Instagram Reels Not Working? Here’s The Fix
The Instagram Reels option changed everything.
What started as a beta version to compete against TikTok became one of the most used Instagram features around.
Many users all over the world check Instagram Reels on a daily basis.
Perhaps you like to record an Instagram Reel from time to time as well - in any case, this feature is also great.
But what happens if you select Instagram Reels icon, and the videos are not loading?
This is a common problem that is often solved using simple solutions.
If you want to enable Reels features back again, then continue reading this post to learn more about:
- Why are Instagram Reels not working?;
- Best ways to get Instagram Reels fixed in no time;
- All the tricks you can employ to get rid of any type Instagram problem.
Why Are Instagram Reels Not Working?
There are plenty of different reasons that can lead Reels to not work on Instagram.
In fact, different features on the same app, such as Instagram Music Not Working well with the app’s music library and other problems, might happen separately.
Your Instagram Stories screen can fail without further notice as well, so encountering problems with this and other creative features is not like finding a unicorn.
Any other app can also present problems, mostly if you are using a feature that it’s actually under a beta version.
The good thing about Instagram is the fact that we can identify what’s happening so we can get Instagram Working Good back again.
Availability of the Instagram Reels Feature
At first, Instagram introduced reels as a part of the Instagram Beta Program. You could join Beta Program and try out the Reels tab easily.
Since Reels consists of a short video clip with good video quality, testing out these beta versions was really easy.
The problem is that, as explained on Instagram Website, this beta section wasn’t available to everyone.
As of 2022’s Q2, some countries can’t properly use Reels on their Instagram Profile.
If you live outside one of these countries, you could use a VPN at your own risk to see if you can enjoy Reels.
Instagram Reels Not Working: 5 Ways To Fix Instagram Reels
Perhaps you can’t find Reels on the “New post screen,” or maybe the whole Instagram home page isn’t loading Reels.
It doesn’t matter if you have an Android device or an iOS device - the solutions we are about to show you will work either way.
Continue reading this article so you can learn how to fix Instagram reels in no time.
Fix 1: Log In and Out from Your Instagram Account
This solution is rather simple, and surprisingly, it has worked outstandingly for many Instagramers out there.
It simply consists of going to your Instagram account page, tapping on the Settings button, and logging out from the platform.
Then, log in again, and look for a Reel on the search bar. If you now can see Reels, then the problem is solved!
Alternative: Try with Multiple Instagram Accounts
In case you have multiple accounts on Instagram, using a different one to check if Reels work is not a waste of time.
The problem happens when you use any other account to see Reels or record them with your camera icon, but your main account does not work for this purpose.
In this case, if the Reels feature still doesn’t work, then move on to the next step on the Instagram app.
Fix 2: Update the Instagram App
Are Reels not working as they should? Perhaps you need to update the Instagram app.
The Reels feature won’t work if you are using an outdated version of the Instagram app - as simple as that.
- If you own an Android phone, go to Google Play Store. On the navigation bar of Google Play Store, look for Instagram, and check if you need to install the latest version;
- Likewise, iPhone and users of iOS devices must have the Instagram app up-to-date. In this case, you need to go to the Play Store app and check if there’s an available software update.
Sometimes, Instagramers prefer to entirely delete app instead of simply updating it. You can uninstall Instagram if you want, so it’s up to you.
Fix 3: Clear Instagram App Cache
The temporary cache of your mobile device often gets seriously affected by Instagram.
In this case, you should go to the “Manage Apps” option and press the button that says “Clear Cache.”
Clearing the cache not only will help you fix Instagram Reels, but it will also improve the performance of the Instagram App.
Quickly check out the steps to do so by reading our new post here: Clear Instagram Cache in Just 2 minutes.
Fix 4: Check Out Your Mobile Device or Phone’s Settings
Are you sure that your phone is working properly? Most of the problems with the Reels tab tape place in Android devices, but this doesn’t mean that iOS phones are perfect.
Perhaps you haven’t installed the latest software, or maybe you are using an Internet connection that doesn’t work.
Hardware and software problems happen all the time, and they might prevent you from using the Reels option.
If you have tried the previously mentioned fixes on the app, but nothing seems to work, get your phone checked instead!
Fix 5: Contact Instagram Support
This is the last thing you can do if nothing seems to work to fix the Reels option.
You need to report a technical problem to the Instagram Team.
You can do so both from the app, by going to settings, or via a web browser by clicking on the previously mentioned link.
Before pressing the “Submit” button, make sure that you explain your case briefly and correctly so they can find a solution for the Reels option not working in the Instagram app.
That will be all for now! Problems with the Instagram app, or another app? Do not despair - GrowFollowing will always be here for you!
FAQ
Why Are Reels Not Showing In My Instagram After Update?
If the Reels option is not working even after an update, then you need to check your phone instead of the app.
Likewise, it is also worth trying to delete Instagram and install it back again. Sometimes, uploads get downloaded with fails, so you are not alone in this.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.