Like any social network, Insta runs into plenty of glitches and errors. These could stop you from posting, browsing, or even opening the app. Instagram not working may leave the app unusable for hours. In this article, we look at the signs, reasons, and steps to take when IG doesn’t work.
(Alt Text: A woman sitting in front of a laptop with her smartphone next to her looking frustrated.)
Common Signs of Instagram Not Working
There are a number of issues that could affect your IG experience. These can impact both the Instagram app and its desktop browser equivalent. Here are common problems that show Insta isn’t working:
- Slow app: Even on a new phone or computer, the platform may struggle to load posts or experience issues with the Explore page. If you can’t open any pictures or videos, Instagram might be down.
- Repeated crashes: As with any app, Instagram sometimes has a serious crash. On PC or mobile browsers, it might use too much memory. Either could be Instagram’s fault.
- Upload failures: When you try to upload a post, it sometimes gets stuck on the finishing touches. This is a serious issue for power users with posting schedules.
- Login issues: You might open the app to find that Instagram has logged you out. However, an IG outage could make it impossible for you to get back into your account.
- Messages not sending: Are your DMs failing to deliver? IG instantly tells you if the DM didn’t send. But why is Instagram not working when trying to send a message?
- Missing features: Certain features you’re used to might disappear without warning. For example, Reels or Polls might vanish after a new app update.
Is Instagram Not Working Today?
If you run into these errors or any others, check that it’s not just you. Look online and search for people who are also struggling to use Instagram. There are even certain sites that track IG web traffic. With the help of user reports, these sites can quickly flag any outages.
The platform’s mobile app and desktop web browser version use the same servers. This means an outage on one typically affects the other. If your app isn’t working, it might help to check your web browser. The same problems here could mean Instagram is having issues.
Some of Instagram’s issues are down to your device. For example, it might struggle to maintain its connection. If everything with your phone or computer is working, however, Instagram might be down.
Is Instagram Not Working? 5 Likely Reasons Why This May Be Happening
Every issue that impacts your Instagram might have its own cause. This may again be on your end, but the platform often has its own glitches. Here are some common reasons why your Insta might not be working:
- Update issues: Updates carry the risk of a new bug. Some may hit Android users more than iPhone users due to their separate firmware. These errors can bring the platform to a standstill.
- Server outages: A single server failing could shut Instagram down. In fact, an issue that affects Facebook will also hit IG. In May 2024, a server failure closed these sites globally for hours.
- Poor connectivity: It’s possible your device doesn’t have a great internet connection. If you wonder, “Why is my Instagram not working?” check your Wi-Fi. See if the app runs on mobile data.
- Ad blockers: Many people use an ad blocker to surf the web without obtrusive ads. But this may interfere with Insta. Switch from your browser of choice to check if the problems continue.
- Compatibility: Instagram’s app requirements grow over time. It’s entirely possible that a new update could phase your device out. This could lead to Instagram Reels not working or the app refusing to run.
How To Fix Instagram Notifications Not Working
Do you sometimes miss a DM from a close friend? Do you have post notifications for people but never seem to get them until hours later? You might have an issue with your IG notifications.
Check that you didn’t activate Instagram’s Quiet Mode by mistake. If you get notifications for other apps, Instagram itself might be responsible. Go into your device’s settings. On your Apps page, look for Instagram. Click Notifications and make sure everything is active. Sometimes, turning these off and turning them back on can actually reset (and fix) your notifications.
If you are still having trouble with Instagram notifications not working, consider rebooting your device. The problem might actually be with your phone — even if your other apps work fine.
On PC, you can also check your Insta web browser permissions. This gives you the option to let Instagram send its notifications directly to your browser window. If your phone notifications aren’t working, this may be a good backup plan.
Why Is Instagram Music Not Working?
Instagram now lets you choose songs from thousands of popular and niche artists. You can add their music to your IG posts and stories with just a few clicks. However, some users report their IG music library suddenly missing popular songs.
This could be for a number of reasons. For example, the artist may have actually asked Insta to remove their songs. Alternatively, it might be due to your location. Some countries have a much smaller library due to local copyright laws.
The music sticker that makes this feature work may also disappear out of nowhere. However, try browsing for it in the IG sticker search bar. The app sometimes rearranges its recommended stickers, even those you use often.
Your Instagram music not working is difficult to fix. If it is a glitch, the most you can do is wait for it to go back to normal.
Instagram Reels Not Working: Common Errors
Reels is a relatively new IG feature, but has become one of the app’s main content types. Even with this focus, the Reels themselves can face various glitches. Here are some common issues that can affect your experience:
- Someone sends you a Reel over DMs, but you can’t open it.
- Every Reel you watch is laggy or takes a long while to load.
- Instagram might crash while you’re editing your own Reels.
- A Reel might have no audio for you but still works for others.
- You may save a Reel — only for it to vanish without warning.
- In some cases, Insta’s Reels feature is entirely unavailable.
However, is Instagram not working? Or is there another explanation? For example, a silent Reel might use copyrighted music. Someone also might delete a Reel, which removes it from your bookmarks. As for not having the feature at all, it may be unavailable for your device.
How To Troubleshoot Instagram Glitches
Some problems require you to simply wait for the servers to come back. Alternatively, you might need to wait until they release a new update. But there are steps you can take to fix a number of common IG errors. These include:
- Clearing the cache: A build-up of data can make Instagram run slowly. Go to your Insta app settings and click the Clear Cache button. For some users, this dramatically speeds up the app’s performance.
- Updating the app: If your phone doesn’t have enough space, you might not get the new IG update. This might make the app unstable — so make sure you always use the latest Insta version.
- Do a clean reinstall: An updated Instagram app with a clear cache may still run into issues. When nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall Instagram. This effectively “refreshes” the app, which might help.
- Stop using ad blockers: An overactive ad blocker makes Instagram harder to use by removing certain graphics. Deactivate the ad blocker or switch from your usual browser to see if this makes a difference.
- Check Your Wi-Fi: If the issue has to do with loading or lag, you might have a spotty Wi-Fi connection. Switch to data or reset your router; either of these could fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
[FAQ] Is there an issue with Instagram right now?
There are special websites that can answer the question, “Is Instagram not working today?” See if they report any outages on instagram.com. Check if your friends are having similar issues.
[FAQ] Why is my Instagram not working properly now?
If your connection is definitely stable, the problem may be Instagram’s servers. This is especially likely if other people have the same error messages. However, you could still check for updates or restart your device to see if that makes a difference.
[FAQ] Why is Instagram not refreshing?
An inconsistent web connection or other technical glitch can stop your feed from refreshing. This also happens if you simply run out of posts to view. However, the app usually tells you if this is the case. Check that your Wi-Fi connection is active, just to be safe.
How Paid IG Followers Can Help You
Instagram not working might put a dent in your whole experience with the platform. But you can still make the most of it through extra likes and followers. At GoRead.io, we can help your profile reach the heights it deserves.
Our team will boost your page until you have as many new engaged followers as you want. With GoRead.io, even common glitches won’t stop your long-term Instagram growth.