If Instagram fails to load or crashes on your device, the issue could be with the app or your device. Luckily, several quick fixes can resolve the problem, applicable to both iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
By working through these troubleshooting methods one by one, you can identify and resolve the root cause of the problem on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
The first step is to restart the app. Close Instagram completely and then reopen it to see if a simple restart solves the issue. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the home button on older devices) to view all open apps. Then, swipe the Instagram app card up and off the screen to close it. On Android, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to see your recent apps. Then, swipe the Instagram app card up to close it.
A simple reboot can often resolve minor software glitches that cause apps to crash. On an iPhone with a home button, press and hold the side button, slide the power off slider, wait at least 30 seconds, and then press the side button again to turn it back on. On an iPhone without a home button, press and hold the volume up button and the power button simultaneously. Slide the power off slider, wait, and then press the power button to restart. On an iPad with a home button, press and hold the top button, slide to power off, and then press the top button again to restart. On an iPad without a home button, press and hold the top button and either volume button, slide to power off, and then press the top button to restart. On Android, press and hold the Power button and select the Restart option from the menu.
A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent Instagram from loading properly, causing it to crash. On iOS, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure the Wi-Fi toggle is on and you are connected to a network. On Android, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Internet, and select a working Wi-Fi network.
Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end. You can check if Instagram’s servers are down by visiting a service like Downdetector to see if other users are reporting similar issues.
If the app’s internal files have become corrupted, reinstalling it can provide a fresh start. On iOS, tap and hold the Instagram app icon on your home screen, then tap Delete App and confirm. Afterwards, download the app again from the App Store. On Android, open the Google Play Store and tap your profile picture. Navigate to Manage apps & devices → Manage. Select the Instagram app and tap Uninstall, then reinstall it from the store page.
When a device is running out of storage space, it can cause apps to become unstable and crash. On iOS, go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage. If storage is low, you may need to clean up unused apps or move photos to iCloud. On Android, go to Settings → Storage. On some Samsung Galaxy devices, you may need to go to Battery & Device Care first.
Clearing out old, temporary data can resolve performance issues and crashing. On iOS, the only way to clear the cache is to uninstall and reinstall the app. On Android, go to Settings → Apps & notifications → App info. Select Instagram, then tap on Storage & cache, and finally tap Clear cache.
Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial, as updates often include important bug fixes and security patches that can affect app stability. On iOS, go to Settings → General → Software Update, then download and install any available updates. On Android, go to Settings → System → System updates, then check for and install any available updates.
Before uninstalling, check the App Store or Google Play Store for a pending Instagram update. Developers frequently release patches for crashing bugs, and installing the latest version is often the quickest fix.
Fixing a crashing app like Instagram isn’t just about getting back to scrolling through your feed. Regularly performing these troubleshooting steps, especially checking for updates and clearing cache, is a form of digital hygiene. It ensures your applications run smoothly, load faster, and are less prone to glitches, providing a much better user experience across your entire device.
Furthermore, keeping your operating system and apps updated is a critical security practice. Updates often contain patches for vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited. By staying current, you not only gain access to new features and performance improvements but also protect your personal data from potential threats, ensuring your device remains both functional and secure.
