Instagram Stories Not Working? Here’s Fix
Instagram is the leading photo-sharing app, but that doesn’t mean it is perfect whatsoever.
Instagram stories are cool to upload, and they are a big part of the Instagram experience.
But whether you have an Android phone or iOS device, they can fail without further notice.
If you have problems with Instagram Stories, then you are not alone - other users face similar bugs every day!
Fortunately, we know how to get it fixed. Keep on reading to learn more about:
- Why are Instagram Stories not working?;
- How to fix stories on Instagram;
- Troubleshooting tips to get Instagram working properly again.
3 Most Common Issues with Instagram Stories
First and foremost, the best way to fix any Instagram trouble is by identifying the causes of the problem.
This happens with other social media platforms as well, such as Twitter and Snapchat.
Therefore, let’s take a moment to see what is happening.
1. Instagram Stories Not Loading
Instagram Stories not loading happens mainly due to a connectivity issue.
Perhaps there are technical issues with the app as well, but bad Internet is almost always the root cause of it.
Other apps also fail whenever your Internet is failing - Instagram simply cannot download the videos or photos being posted on the stories.
2. You Can’t Share Post To Instagram Story
In this case, we might be talking about either a bug with the app, or a connectivity problem.
If you try to upload a photo or a video to your Story, but cannot do it, then we must check if other apps are messing with Instagram.
Users who have the Add Post to Story Missing on Instagram problem must force close the app immediately.
In most cases, this is more than enough to access the app again. Force closing works like magic!
3. Problems with your Instagram Account
Maybe your account has issues with Instagram Guidelines. In this case, we recommend you visit the Instagram website and check with their Help Center whether you are banned or not.
This is a long shot, but we should also consider it as one of the main causes of Instagram Stories not working on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.
How To Fix Instagram Stories Not Working
If you are experiencing instagram Stories not working on the Instagram app, we need to find a fix for this problem as soon as we can.
Follow these troubleshooting steps one by one and we assure you that you will fix the Instagram app on your device within just minutes!
1. Restart Your Device
Good old phone restarting never fails! Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, restart your device, close all the apps, and see if you can open Instagram.
Sometimes, finishing the force stop of the Instagram app and restarting your phone does the trick, but if not, then move on to the following fix.
2. Update the Instagram App
All apps must remain up to date, and the Instagram app is no exception.
If you don’t have the latest version of the Instagram app, you will start to face problems of all kinds.
Worry not - in order to update Instagram to the latest version, do this:
- On Android devices, go to the Google Play Store, tap on the search bar, find Instagram, and update the Instagram app;
- On iPhone devices, log in to the Apple App Store, tap on search, find Instagram, and update the app.
3. Clear Instagram App’s Cache
The Instagram app accumulates junk on your Android and iPhone storage. This cache file format must be cleared out from time to time.
You can clear Instagram cache in just three steps:
- Open your phone’s settings app on the home screen;
- Tap “Apps” and on this menu, locate Instagram;
- Tap on “Cache” and then select “Clear Cache.”
Remember that having too many cache files can also mess with the app frame rate, so clear it out, wait over one minute, and then open the Instagram app again.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
Perhaps the Instagram app is failing due to your Internet connection. In this case, turn off your Wi-Fi, and turn on your mobile data instead.
Remember that having a good Internet connection is mandatory!
Otherwise, problems such as Instagram music not working can also happen (check our related article for more info).
5. Fix Date and Time Settings
Fixing date and time settings can also do the trick easily:
- Open Settings on your phone and tap on Time and Date;
- Scroll down a little bit until you see the Date and Time setup option;
- Select “Date and Time Automatically.” Then, close Instagram, and see if you can use Instagram stories now.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
If the aforementioned tips didn’t work, simply look for the Instagram app, long press the icon, uninstall it, and install it again.
Sometimes, bugs on Instagram Stories can only be fixed if you delete the app and do this.
Nonetheless, we are aware that this might take you some minutes, so try the previously mentioned fixes first.
7. Contact Instagram Support Team
If you have done everything in your power to fix Instagram Stories but still can’t, then contact Instagram support.
At this point, we might be talking about a problem with your IG account or your device’s hardware.
Explain your case to them, and see if they give you a proper answer.
All in all, Instagram Stories should be fixed if you carefully follow all the steps we have presented to you in this guide.
For more Instagram Stories insights, check our posts in GrowFollowing.
FAQ
Why Can’t I Share Instagram Story on Facebook?
Perhaps you cannot do this because you haven’t connected your IG account to Facebook through the Account Center. Doing so will guarantee you that all the stories you post on Instagram will go directly to Facebook as well! Tap on the previous link to learn more about this.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.