is running low on storage or RAM. Make sure the app has enough space on your iPhone to host its data and files (go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage). Instagram also has certain operating system requirements (iOS 11.0 or later) for iPhones. That’s why you want to make sure your iPhone’s operating system is up to date. Closing other apps running in the background at the same time can also help free up some RAM for Instagram. Let us know (in the comments below) which solutions worked magic for you. Do the same if you need more help.
Next: Can’t stay signed in to Instagram on your iPhone? The next article, linked below, has 11 tried-and-true solutions to prevent Instagram from constantly signing you out.
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