8 Best Ways to Fix Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed

Instagram’s dream run in the social media space continues with new features like Reels, Stories, and more. However, with these added features comes a trade-off on service stability. As a result, you may face issues like Instagram not showing profile pictures and sometimes fails to refresh the feed. If you are from the latter camp, read the post on how to fix Instagram could not refresh feed issue.

The issue is more persistent on the Instagram Android app, but in this article we will cover both the iOS and Android Instagram apps to resolve the feed refresh issue.

1. Check Instagram servers

This is one of the main reasons Instagram couldn’t refresh the feed error. Due to the unprecedented demand of over 1 billion Instagram users, the server may be overloaded and generate errors for the users.

You can go to the downdetector website and search for Instagram. If you notice strong spikes of outrage reported by other users, then it is waiting for you and watching you. Unfortunately, you have no choice but to wait for Instagram to solve the problem on their end.

You can also go to Twitter and check trending topics to confirm if Instagram is down or not.

2. Update Instagram

Not everyone is used to regularly updating apps from the App Store or Google Play Store. But sometimes you need to update your daily drivers like Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. which promise better stability and reliability.

Open the Google Play Store or the App Store and update the Instagram app to the latest version available. Then open Instagram and try to load the homepage again.

3. Enable mobile data for Instagram (iPhone)

IPhone allows you to restrict mobile data in certain apps so as not to go too far with data usage. For example, if you’ve turned off mobile data for Instagram, the feed won’t load. Instead, follow the steps below to activate it again.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

2nd step: Scroll down and find Instagram.

Step 3: Activate mobile data in the next menu.

4. Use a fast internet connection

With the reels, stories, and videos, Instagram requires a strong internet connection to load the content for you.

If you are working on a slow internet connection, switch to a better network to refresh the Instagram feed. For example, accessing Instagram on the public Wi-Fi network may result in a lack of update feed error in the app.

These public Wi-Fi networks are usually overloaded with a large number of devices connected to them.

5. Force stop Instagram (Android)

Like Force Quit on Mac and End Task on Windows, Force Stop on Android completely stops all background app activity. You can use the method and resolve Instagram feed refresh error.

Step 1: Find Instagram from home screen or app drawer and long press the app icon.

2nd step: Access the app information menu.

Step 3: Tap Force Stop and confirm your decision.

Restart your Android phone and open Instagram again.

6. Clear cache and storage (Android)

Instagram collects cache in the background so that it can quickly load your frequently visited pages and accounts for you. However, a corrupted cache can leave you with a feed refresh error for you. Here is how to clear cache and storage on Instagram on Android.

Step 1: Long press the Instagram icon and go to the app info menu.

2nd step: Tap Storage and cache.

Step 3: Select Clear Storage and Clear Cache from the next menu.

Open Instagram again and you will see the app load new content for you.

7. Give unlimited data usage (Android)

Android has a neat data saver mode that helps you restrict data usage on the phone. However, when Data Saver mode is on, it may interfere with Instagram and display cannot refresh feed on the home screen.

You don’t need to turn Data Saver mode off completely. Instead, you can give Instagram unlimited access to data usage to keep it running normally even when Data Saver mode is on.

Step 1: Long press the Instagram app icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Go to Mobile data and Wi-Fi and activate Unrestricted use of data switch to the next menu.

8. Reconnect to Instagram

This trick has worked for a lot, so it’s worth a try once. First of all, you can open the Instagram app, go to Account> More menu> Settings.

Scroll down and sign out of the app. Try to reconnect and see if the issue has been resolved or not.

Start browsing Instagram

You can always use Instagram from another device or go for the web version of Instagram to check the latest timeline. Additionally, if you have had enough of Instagram or want to take a break from the social media platform, you can permanently deactivate or delete your Instagram account.