4 Ways to Fix Instagram Location Not Working on iPhone and Android

Quick Tips

• Ensure there’s no problem with internet connectivity, and disable airplane mode on your device.
• Check if location services have been disabled on your iPhone or Android device.
• Further, ensure the Instagram app has permission to access the location on your device.

Basic Fixes

• Disable airplane mode: Disable airplane mode on your phone to capture your GPS location so that apps can use it.
• Check network connectivity: If you are using slow-speed internet, you will likely struggle to use location on Instagram.
• Restart Instagram: There is a good chance that once you shut down the app and restart it again, you can use the app free from any issues.
• Update Instagram: Update Instagram on your iPhone or Android device for a bug-free experience.

Fix 1: Enable Location Services

If you don’t have the location toggle turned on, Instagram won’t detect your location and suggest adding the location tag to your posts and stories.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app > go to Privacy & Security.

Step 2: Tap on Location Services > turn on the toggle for Location Services.

On Android

Open the Settings app > tap on Location > turn on the toggle for Location.

Fix 2: Grant Location Permissions for Instagram

Owing to privacy concerns, both iPhone and Android do not automatically provide your location access to apps without your consent. Hence, you manually need to provide permissions on a per-app basis to use your GPS location.

However, you are given a chance to provide these permissions the first time you use the app, but you may have missed that. So, here’s how to provide location access for Instagram.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app > go to Privacy & Security > tap on Location Services.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Instagram > select While Using the App.

On Android

Step 1: Tap and hold the Instagram app icon in your app drawer > tap on App Info > Permissions.

Step 2: Tap on Location > select Allow only while using the app.

Also Read: How to enable, disable, and manage app permissions on Android

Fix 3: Post Content Without Location and Edit to Add Location

This seems to be a neat workaround to add the location tag on your Instagram posts. If the Instagram location is not working while you are trying to add the post, you can post it first. Then, you can use the edit option to add the location. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Instagram post you want to edit. Tap on the three dots icon next to the post.

Step 2: Tap on Edit > Add Location. Now, add the location to your post.

Fix 4: Clear Instagram Cache

Clearing cache and junk files may resolve the issue. For a better understanding, check our guide on what happens when you clear your cache on Instagram.

On Android

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

Step 2: Tap on Clear cache > 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 Reinstall App.

If none of the above methods work, try re-installing the Instagram app.