Instagram Filters Not Working? Here’s Fix
Instagram filters are great! They allow many Instagram users to unleash their creativity and jump onto new trends by using the latest Instagram filter available.
However, they are not perfect at all. You might be training to use your favorite filters, but they are not loading on the app screen.
The Instagram team is quite aware of these problems, but luckily, you can fix filters on Instagram by yourself if you follow some quick steps. In this guide, we will be talking about:
- Why are Instagram filters not working?;
- Fixing Instagram filters on your mobile device;
- What to do if you cannot fix Instagram filters.
Why Are Instagram Filters Not Working? 3 Common Issues
There are several reasons why Instagram filters might be failing on your device.
Both iOs and Android users can experience these problems, as well as Instagram Reels not working, so understanding the root cause of these matters will help us fix them in no time.
1. Instagram Filters Not Showing
If Instagram filters are not showing on your phone, then Instagram app restarting might do the trick.
It can also happen with a classic Instagram story - these are minor issues that are solved within seconds.
2. Bug on the Instagram App
Bugs on Instagram appear mostly due to faulty internet connections. Perhaps you see Instagram stories blurry because your Internet is not good enough.
The same happens with face filters, so if you cannot add filters to a picture or video, then remember that these features work with Internet connections (as it happens with other apps, such as Snapchat filters).
3. Instagram Account Problems
Perhaps we are not talking about a device error and instead, there’s a problem with your account.
Although most users that experience problems with filters have their accounts clean, it might happen that you might be shadowbanned or something similar.
How To Fix Instagram Filters Issues
There are six main ways to fill Instagram filter issues on your phone. First and foremost, we encourage you to restart your phone by using the power button and closing the Instagram app data before proceeding with the fixing.
If filters continue to fail even after you restart and re-add them to your profile, then move on with each one of the following fixes.
1. Update Instagram
You must always have the latest version of the Instagram app downloaded on your phone.
Previous versions will not start working properly when you open them, so it is imperative to update them on the application page.
If you have an Android, open Google Play Store, search for IG, select Instagram on the applications menu, and update it.
If you have an iPhone, open the Apple App Store, look for Instagram, select it, and update all the application data from here. This should do the trick.
2. Free Storage Space on Your Device
If you cannot use Instagram filters by pressing the camera shutter button on the app, maybe your phone is filled with trash files.
Go to the Settings App on your phone, and delete several files that you don’t use anymore.
We highly suggest you get rid of old applications that you do not use at all.
Then, close Instagram, and see if you can use filters on Instagram now. Make sure to delete these files from the trash folder in application’s settings as well.
3. Clear Instagram Application’s Cache Memory
Instagram accumulates app cache data, which might slow down the app.
This data permission must be cleared once in a while - this will ensure that the app works smoothly as it should.
In order to clear Instagram cache, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings menu on your phone and look for the Apps tab;
- Here, locate and tap on Instagram;
- Select “Clear Cache;”
- You must delete both application data and application cache data if you want Instagram face filters to show again.
After you clear cache, you might be able to get rid of the Instagram Filters Not Showing error.
4. Check if Filters Are Available In Your Area
It might also happen that Instagram disable Instagram filters due to location permission.
Texas and Illinois laws have facial recognition laws that go against facial scanning.
The company’s facial scanning works with power augmented reality effects.
This recognition technology covered within the law makes it impossible for users in these areas to use filters.
You can learn more about these matters in the NY Post.
5. Delete and Reinstall Instagram
If the above solutions didn’t work for you, then simply move Instagram to the trashed folder and reinstall it again.
Look for Instagram on your phone’s menu, long press the app, tap on the uninstall button, and delete it.
Then, look for the app on the Apple or Google Store, and download it. Log in, and see if you can use filters now.
6. Contact Instagram Support Team
Last but not least, it might also happen that your account is somewhat blocked.
In this case, we highly recommend you contact the Instagram Customer Service and tell them about your inconveniences.
If you are banned or shadowbanned, they will tell you your account status right away.
We hope these solutions worked for you! Instagram filters are amazing, and using them is really fun, so get rid of these problems so you can be part of a big community in no time.
FAQ
Do I Need to Download Instagram Effects?
No, saved filters do not need to be manually downloaded outside of Instagram. You simply select inside the app and it should be more than enough to use them.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.