7 Ways to Fix Instagram Not Uploading Videos

Quick Tips

• Ensure the video you are trying to upload is under 4GB (for posts) and 650MB (for reels).
• Disable data saver settings, and any battery saver settings.
• Ensure your internet connection is stable while Instagram is uploading the video.

Basic Fixes

• Check if Instagram is down: Check if Instagram is facing downtime. If yes, wait for the platform to be restored.
• Update Instagram: Update Instagram to the latest version on your Android or iOS device for a bug-free experience.
• Check network: Ensure you have an active cellular data/Wi-Fi plan with a stable network signal on your device.

Fix 1: Check Video Format and Size

Ensure the video you are trying to upload is under 4GB (for posts) and 650MB (for reels), if not you must compress it to upload on Instagram. Here’s how to check the size.

On your iPhone, open the Photos app, select the video, and tap on the info button.

Android users can check video size using the Google Photos app. Open any video in Google Photos and swipe up to check the details like resolution, size, date, and time.

Fix 2: Enable Cellular Data for Instagram

If you can’t upload a video while you’re using mobile data, check if you’ve disabled cellular data access for Instagram

On iPhone

Go to Settings, scroll down, select Instagram from the list, and enable Mobile Data.

On Android

Step 1: Tap and hold the Instagram app icon, and select App Info.

Step 2: Select Data usage and ensure you haven’t enabled Disable mobile data.

Fix 3: Disable Data Saver Mode

Data saver settings – both inside the Instagram app and your device’s settings may cause problems while uploading videos.

Turn off Data Saver on Instagram

Step 1: Open the Profile tab, and tap on the menu button at the top right corner.

Step 2: Select Media quality and turn off Use less mobile data. Additionally, enable Upload at highest quality.

Turn Off Data Saver in Device Settings

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Cellular Data/Mobile data.

Step 2: Tap on Mobile Data Options (or Cellular Data Options).

Step 3: Tap on Data Mode. Ensure you haven’t selected Low Data Mode. Select Allow More Data on 5G or Standard.

On Android

Open the Settings app > go to Network & Internet > ensure you have not enabled the toggle for Use Data Saver.

Fix 4: Enable Background App Refresh/Autostart

When uploading large videos as an Instagram video, you must keep the app open on your phone for a successful post. If you return to the home screen, you might face Instagram not letting you post errors.

For a flawless upload process, it’s best to enable Background App Refresh (iPhone) or Autostart (Android) from the Settings menu.

On iPhone

Open Settings > Instagram and enable Background App Refresh.

On Android

Note: If you don’t see the below settings, try disabling any battery usage restrictions which has the same effect.

Tap and hold the app icon, select App Info, go to Battery Usage, and turn on Auto Launch.

Autostart is now enabled for the app, and when necessary, it can launch a few background activities on its own.

Fix 5: Disable Battery Saver

An active battery saver mode on your phone can cause issues with uploading large videos on Instagram. Here’s how to disable battery saver mode on iPhone and Android.

iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings and scroll to Battery.

Step 2: Disable the Low Power Mode toggle.

Android

Step 1: Launch Settings and select Battery. Tap Battery Saver.

Step 2: Disable the Use Battery Saver toggle.

Fix 6: Clear Cache

Instagram collects cache to improve loading times and overall user experience. When the app collects a corrupt cache, you may face issues with the video uploading process. You must clear your Instagram cache and try again.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press the Instagram app on the home screen and tap on App info. Tap on Clear Data.

Step 2: Tap on Clear cache and select OK to confirm.

On iPhone

Offloading an application on your iPhone removes temporary data, including cache and junk files.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Go to General -> iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Instagram from the list. Select Offload App. Wait for the offloading to complete, then tap on the Reinstall App option.

Fix 7: Enable Unrestricted Data Access (Android)

If you want to continue using data saver mode on Android, make an exception for Instagram.

Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Mobile data & Wi-Fi and turn on Unrestricted Data Usage.