If you think you are the only one who opened Instagram with hopes of seeing the most recent posts or stories and ended up seeing feeds that show only hours-old, you’re not the only one. It is one of those annoying bugs that sometimes ruin your whole browsing experience altogether. Fixing the problem is easy; let’s try to take a look at some reasons why is your instagram not refreshing and, more importantly, how to get it back on track.
Why Instagram Won’t Refreshing
Why is your Instagram not refreshing? It could be due to a myriad of reasons, from slow internet connectivity to issues within the app. Below are a few common causes that could lead to this unwanted problem:
Internet Connection
One of the most frequent causes is an unstable or slow connection to the Internet. Whatever your network, the mobile data or even Wi-Fi, it will translate into a total failure. Instagram will fail in downloading fresh content. Bad connectivity may be the cause, even if no other apps seem to have such trouble.
Server Issues on Instagram’s End
Rarely, you might not be responsible for such downtimes. They happen due to the server being under maintenance, too much activity on their servers, or just a server glitch. In this scenario, no matter what you do, you are likely to face the issue of your Instagram not refreshing until things return to normal.
App Cache and Data Build-Up
Caches or temporary files are, after a time, created by apps like Instagram to allow them faster loading. But when the cache gets too large or corrupted, it may end up hindering app performance or may even prevent it from refreshing at all somehow.
Outdated Instagram Version
If you haven’t updated your Instagram app for a while, then bugs and performance issues may make the app less stable. Problems related to an outdated app include news feed not refreshing, etc.
Account Restrictions or Security Issues
To temporarily restrict a user from accessing their account, one of the major actions taken by Instagram would be to suspend a user’s account for any unusual activity detection, say, excessive follow-spree, unfollowing, or use of third-party apps, or breaking any community guideline. Hence, it can affect the refreshing of your feed.
Device or Software Issues
Your device may very well be the cause of the problem. An insufficient storage size, outdated software, or slow phone may interfere with how Instagram is working. A VPN or proxy can also interrupt the ability to connect to Instagram securely, by making it impossible for your feed to refresh.
How to Fix the “Instagram Not Refreshing” Issue
After identifying some of the various potential sources for the problem, investigate whether there are any commonsense steps to try in order to help remedy the situation.
Check Your Internet Connection
First, check whether the internet connection works. Make sure, especially on Wi-Fi, that it’s as close as possible to the router, or reset it. Toggle between Wi-Fi and mobile data if using mobile data to check if either would refresh the app. One other reason why a page from Instagram doesn’t refresh is a disconnect or very weak connection.
Check Instagram’s Server Status
It could also be considered that the servers of Instagram might be down. Check some websites like Downdetector and maybe Twitter to scroll through what others are saying about their experiences. If Instagram is indeed down, what can you do but wait?
Close and Reopen the App
It sounds silly, but it might be weird enough to reset and launch the application. If it doesn’t work, force the application and restart it.
Clear Cache and Data
You may access your Android phone Navigate to Settings > Apps > choose the Instagram app > clear the cache. If it still doesn’t work, try clearing the data (note-clear data logs you out of Instagram). Unfortunately, for iPhone users, cache clearance cannot be done directly from an app. Instead, they simply have to uninstall and reinstall the app.
Update Instagram
Be sure that the Instagram app version on your phone is up to date. Simply go check the latest updates for Instagram either on the Google Play Store or on the Apple App Store. Usually, these updates include bug fixes and general performance improvements.
Log Out and Log Back In
There are many very small bugs that can be fixed simply by logging out and logging back again. Try doing this on Instagram. Go to Settings, click Logout, exit the application, launch it again, and log back in.
Restart Your Phone
Application-related issues will be remedied because most issues can be resolved through a phone reset. So kindly switch off the phone for a few seconds and then on again. This will perform a refresh for all the apps installed on your phone, including Instagram.
Disable VPN or Proxy
Try to disable any VPN/proxy server you might have. Such servers may interfere with the normal operation of Instagram, thereby resulting in your digest failing to refresh or got stuck.
Free Up Storage Space
Insufficient storage capacity is one of the prime causes of slow performance and crashes of apps. Ensure adequate space by deleting unused applications, cleaning up old files, or moving your media to cloud storage.
Reinstall Instagram
If none of these remedies do anything towards fixing the issue, uninstall and then reinstall Instagram. Corrupt app data will likely be cleared with this method, and you will be able to solve the problem.
Check for Software Updates
One should always keep up with their phone’s operating system via updates. Old, incompatible software can lead to many problems, such as compatibility issues with apps like Instagram.
Contact Instagram Support
If you’ve tried everything and Instagram still won’t refresh, reach out to Instagram’s support team. Go to Instagram Settings, select Help, and then choose Report a Problem. Provide a detailed description of the issue, and they may be able to assist you further.
Preventing Future Instagram Refresh Issues
The installed troubleshooting alternative would permit the avoidance of the reoccurrences of the problem after it has been applied.
Keep Your App Updated
Instagram does update almost all the time to fix bugs and performance issues. Keep checking for Updates and install them from time to time for a smooth operation of the app.
Maintain a Strong Internet Connection
An excellent internet connection can either refresh the app or update downloads. Should the Wi-Fi or mobile signal strength be in breach, shift to another network or go closer to your router?
Clear Cache Periodically
Clearing cache from time to time on Android can help in not slowing down the app. This data does not affect Instagram’s functioning, so users should further uphold its efficiency.
Avoid Using Third-Party Apps
The moment one harbors any third-party application in support of Instagram, that application usually creates problems such as blocking security measures or restricting your refreshing account. Use the official Instagram application.
Monitor Your Device’s Health
Make sure you’re always tracking your phone’s performance. If there are any issues with Instagram, watch out for the functioning of other apps as well. Keeping your phone’s health perfect with regular maintenance involves shutting background apps and freeing up storage.
Use Instagram Web as a Backup
If the Instagram application is giving you a hard time in refreshing, you may try logging in from a web browser. Thus, the Instagram Web would be a good route while the app is being fixed.
Limit Background App Usage
Turn off background apps as it helps increase system performance. If multiple applications are being run at one time, many times your device slows down affects performance in Instagram and other applications.
Stay Updated on Instagram Changes
Every once in a while, a new update will come around which changes or affects the working of the app even for a short while. You can keep track of all such updates so that you never get caught unprepared by visiting Instagram official blog or following their account on Twitter.
Additional Factors to Consider
Some other less common factors might also contribute to Instagram not refreshing:
- Algorithm: The Instagram algorithm loads content according to its determination of your engagement patterns, which may often mean withholding the very freshest posts, giving your feed a time-warp sensation. Hence, it is wise to investigate further, like diving into the Explore area or logging out and back in.
- Third-party applications and account restrictions: If you changed your settings for Instagram or used any third-party applications, these may interfere with the operation of the API. So if you think they may have caused the problem, you might want to try revoking third-party access from your Instagram settings to restore normal operations.
- Heat Dissipation: It stands in the way of working efficiently on your device, with Instagram being slowed down or dragging other applications down, for that matter. Let it cool and lower your brightness for good performance.
- Corrupted Data: Sometimes, Instagram does keep tragic data that make it unable for the application to refresh. Cache-clearing or reinstalling the app would help in solving this issue.
- Network Throttling: Your Internet service provider could throttle social media apps, especially during peak usage hours. If the site is working normally on another network, this could be a suspected cause.
Conclusion
Upgrading Instagram has truly proved to be harrowing, but there is usually a remedy. First, check the status of your internet connection and make sure the app is up to date. If that isn’t working, try clearing cache memory, restarting your phone or reinstalling your app. In case nothing works, you can contact Instagram support for a solution.
If you keep your app and device updated, connect to a proper internet connection, that should help you avoid facing Instagram not refreshing problems in the future. The next time, when your feeds are not renewed, follow these steps, and you will not take long before returning.
