Basic Fixes
- Check your network connection: Ensure your device has a good internet connection. Test its speed online.
- Check the Instagram server: Visit Downdetector to check an active Instagram server outage.
- Log into the Instagram app via Facebook: If you’ve linked your Instagram account with Facebook, you’ll get an option to log into the app via Facebook. Open the Instagram app and tap ‘Log in with Facebook’ to sign in.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data: An unstable internet connection can often create the ‘Something Went Wrong’ error in Instagram. Switch between Wi-Fi or mobile data, and retry opening Instagram.
- Update the Instagram app: Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search Instagram, and tap Update (if available).
Fix 1: Force Close and Restart Instagram
Force closing and restarting the Instagram app refreshes it, fixing existing issues resulting in the ‘Something Went Wrong’ error.
Step 1: Swipe up from the screen bottom to switch apps and slide up the Instagram card to force close it.
Step 2: If you’re using an Android phone, long-tap the Instagram app icon > select App info > Force stop > reopen the app.
Fix 2: Open Instagram Through a Browser
If the Instagram app fails to launch with a ‘Something Went Wrong’ error message, try opening it from a browser.
Step 1: Open your desired mobile browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Brave, etc.) search Instagram, and tap the link. Your browser app should automatically redirect to open the Instagram app.
Step 2: Alternatively, tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the Google Chrome app to launch a New Incognito tab.
Step 3: Search and open Instagram, select Login, and type your account credentials to access Instagram in the browser.
Fix 3: Clear the Instagram App Cache (Android)
A corrupt app cache is a common reason behind the ‘Something Went Wrong’ error in Instagram on Android. Clear it manually and reopen the app.
Long-tap the Instagram app icon > select App info > Storage and cache > Clear cache.
Fix 4: Offload and Reinstall Instagram (iOS)
Unlike Android, iOS doesn’t offer a direct way to clear the Instagram cache. Instead, you can offload the app and reinstall it from the App Store.
Step 1: Open iPhone Settings, select General, and tap iPhone Storage.
Step 2: Select Instagram and tap Offload App.
Step 3: Confirm it using the Offload App option when prompted and head to the Apple App Store to reinstall it.
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Last updated on 15 July, 2024
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