For some unexplainable reason, your Instagram pictures aren’t loading today. You’ve refreshed the page several times, but the pictures still won’t load. What could be the problem?
If your Instagram pictures aren’t loading, it may be because you have a poor internet connection. Ensure your mobile data or WiFi is working and that there are no problems with your ISP. Instagram might also be down. In that case, there’s nothing you can do besides wait a bit and try again.
Most importantly, don’t panic! This issue happens a lot and is usually easy to fix. Let’s take a closer look at why your Instagram photos aren’t loading and 8 key troubleshooting tips that could potentially solve your problem.
What Should You Do When Pictures on Instagram Aren’t Loading?
There are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot this problem. We’ll go through each of them, starting from the simplest ones.
Check Your Internet Connection
The first and most basic action is to check whether your internet connection is working. Poor internet is the number one reason for an unresponsive Instagram feed. Your phone may have lost signal, there may be problems with your router, or the network connection might just be weak.
If you’re using mobile data, consider switching to WiFi. Similarly, if you are using WiFi and you encounter a problem with the router, try switching to mobile data and see whether it fixes the problem.
It may also be that your internet service provider (ISP) has a fluctuating connection. If this is the case, there’s little you can do. Wait for them to fix the issue on their end before proceeding.
Also, cross-check that your phone isn’t in airplane mode. Turn it off if this is the case, and turn on mobile data or reconnect to your home WiFi.
Is Instagram Down?
The problem may be with Instagram. Their servers may be having a problem. In such a case, you won’t be able to refresh the feed, send direct messages, or post and upload pictures.
Use sites such as Downdetector to check the status of Instagram.
Turn Off Less Mobile Data
Instagram has a built-in data saver mode feature that consumes less data when using the app. While it’s an excellent way of saving data, it can affect the time it takes to load photos and videos. Check whether you have enabled this feature and turn it off.
Here’s how to disable Instagram’s data-saver mode:
- Open the Instagram App.
- Tap on your Profile icon at the screen’s bottom left corner.
- Tap the three vertical lines at the top right.
- Select Settings and choose Account.
- Tap Data Usage.
- Toggle off Use less mobile data if it’s on. The switch will turn from blue to gray.
Similar to this Instagram feature, your phone has a system data saver that limits the data you use for all apps. Check whether it’s on and disable it.
Here’s how to disable data saver on iOS:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Cellular Data.
- Choose your primary SIM.
- Turn off Low Data Mode.
For Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Tap Data Saver and disable it.
Check Phone Permissions
When installing Instagram, did you grant it access and permission to your phone’s storage, gallery, contacts, and camera? If not, this may be the root of your problem. The app needs access to a few of your phone’s apps to function.
Grant the app access to these apps before proceeding.
Clear Cache
Most apps, including Instagram, use caches to help you load frequently visited pages quickly. They are helpful in navigating and refreshing the feed. But caches become a problem when they’re in excess or corrupt. Clear these caches and try reloading Instagram again.
Here’s how to clear your Instagram cache:
- Press and hold the Instagram icon until a pop-up menu appears.
- Tap App info (i).
- Select Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
Try loading the pictures again and see whether it fixes the problem.
Update Instagram
If your Instagram is outdated, that might be why you’re having problems loading content. Outdated apps are known to have bugs and glitches that cause all sorts of problems. Try updating it and see whether it fixes the problem.
To update Instagram on iOS:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Scroll to pending updates.
- Look for Instagram and tap Update.
For Android:
- Open the Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Select Manage Apps & Device.
- Go to Instagram and tap Update.
It’s always recommended to use updated versions of apps, and that goes beyond Instagram. Updated apps may have new features and bug fixes that aren’t available in the older versions.
Give It Some Time
Instagram is unarguably very addictive. You may have spent a little too much time on the app performing too many actions. If you follow lots of accounts and like many comments and posts in a short period, Instagram may think you’re a bot.
The result is that it blocks or limits you from performing certain actions or even refreshing your feed. Take a break from the app and see what happens. You can also log out and log in again.
Here’s how:
- Go to the Instagram Settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap Log out.
- Wait for a few minutes before logging in again.
ReInstall the App
Another trick that may work is to uninstall and reinstall the app. While installing the app, it may have come with corrupt installation files. This is rare but possible.
Uninstall the app and try re-installing it entirely.
Here’s how to install Instagram on iOS:
- Tap and hold the Instagram app icon until it starts shaking.
. - Tap the X icon to delete it.
- Go to the App Store and reinstall it.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Go to the Play Store and reinstall it.
Instagram Lite Saves You Data
Instagram is notorious for consuming a lot of data, but the Instagram Lite app (for Android) helps you keep your data usage down. It’s an ultra-lightweight version of Instagram that gives you the full experience without sacrificing any of its features.
If you’re an Android user looking to save that extra data, Instagram lite is here to help.