Top 7 Ways to Fix Instagram Lag on iPhone and Android

Even though most smartphones have adopted a high 120Hz screen refresh rate for smooth scrolling, we still lag behind resource-intensive apps like Instagram, Facebook, and other apps. Especially on Instagram, you might have noticed a lag here and there that spoils the overall experience. Here’s how to fix Instagram lag on iPhone and Android.

Instagram lag can be attributed to several factors like slow internet speeds, outdated apps, low RAM, etc. Let’s discuss everything and fix Instagram lag on iPhone and Android.

1. Disable less mobile data in Instagram

If you’re limited on mobile data, you may have turned on the Use less mobile data toggle in the Instagram app. This way the app will use less data to load the stream. The practice can cause Instagram lag on Android and iPhone. Follow the steps to turn off less mobile data on Instagram.

Step 1: Open Instagram on iPhone or Android.

2nd step: Go to your profile and tap the hamburger menu at the top.

Step 3: Go to settings.

Step 4: Select Account and tap on the Data usage menu.

Step 5: Disable the Use less mobile data option and reopen the app.

2. Disable high quality downloads on Instagram

Instagram allows users to download higher quality videos over mobile or Wi-Fi. Additional processing time may be required due to larger file sizes. When trying to use Instagram in the middle of a high quality media download, you might notice a lag in the app.

Here’s how to turn off high-quality downloads on Instagram.

Step 1: Access your Instagram account on your iPhone or Android.

2nd step: Select the hamburger menu and go to Settings.

Step 3: Open an account and select Data usage.

Step 4: Turn off high quality downloads and enjoy a smooth Instagram experience.

3. Use fast internet speeds

When browsing Instagram, you need to have a solid internet connection for flawless performance. If you’re connected to a slow network connection, you might notice a lag in your Instagram feed.

Connect to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, not the 2.4 GHz frequency if you are on Wi-Fi. You will see improved network speeds and faster charging times.

4. Force stop Instagram (Android)

Is Instagram acting weird on your Android phone? You must force close the application and reopen it. Here is what you need to do.

Step 1: Find the Instagram icon on your Android home screen or in the app drawer.

2nd step: Long press the app icon and go to the app info menu.

Step 3: Tap Force Stop and confirm your decision.

The move will close all Instagram-related activities on the app. Until you open the app, you won’t receive Instagram notifications either. Open Instagram and you won’t notice any lag.

5. Clear Instagram cache (Android)

Like most Android apps, Instagram collects cache in the background to quickly load frequently visited pages. If you are a seasoned Instagram user, you might end up collecting hundreds of MB of cache data in the background. This amount of cache can cause Instagram to lag on Android.

You need to clear Instagram cache from app info menu. Here’s how.

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

2nd step: Go to the Storage and cache menu.

Step 3: Select Clear Cache from the next menu.

6. Free up RAM on iPhone and Android

This tip applies to phones with 4 GB or little RAM. If you have too many apps and games open in the background, it can consume all the RAM on the device. In this case, if you try to open Instagram, you might notice a lag during general browsing.

On iPhone or Android, swipe up from the bottom and open the multitasking menu. Swipe up and remove background apps. Free the device’s RAM and try to use Instagram again.

7. Update Instagram

Using an outdated Instagram version on iPhone or Android can cause lag. Instagram regularly updates its mobile apps with bug fixes and new features. You need to go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and update Instagram to the latest version available.

Remove Instagram Lag on iPhone and Android

Without a real Instagram alternative, you are stuck with the above troubleshooting solutions to fix the lag. If you primarily use Instagram for direct messages, you can use Thread by Instagram to get the job done.