Instagram Not Working on Android, How to Fix Instagram Not Working on Android?
by Venkatesh P | Updated Aug 17, 2023
Instagram, a social networking service centered around photo and video sharing, is owned by the American company Meta Platforms. Within this app, users can upload media, apply filters, categorize content with hashtags, and associate it with specific locations through geographical tagging.
The posts can be shared either publicly or exclusively with approved followers. Users have the capability to explore content from other users using tags and location markers, view popular content, appreciate photos, and follow other users to curate a personalized feed.
Initially, Instagram stood out by framing content solely within a square (1:1) aspect ratio of 640 pixels to align with the iPhone's display width during that era. In 2015, this constraint was relaxed, allowing for a resolution increase to 1080 pixels. Furthermore, the platform introduced messaging functionalities, the capacity to include multiple images or videos in a single post, and the Stories feature—a concept akin to its chief rival Snapchat.
This Stories feature enables users to post content in a sequential feed, with each post accessible for 24 hours. As of January 2019, approximately 500 million individuals engage with Stories on a daily basis.
Conceived by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram made its debut on iOS in October 2010 and rapidly garnered popularity. Within two months, it amassed one million registered users, followed by ten million in a year, and eventually surpassing one billion by June 2018. In April 2012, Facebook Inc. acquired Instagram for roughly $1 billion in a combination of cash and stock, equivalent to approximately $1.18 billion in 2021.
The Android version was introduced in April 2012, followed by a desktop interface with limited features in November 2012, a Fire OS app in June 2014, and a Windows 10 app in October 2016. By October 2015, over 40 billion photos had been uploaded to the platform.
While often lauded for its influence and success, Instagram has faced criticism for potential negative impacts on teenagers' mental health, alterations to its policies and interface, alleged censorship, and instances of inappropriate and illegal content uploaded by users.
Instagram Not Working on Android
If you're experiencing issues with Instagram not working on your Android device, there could be a few reasons behind it. First, ensure that you have a stable internet connection, as Instagram heavily relies on a consistent network connection. If your internet connection is fine, try closing the Instagram app and reopening it, as this can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
Additionally, check if there are any pending app updates in the Google Play Store, as outdated versions can lead to compatibility issues. Clearing the app's cache and data can also help resolve various problems. If none of these steps work, consider restarting your device. If the problem persists, you might want to reach out to Instagram's official support channels or online communities for further assistance.
Why Instagram Not Working On Android?
Numerous noteworthy factors contribute to the malfunctioning of Instagram on Android devices. The following are key considerations:
Outdated Instagram App Version:
An outdated iteration of the Instagram app can result in operational shortcomings. Ensuring that the app is updated to its latest version can effectively resolve this concern.
Instagram Server Unavailability:
In instances of Instagram's server encountering difficulties, accessing the app might be impeded. Verification of Instagram's server status can be achieved by referring to resources like the DownDetector website.
Inadequate Internet Connectivity:
The presence of a feeble or erratic internet connection can disrupt Instagram's proper functioning. Addressing this involves toggling between Wi-Fi and mobile data or undertaking router resets.
App Cache and Data:
Accumulated app cache and data can precipitate glitches in Instagram's performance. Mitigation entails the removal of app cache and data, often rectifying the issue.
App Permissions Configuration:
Instagram's functionality can be compromised if essential permissions to access specific phone features are not granted. The review and activation of pertinent app permissions on your Android device are recommended.
Device Software Complications:
Anomalies within device software, installed applications, or downloaded files can adversely affect Instagram's functionality. An exploratory measure involves activating safe mode on your Android device to identify the root cause.
In summation, if you are encountering challenges with Instagram's operation on your Android device, the aforementioned solutions offer avenues for resolution. By implementing these measures, the issues you're facing can potentially be addressed.
How to Fix Instagram Not Working on Android?
If you are encountering difficulties with Instagram not functioning properly on your Android device, there are a number of steps you can take to address the issue. Here are some recommended actions based on the information found:
Restart the Application:
Restarting the Instagram app on your Android phone or iPhone can help resolve temporary bugs or user interface glitches by clearing the app's memory and refreshing its content.
Check Instagram Server Status:
If you encounter problems with Instagram, it's advisable to first check the status of Instagram's servers. If there is a server-related issue, you will need to wait for Instagram to rectify it.
Update the Instagram App:
If the Instagram app is not opening properly, it could be due to an outdated version. To fix this, access the Play Store or App Store on your device, search for Instagram, locate any available updates, and proceed to update the app. You can update all apps simultaneously by choosing "Update All."
Clear App Cache or Offload App:
On Android, navigate to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear cache. For iPhone users, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram > Offload App. This can help resolve issues by clearing unnecessary data or freeing up space within the app.
Check Internet Connection:
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If using mobile data, consider switching to Wi-Fi or vice versa to troubleshoot potential connectivity problems.
Review App Permissions:
Sometimes apps malfunction due to restricted access to certain phone functions. Examine Instagram's permissions in your device settings (Settings > Apps > Instagram > Permissions on Android). Grant all necessary permissions to ensure the smooth operation of the app.
Explore Safe Mode and Android Repair:
If the aforementioned steps prove ineffective, you might consider booting your Android phone into safe mode to identify software-related issues. Alternatively, utilizing Android Repair software can assist in resolving persistent problems.
Should these solutions prove ineffective, you can also explore safe mode on your Android device to determine if any software, installed apps, or downloaded files are causing the issue. In the event that none of these measures succeed, resorting to Android Repair software could offer a resolution path.
How to Report an Instagram Outage on Android?
If you are encountering an Instagram service disruption on your Android device, you have the option to formally communicate the issue to Instagram through the subsequent channels:
In-App Reporting:
Initiate the reporting process by accessing the "Settings" menu denoted by three horizontal lines at the upper right of your profile. Navigate to "Help" and then select "Report a Problem." Adhering to the on-screen directives, you can methodically articulate and submit the encountered issue.
Instagram Help Center:
An alternative avenue for reporting concerns involves the Instagram Help Center website. There, you can choose from options such as "Report a hacked account or impersonation account" or "Report a login issue." Follow the prescribed steps outlined on the website to provide a comprehensive account of the issue.
Social Media Platforms:
Social media, notably platforms like Twitter, offer an additional means of communicating an Instagram service disruption. By utilising relevant hashtags and tagging Instagram's official account, you can draw attention to the encountered issue.
In summary, if you are grappling with an Instagram service interruption on your Android device, you possess the opportunity to formally apprise Instagram of the situation through the aforementioned methodologies.
Instagram Not Working on Android - FAQ
Instagram is a social networking service owned by Meta Platforms that lets users share photos and videos, apply filters, and organize content with hashtags and location tagging.
Instagram might not work due to factors like outdated app version, server issues, poor internet connection, app cache problems, improper permissions, or device software glitches.
To address Instagram issues, restart the app, check server status, update the app, clear cache, ensure good internet connection, review app permissions, and consider safe mode or Android Repair software if necessary.
You can report an Instagram service disruption by using the in-app reporting feature under "Settings," utilizing the Instagram Help Center, or mentioning the issue on social media platforms with appropriate tags and tagging.
If you come across inappropriate content, you can report it by using the Report link near the content, reporting an inappropriate post, flagging abusive behavior or offensive material, or using the "Report Violations of Our Community Guidelines" form while ensuring your information remains confidential.