Instagram Not Loading on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

Instagram won’t load on your iPhone? Whether it’s stuck on the loading screen, crashing, or not refreshing your feed, you’re not alone—and luckily, it’s usually fixable. Most of the time, it comes down to a simple glitch, a bad internet connection, or a bug in the app or iOS.

Here are all the top fixes to get Instagram working again on your iPhone.

1. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, all your phone needs is a fresh start.

For iPhone 8 or earlier:

Hold the Power button until “Slide to power off” appears.
Swipe the slider to turn off.
Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone X or newer:

Hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down until the slider appears.
Swipe to power off.
Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Side button to turn it back on.

Now relaunch Instagram and see if it loads.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Instagram won’t load without a stable connection.

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, turn Wi-Fi off and then back on.
If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to cellular data: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data should be toggled on.
Try loading another app or website to confirm the issue is only with Instagram.

3. Update Instagram

Running an outdated app can cause crashes or loading issues.

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon at the top right.
Scroll to see if Instagram is listed under “Available Updates.”
Tap Update if it’s there.

4. Reinstall Instagram

If updating doesn’t help, a clean reinstall might do the trick.

Tap and hold the Instagram app icon.
Tap Remove App > Delete App.
Open the App Store, search Instagram, and tap Get to reinstall.

Log back in and check if the app loads properly.

5. Log Out and Log Back In

Sometimes, your session may need to be refreshed.

Open Instagram and go to your profile.
Tap the menu (three lines) > Settings > Log Out.
Sign back in and check if the issue persists.

6. Turn Off Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode may restrict background refresh and performance.

Go to Settings > Battery.
Turn off Low Power Mode.

7. Update iOS

Outdated system software can cause compatibility issues with Instagram.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Install any available update, then restart your iPhone.

8. Reset Network Settings

If Instagram still won’t load despite a working connection:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Tap Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so reconnect afterward.

9. Enable Instagram Permissions

If Instagram can’t access your camera, photos, or data, it may not function correctly.

Go to Settings > Instagram.
Make sure Photos, Camera, Microphone, and Cellular Data are enabled.

10. Contact Instagram Support

Still having trouble? Open Instagram, go to your profile > menu > Settings > Help > Report a Problem. Or visit Instagram Help Center.