Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed Error (Fix This)

Are you suddenly getting a “couldn’t refresh feed” error while scrolling your Instagram feed?

If yes, you’re not alone.

Instagram couldn’t refresh feed error is a common issue that most users face pretty often.

And there is nothing to worry about.

This error occurs due to multiple reasons like poor internet connection, server downtime, or outdated app malfunction.

In this post, we’re going to dive deep and briefly discuss the reasons for which this error occurs and how you can fix it quickly.

So, without wasting any further time, let’s dive right in.

What is Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed Error, And Why Does it Occur?

1. Poor Internet Connection

You might be surprised, but the most common reason for the “couldn’t refresh feed” error on Instagram is just a poor internet connection.

If your internet connection is slow or it constantly gets disconnected, Instagram won’t be able to download the latest content from the servers to your feed.

As a result, you’ll get this error showing up on your Instagram app, and you won’t be able to refresh your feed until you connect to a stable internet connection again.

To check if your internet connection is the real culprit behind this, you can run an internet speed test to check your current internet speed or open some internet-dependent apps like YouTube to see if everything is working properly.

2. Outdated App

If your Instagram app is outdated and you have not updated your app in a while, you can face many glitches within your Instagram app.

And the “Instagram couldn’t refresh feed” error is one of those glitches. 

If you’re getting this error, check if you have the latest app version installed on your device.

If not, this could be the reason behind the error you’re currently facing.

No matter what app you use, be it Instagram or YouTube, you should always keep your apps updated to eliminate these kinds of glitches and also secure your personal and sensitive information from hackers.

3. Glitch Within The Platform or Instagram Servers Are Down

Another possible reason could be some internal issues within Instagram’s servers itself.

If Instagram is going through a server downtime, you’ll not be able to use the app properly and get multiple kinds of errors.

Although Instagram server downtime is rare, it does happen sometimes.

So, even after having a strong internet connection and an updated Instagram app, if you’re still getting this error, Instagram’s servers could be the potential reason.

4. Your Account Has Been Blocked By Instagram

This is the worst-case scenario, but this could also happen.

If you’ve violated any Instagram privacy policy or community guidelines, Instagram can immediately ban or block your account from the platform without any prior notice.

It could get blocked for a few hours, a few days, or even a lifetime.

And if the Instagram team takes action while you’re in the app scrolling the feed, for a moment, you might get the “Instagram can’t refresh feed” error.

But eventually, you will get logged out of your account, and you won’t be able to use it again until Instagram revokes the ban.

How to Fix Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed Issue

1. Update Your App To The Latest Version

If you’re having this error, the first thing you can do is update your Instagram app to the latest version.

To update your app on both iPhone or Android devices, go to your app store (if you’re an iPhone user) or your Play Store (if you’re an Android user) and search for the Instagram app.

Now, if you’re getting an update button, this means your app has the latest update available. 

Click on “update” to fully update your Instagram app to the latest version and enjoy smooth usage of Instagram without any disturbance.

2. Fix Your Internet Connection

As we’ve said before, poor internet connection is the biggest reason for the “Instagram couldn’t refresh feed” error.

If you have a weak or unstable internet connection, try shifting to a different WiFi network or changing your location for better mobile data connectivity.

Or, if it’s a temporary issue, wait for some time until it gets fixed.

3. Clear App Cache

App cache within your device can cause this error.

But the best part is that you can easily clear the cache on your Instagram app.

To clear the app cache on an Android device, head to your settings and then go to the “Apps” section.

Once you find the Instagram app, click on it.

Then click on “Storage” and tap “Clear Cache”.

That’s it. Your app cache will be totally cleared now.

On iPhone devices as well, the process is quite similar.

4. Log Out and Log in Again

Another thing you can do to fix this error is log out and log in again to your account.

Many users have reported using this method, and they were able to fix the issue within a few minutes.

To log out from your Instagram account, head over to your “Settings” and scroll down until you see the “log out” option.

Tap on the “log out” button, and you will be logged out of your account.

You can log in again by using your account credentials.

5. Uninstall And Reinstall The App Once Again

To uninstall your Instagram app from your iPhone device, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Tap and hold the Instagram app until you get a popup menu.

Step 2. From the popup menu, click on “Remove App”.

Step 3. Click on “Delete App” to confirm your uninstallation.

To uninstall Instagram app from your Android device, follow these steps:

Step 1. Head over to your settings and then go to “Apps.”

Step 2. Look for Instagram here and tap on it.

Step 3. Now, click on the “Uninstall” button and confirm your uninstallation.

To reinstall the app, you can go to your App Store or Play Store and download the app once again to your device.

6. Make Sure The Date And Time On Your Device is Correct

If the date and time on your device are not accurate and not in sync with the actual date and time, you might not be able to refresh the feed on Instagram.

On most of the devices, times and dates are set automatically depending on the timezone. But if you’ve manually changed your date or time, make sure it’s correct.

Or better, turn on the automatic time and date control once again.

7. Contact Instagram Support

If nothing is working out for you and you’re still getting the “couldn’t refresh feed” error on your Instagram, the only option you’re left out with is Instagram support.

You can report this issue to Instagram, and they will investigate the issue and get back to you with a solution.

To contact Instagram support, head over to your settings and scroll down until you see the “help” option.

Click on “Help” and then again click on “Report a Problem”.

Now, you would have to explain your problem and add screenshots (if possible).

Once done, click on “Send,” and someone from Instagram’s support team will get back to you shortly.

FAQs Related to The Instagram Couldn’t Refresh Feed Issue

Is the “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” issue common on Instagram?

Yes, the “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” error is quite a common issue on Instagram. Users often get this error due to multiple reasons like poor or unstable internet connection, server downtime, or outdated apps. But it can easily be fixed within a few minutes.

Are there specific times when Instagram is more likely to have feed refresh issues?

No one knows when you’ll get a feed refresh issue. It’s a technical issue, and it can occur anytime without any notice.

How long should I wait before seeking help from customer support if the issue doesn’t resolve on its own?

If you have tried out everything we’ve shared in this post, but still you’re getting this error, you can ideally wait for a day before you seek help from Instagram customer support.

Can changing my Instagram password help with the refresh issue?

No, changing your Instagram password will not help with the refresh issue, as both of these things are not connected. It’s a technical issue. It’s not an issue related to your profile.

Are there any third-party apps or tools that can help diagnose and fix this issue?

No, there are no third-party apps or tools that can help diagnose this issue. But you can easily fix this by following the methods we have shared. 

Does using a VPN affect Instagram’s ability to refresh the feed?

Yes, using a VPN can affect Instagram’s ability to refresh the feed if the VPN connection is very weak. If you’re using a strong VPN with a great network, it won’t be much of an issue for you.

Conclusion

As we have mentioned above, Instagram “couldn’t refresh feed” is a common issue you can face for multiple reasons.

It can be due to a poor internet connection, an outdated Instagram app, or even server downtime.

But luckily, you can easily fix this issue in almost no time by following the methods we have shared in this post.

And if nothing is working out, you can even contact Instagram customer support for help.