First: check if Instagram is down
Run our live Instagram status check. It tests Instagram from two places and shows the last 24 hours. When Instagram has a real server outage we see it on our monitor first. Every check fails at once, not just one user. If Instagram is down, wait. Nothing on your phone will fix it.
If Instagram is up, the problem is on your phone or your network. Work through the fixes below in order.
Why Instagram can’t refresh feed
The app sends a request for new posts. If no answer comes back, you get “Couldn’t refresh feed”. The usual causes are:
- A weak or blocked connection.
- A VPN that Instagram does not like.
- An old app version.
- A broken cache.
- Low data mode or a data saver setting.
- Wrong date and time on your phone.
- A temporary action block on your account.
Fix 1: Restart the connection
- Turn on airplane mode.
- Wait ten seconds.
- Turn it off again.
- Open Instagram and pull down on the feed.
This forces your phone to get a fresh connection.
Fix 2: Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
Turn Wi-Fi off and use mobile data. If the feed loads, your Wi-Fi is the problem. Schools, offices and some public networks block Instagram. Restart your router at home.
If mobile data fails but Wi-Fi works, check that Instagram is allowed to use mobile data in your phone settings.
Fix 3: Turn off your VPN
Instagram blocks many VPN addresses. Turn the VPN off. Close the app fully. Open it again. If you need a VPN, try a different server location.
Fix 4: Close and reopen the app
Swipe Instagram away from your recent apps. Wait ten seconds. Open it again. Pressing the home button does not restart it.
Fix 5: Update Instagram
Old versions stop working after Instagram changes something on its side. Open the App Store or Play Store and update. Turn on automatic updates so this does not happen again.
Fix 6: Clear the Instagram cache
A broken cache can stop the feed from loading even on a good connection.
- Android: Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage → Clear cache.
- iPhone: There is no cache button. Delete the app and install it again.
Our clear Instagram cache guide has the full steps. You lose nothing but unsaved drafts.
Fix 7: Check low data mode and background refresh
Low data mode on iPhone and data saver on Android can stop apps from loading in the background. Turn them off for a test. On iPhone, also check that Background App Refresh is on for Instagram.
Fix 8: Fix your date and time
If your phone’s clock is wrong, Instagram’s servers reject the connection. Go to your phone settings and set date and time to automatic.
Fix 9: Check for an action block
If you liked, followed or commented a lot in a short time, Instagram may rate limit your account. The feed can stop refreshing while the limit is on. Stop all activity for 24 to 48 hours. Our something went wrong guide covers the “try again later” block in detail.
Still not working
Reinstall the app as a last step. If the feed still will not load, report the problem inside the app. Go to Settings and activity → Help → Report a problem. You can also check the Instagram Help Center for known issues.
One thing to know
Follower counts often freeze when the feed cannot refresh. The number is fine. It comes back when the connection does. You can confirm yours with our free follower count checker.