If Instagram keeps crashing on your iPhone XS Max, you’re definitely not alone. This is a common problem—especially after a software update, when an app is outdated, or when some background data goes rogue. The good news? You can usually fix it yourself without heading to a service center. Here’s a list of practical fixes you can try to get Instagram back up and running.
1. Force Close All Background Apps and Restart Your iPhone
Apps running in the background can cause instability if one crashes or conflicts with Instagram.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause.
- Swipe through the open apps and swipe up on each to close them.
- Then restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down.
- Drag the power slider to turn it off.
- After 30 seconds, press the Side button to turn it back on.
You can also do a force restart:
- Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
2. Clear Instagram App Cache
Old, corrupted cache files might be what’s making Instagram crash.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down and tap Instagram.
- If available, tap Offload App (this keeps data but removes the app itself).
- Tap Reinstall App when it reappears.
Or, delete it completely and reinstall—covered in step 5 below.
3. Update Instagram and Other Apps
Outdated apps are crash-prone, especially after iOS updates.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Scroll to see pending updates.
- Tap Update All or update Instagram specifically.
Then restart your iPhone and check if Instagram runs smoothly.
4. Reset Network Settings
If Instagram crashes only when online, your network settings might be corrupted.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
- Your iPhone will reboot automatically.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward and test the app again.
5. Delete and Reinstall Instagram
If nothing has worked so far, the Instagram app itself might be corrupted.
- Tap and hold the Instagram icon until the menu appears.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App > Delete.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Go to the App Store and reinstall Instagram.
Log back in and see if it behaves normally.
6. Still Not Working? Try Advanced Resets
If the crashing continues even after a reinstall, you could be dealing with a system-level bug.
You can try:
- Factory Reset via Settings (erases everything)
- Recovery Mode Restore using Finder or iTunes
- DFU Mode Restore as a last resort
⚠️ These will erase your data, so make sure to back up to iCloud or a computer first.
Contact Apple or Instagram Support
If all else fails, reach out to Apple Support and Instagram Help Center. Especially if the issue started after a drop, water exposure, or major iOS update, you might need professional help.