Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed, only to encounter an error message that says “Instagram is not working”? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? But don’t worry, as a Windows expert, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of the 12 best fixes for the Instagram not working error that you can try out right now.
1. Check for Internet Connection
The first thing you should do is to check your internet connection. Instagram requires a stable and strong internet connection to work properly. Make sure that you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network or have a stable cellular data connection. If your connection is weak or unstable, try moving closer to the router or resetting your modem.
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2. Restart Instagram
The first thing you can try when encountering the Instagram not working error is to restart the app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Swipe up on your phone’s home screen to access the app switcher.
Step 2: Find the Instagram app and swipe it up to close it.
Step 3: Wait for a few seconds, then open the Instagram app again.
Step 4: Check if the error has been resolved.
3. Update Instagram
Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can cause several issues, including the not working error. Here’s how to update the app:
Step 1: Go to the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Step 2: Search for “Instagram” in the search bar.
Step 3: If there’s an update available, click on the “Update” button next to the app.
Step 4: Wait for the update to download and install, then open the app again.
Step 5: Check if the error has been resolved.
4. Clear Cache and Data
Clearing your Instagram cache and data can help fix issues with the app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to your device’s settings menu.
Step 2: Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Applications”.
Step 3: Find the Instagram app and select it.
Step 4: Select “Storage” or “Storage and Cache”.
Step 5: Select “Clear cache” or “Clear storage”.
Step 6: Restart your device and open the Instagram app again.
Step 7: Check if the error has been resolved.
5. Reinstall Instagram
If the above solutions don’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Instagram app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Find the Instagram app on your home screen or app drawer.
Step 2: Press and hold on the app icon until a menu appears.
Step 3: Select “Uninstall” or “Delete” to remove the app from your device.
Step 4: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “Instagram”.
Step 5: Install the app again and open it.
Step 6: Check if the error has been resolved.
6. Check for Outages
Instagram may be experiencing outages, which can cause the not working error. You can check if there are any outages by visiting websites like downdetector.com. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to downdetector.com.
Step 2: Search for “Instagram” in the search bar.
Step 3: Check if there are any reported issues with the app.
Step 4: If there are no reported issues, try the other solutions.
7. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can help resolve any network-related issues that might be causing the Instagram not working error. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to your device’s settings menu.
Step 2: Select “General” or “System”.
Step 3: Scroll down and select “Reset” or “Reset options”.
Step 4: Select “Reset network settings”.
Step 5: Confirm that you want to reset your network settings.
Step 6: Wait for your device to restart and try opening the Instagram app again.
Step 7: Check if the error has been resolved.
8. Check for VPN
If you’re using a VPN on your device, try turning it off and check if Instagram starts working. Here’s how to turn off VPN:
1: Go to your device’s settings menu.
Step 2: Find the “VPN” option and select it.
Step 3: Toggle the switch to turn off the VPN.
Step 4: Go back to the Instagram app and check if the error has been resolved.
9. Check Instagram Server Status
Sometimes, the Instagram not working error may be due to a server-side issue. You can check the Instagram Server Status page to see if there are any ongoing issues that might be causing the error. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the Instagram Server Status page.
Step 2: Check if there are any reported issues with the app.
Step 3: If there are no reported issues, try the other solutions.
10. Enable Airplane Mode
Enabling airplane mode on your device and then turning it off after a few seconds can sometimes resolve the Instagram not working error. To enable airplane mode, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
11. Contact Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can contact Instagram support for further assistance. Here’s how to contact them:
Step 1: Go to the Instagram Help Center page.
Step 2: Select the “Report a Hacked Account” or “Report a Login Issue” option.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to report the issue.
Step 4: Wait for a response from Instagram support.
12. Wait It Out
Lastly, if all else fails, you can wait it out. Instagram may be experiencing some temporary issues that will resolve on their own in a few hours. In this case, you can take a break from using the app and come back later to check if the error has been resolved.
In conclusion, there are several solutions you can try when encountering the Instagram not working error, ranging from restarting the app to contacting Instagram support. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided for each solution, and don’t forget to check for updates and clear your cache regularly to ensure smooth performance. With these fixes, you can enjoy using Instagram without any interruptions.
Conclusion
the Instagram not working error can be frustrating, but there are several solutions you can try out. From checking your internet connection to contacting Instagram support, there’s always something you can do to fix the issue. Don’t forget to keep your Instagram app updated and clear your cache and data regularly to ensure smooth performance. And if all else fails, take a break and wait it out – sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one.