A Complete Guide to Fixing Instagram Not Working on iPhone

Instagram is currently everyone’s escape from the grim situation sitting at home or elsewhere. The official app is fairly stable, but not entirely foolproof. There are times when the Instagram app crashes, or some features refuse to work as expected. These problems are not normal but do occur. So if Instagram is not working on your iPhone, read this guide to find out why it is happening and how you can fix it.

Before continuing, you can check out our dedicated Instagram resource page for solutions to specific issues affecting Stories, Instagram Live, IGTV, and more. This page also contains many useful tips and tricks to enhance and improve your Instagram experience.

So now, let’s move on to some useful solutions to fix Instagram on your iPhone.

1. Check the internet connection

If Instagram isn’t uploading photos, videos, or direct messages, make sure your iPhone’s internet connection is active. Try using other social media apps and check if they are working properly. If these apps (internet dependent) also don’t work, please try to troubleshoot your iPhone connection. Otherwise, go to method # 2.

For cellular data, turn it off and back on after a few seconds. Do the same for a Wi-Fi connection. You should also make sure that your Internet router is turned on and working properly. Restart the router and check with your service provider that there is no network interruption or problem on their end. You can also turn Airplane mode on and off after 30 seconds. This will refresh your iPhone’s internet connection and eliminate any issues that slow down your device’s internet connection or prevent it from transmitting data.

Another reason that your iPhone’s data connection is not working may be because you have exhausted your data plan. Therefore, we recommend that you check the validity period, the data volume as well as the expiration date of your Internet package.

Refer to these guides for more detailed instructions on how to troubleshoot connectivity issues on your iPhone.

If you cannot access the internet on both cellular data and Wi-Fi, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings.

2. Check and change permissions

To use and enjoy some features on Instagram, you need to allow the app to access your gallery, files, and device hardware (camera, microphone, etc.). Suppose you are having trouble creating Instagram Stories or having difficulty going live on the platform, check that Instagram has the necessary permissions for this to happen.

Basically, for Instagram to work properly on your iPhone, you need to access your photos, microphone, camera, mobile data, etc.

Step 1: Scroll to the bottom of your iPhone’s Settings menu and select Instagram.

This will launch the Instagram permission and settings page.

2nd step: Click Photos and select All Photos.

Step 3: Go back to the authorization page and make sure the camera and microphone are on.

Step 4: Moreover, make sure that mobile data is also turned on. You can turn it off and back on.

It can help fix other internet related issues that are preventing Instagram from working properly on your iPhone.

Step 5: And finally, check that the Notifications option is also enabled. This way, you can receive timely alerts for new posts, messages or account activity. On Instagram’s settings page, tap Notifications.

Step 6: Activate the Allow notifications option.

Still not receiving Instagram notifications as quickly as you want (i.e. delayed notifications)? Or maybe you don’t get notifications from the app at all. We have comprehensive resources (linked below) that can help you troubleshoot Instagram notification issues. Check them.

3. Update Instagram

The problem you are having while using Instagram could also be the work of bugs. Updated versions of Instagram come with bug fixes that fix several performance issues.

Step 1: Launch the App Store and tap the profile icon at the top right corner of the app.

2nd step: Scroll through the list of apps, find Instagram, and tap the Update button.

Proceed to the next solution if Instagram is still not working after updating it to the latest version.

4. Restart the iPhone

Sometimes restarting your iPhone is the ultimate solution to fixing apps that are not working as they should. Turn off your iPhone, turn it back on, launch Instagram and check if it works.

5. Is Instagram down?

Instagram servers have a history of occasional decommissioning, rendering the platform or some of its features unusable on mobile and PC. If the issue is affecting a lot of people (i.e. other people in your area can’t use Instagram either), there’s a good chance Instagram’s servers are down. Click on the link below to check the status of Instagram.

Check the status of Instagram (on DownDetector)

If Instagram is experiencing downtime, you’ll have to wait for the company to resolve the issue.

6. Reinstall Instagram

This is another trusted fix that you should try if Instagram is still not working on your iPhone after trying all of the troubleshooting methods above. This means that you will have to remove the Instagram app from your iPhone and reinstall it from the App Store. Note that you may need to re-enter your account credentials when you reinstall it. If you are concerned or concerned that removing the app will negatively affect your account, you should not remove the app.

That said, removing the Instagram app has virtually no effect on your account status, photos, or messages. To allay your doubts, we recommend that you take a minute to read what happens when Instagram is uninstalled from your phone.

Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.

2nd step: Tap iPhone storage.

Step 3: Find and select Instagram from the list of apps.

Step 4: Tap Remove app and select Remove app on the confirmation prompt.

You can also long-press the Instagram app icon on your iPhone’s home page or app library. Select Remove app from the context menu and select Remove app from the confirmation prompt.

Revive the Gram

When using Instagram, the app creates cache files that allow it to run faster on further use. When your iPhone is running out of storage space or RAM, Instagram may not work properly. Make sure your iPhone has enough space (go to Settings> General> iPhone Storage) to accommodate the app’s data and files. Instagram also has specific operating system requirements (iOS 11.0 or newer) for iPhones. Therefore, you want to make sure that your iPhone’s operating system is up to date. Closing other apps running in the background simultaneously could also help free up RAM for Instagram. Let us know (in the comments below) which of the solutions worked for you. Do the same if you need more help.