How To Fix Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed
Avid Instagram users know that this is one of the best social media platforms out there, but there are some issues that need to be solved.
One of the most common problems with this app is the “Refresh Feed” issue, which is an Instagram error that doesn’t allow users to use Instagram properly.
If you have faced the Instagram “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” error, do not despair - we’ve come to your rescue.
In this blog post, we are going to give you all the definitive answers you are looking for to fix Instagram not working once and for all.
Continue reading to get valuable information about:
- What’s the Instagram “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” error, and how to solve it;
- Best ways to fix the Instagram feed issue in no time;
- What to do if the Instagram feed error persists.
5 Reasons Why the “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” Error Message Shows Up
Many Instagram users have experienced the same problem at least once in the past few months.
This creates the need to find an efficient solution for the Instagram refresh feed error message right away.
Nevertheless, in order to solve this error on the Instagram app, we first must understand its causes.
Pro Tip: Comprehending the best course of action to solve an Instagram error is the key to making the best out of this platform.
Instagram feed error, Instagram User Not Found, and problems accessing Instagram are just some of the most standard issues experienced by users.
1. Your Phone Has Incorrect Date and Time
Check if your Android phone or iPhone has “Set Automatically date and time” toggled.
If you don’t set date and time automatically, you will have problems opening the app on your phone.
Not only that, a wrong date and time configuration can also affect the functionality of other apps that might encounter conflicting values on your device.
To set the right date and time on your phone, just follow these three steps:
- Go to Settings and find the “Date and Time” option. You need to do the same thing both on Android and iPhone;
- Find the “Set Automatically” option and turn it on;
- Open Instagram and check if the same issue still persists.
2. You Used Harmful or Forbidden Third-Party Apps
We understand that some Instagram automation tools, such as Instagram Bots, are great to get more followers and increase your reach.
However, some users that had the same problem have claimed to be using third-party tools, which ultimately caused a temporary block on their Instagram account.
In that case, log out of all third-party apps and check if that works to fix Instagram.
And, remember: when it comes to using Instagram marketing tools, quality should always be a priority over low prices and platforms that might compromise your personal information!
On top of that, make sure that you don’t get an Instagram Challenge Required confirmation if you are not logging it from another device - contact Instagram support as soon as you can if this happens to you.
3. Instagram Servers Are Down
If another platform, such as Facebook, works fine but Instagram doesn’t, maybe there’s a problem with the servers.
In that case, we always recommend our readers to check DownDetector since it’s the most reliable source to identify outages.
4. Instagram Not Refreshing Due to Network Issues
If your WiFi or mobile Internet connection are not working as they should, then say goodbye to Instagram features!
Having a faulty Internet connection can affect both Android and iPhone users, and will cause many different bugs on the app.
For instance, the “ Instagram Couldn’t Load Activity” problem might also appear on your phone, which is quite annoying.
This is why it’s imperative to ensure that your connections work properly if the latest Instagram posts are not loading on your profile.
5. Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Due to Bugs On the App
Instagram is one of the most downloaded apps in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
Temporary files accumulate in the background, which creates trouble refreshing the feed in the long haul.
Thus, it is our duty to manually clear out Instagram’s cache files from time to time.
Wiping out all the saved files and latest photos on the Instagram cache will help you refresh Instagram more smoothly, which ultimately, will improve the speed of the app.
7 Proven Ways to Fix “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” on the Instagram App
Now that you know why the Instagram app is stuck on the same post over and over again, it’s time to take a close look at the best solutions for the Refresh Feed error.
Before you start looking for solutions, remember to log in to your account correctly.
You might as well be using any other account that has been limited, but, just as we mentioned before, if this happens, then Instagram will let you know once you log in.
Without further ado, let’s get rid of the Couldn’t Refresh Feed error for good.
Fix 1: Update Instagram App
This is one of the main reasons that causes the Instagram feed loading error.
The Instagram app must be up-to-date so you can properly use it without having issues.
If you don’t have the latest version of the Instagram app, then it’s fundamental to download it as soon as possible on your device.
Luckily, you want to update the Instagram app within just a few minutes.
Go to Google Play Store or iPhone App Store
In order to update Instagram, you must go to the Google Play Store and find the app right there. Of course, this only applies if you use an Android phone.
In case you use an iPhone, then the App Store is where you need to go.
Make sure to have a strong internet connection before you start updating the Instagram App.
Alternatively, you can also use your mobile data.
Fix 2: Check Internet Connection
If your Internet connection is not good enough, then the “ Couldn’t Refresh Feed” message will appear.
Check if the problem is your Wi-Fi. Sometimes, having a bad Wi-Fi Internet connection can only be solved by talking with your internet provider.
Still, you can try using your mobile data, but be careful with data usage since Instagram consumes lots of MB.
Verify Your Mobile Network Connection
If you turn off mobile data and Instagram stories and posts are not loading, then you might not have network issues, and instead, you have limited mobile data turned on.
This feature controls the access data of the apps, including Instagram.
Go to settings, look for the Instagram app and control the data usage by tapping “Cellular Data” on your iOS device:
As you can see, if you scroll down a little bit, you will see all your downloaded apps, including Instagram.
Make sure that the toggle switch is turned green.
If you have an Android device, open Settings, and look for your apps. Here, you need to make sure that Instagram has Unrestricted Data Usage.
Thus, the toggle switch that says Mobile Data should be turned on.
Then, set the Instagram app to have “Unrestricted data usage.” At this point, the network connection problem should be gone. If not, move on to the following fix.
Fix 3: Force Stop the Instagram App
This is a trick that might work for you if you have an Android phone.
All you need to do is to look for the app on the main menu of your device and long-tap the Instagram app icon.
Then, a menu will appear. Right here, you need to tap where it says “Force Stop” app:
This will close the Instagram app. Once you do it, open Instagram back again and check if you can Refresh Feed. If not, move on to the next solution.
Fix 4: Clear Cache
This is an all-time classic that works most of the time.
You need to clear the app’s cache. In some cases, depending on the version of the app, you can directly do this on Instagram settings.
Nevertheless, we highly recommend you do this on your phone settings instead.
Clearing Cache on iPhone and Android Device
Let’s check if clearing the cache is an effective solution to see the Instagram feed again.
If you use Android, go to settings, then “Apps and Storage,” and find the Instagram app.
There, you must press the “cleardata” option that appears right there:
On the other hand, if you have an iPhone, go to Settings, find the Instagram app on “Storage,” and instead of tapping “clear cache,” you need to select the “Offload App” option.
That will erase disposable data related to your account, which might help you solve the “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” message in no time. That’s how you clear Instagram cache!
Fix 5: Log in With a Different Instagram Account
For practical purposes, we always recommend checking if the Couldn’t Refresh Feed problem happens using another Instagram account.
Before login in, you could try asking a friend to check if their Instagram is working as it should.
Either way, to use a new account, just tap on your profile picture and go to Instagram Settings by selecting the Hamburger icon.
There, log out and then log back in using a new account.
If the “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” error is not there anymore, then the problem is your account and not the app.
Fix 6: Check for Hardware Issues on Your Mobile Device
Maybe your device is damaged, and that’s blocking the Instagram feed.
However, if you haven’t experienced any problems using other applications, then this is unlikely.
Still, if you tried most of the fixes on this guide and none of them worked to solve the Instagram feed error, then your phone might as well be broken.
Clear Your Phone Storage
Some people, primarily Android users, experience problems with apps over time.
One of the best solutions for this matter is to clear all of your phone storage.
Of course, it’s fundamental to make a backup of your data before you proceed with this.
Consider this as a last resort alternative in case none of these solutions actually work to solve the feed inconvenience.
Fix 7: Check Your Instagram Feed On a Web Browser
It is not a secret for anyone that most users browse Instagram on the mobile app and not on a web browser.
As odd as it might be for you, open Instagram website on a browser instead of the application and check if the feed works there.
If you are unable to see the Instagram home page either, then the problem isn’t related to the device.
Use Different Devices to Access Instagram
Instead of checking the Instagram feed using a PC or a mobile device, try using a tablet, or even a friend’s phone.
This might seem like a rudimentary alternative, but it’s actually a great way to comprehend if the problem is related to the Instagram platform, your device, or your account.
Fix 8: Delete and Reinstall Instagram App
Last but not least, entirely deleting Instagram could also fix the “Can’t Refresh Feed on Instagram” error.
Simply long-tap the app’s icon, select Delete App, and get rid of it.
Your login information won’t be lost, so don’t worry, you won’t delete your Instagram account by doing this.
Then, we recommend you press the Power Button on your phone to reset it before downloading it again.
Go to the App Store or Google Play Store, and re-install Instagram.
This should work as a last resort alternative only.
Instagram “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” Problem Fixed!
Some of these fixes must have worked for you to get rid of the Instagram “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” message!
Otherwise, if you still can’t see the feed, then there’s nothing else for you to do other than to contact the Instagram Support Team.
To summarize, we’ll list all the above methods to fix the Instagram Feed Not Refreshing Bug:
- Check your Internet connection - Instagram won’t properly work if your network is not working;
- Clear cache and get rid of app bugs - mobile applications bug all the time and Instagram is no exception, so don’t forget to do this;
- Make sure that Instagram servers are working - if not, then just wait patiently;
- Check if your phone’s hardware is the problem - if so, you need to change your device or repair it as soon as you have a chance;
- Contact Instagram support or entirely delete and reinstall the app if nothing else worked.
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends! If you want to keep reading sensational Instagram guides, check GrowFollowing every day.
FAQ
How Do I Know If My Instagram Profile is Banned?
Your feed won’t load, and you won’t be able to correctly access your profile.
In order to know the reasons for your ban, check your account’s email for an official Instagram message.
Why is Instagram Not Refreshing My Feed?
The causes of these issues could be divided into three possible reasons: internet connection issues, Instagram profile problems, or Instagram servers failing.
Also, the device you use might be broken or damaged.
Can I Reset My Instagram Feed Algorithm?
Yes, you can! Go to the apps settings and delete your Instagram history.
There, Instagram will start collecting information from the very beginning, which means that you will have a brand-new, clean feed to start over again.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.