We all enjoy Instagram because it’s where all the fun is. We connect with billions of people; friends, families, foes and even mere acquaintances on a daily basis. This meta-owned social media app allows users check latest photos and videos of the people we follow, check latest trends and events, keep up with creative contents , and even meet potential customers among a host of other things we use Instagram for.
In order to enjoy all these an Instagram user has to refresh their feed to see the latest happenings on their homepage. However feed refresh might not respond which is quite frustrating. If you are in such situations, here is a run down of steps to take, that will help you fix this issue.
How to refresh Instagram Feed
There is no readily made button for Instagram feed refresh. All the user needs to do is pull down their finger on the screen, and the feed refreshes itself. If it doesn’t, there is a problem.
Why is Instagram not refreshing feed
There are many possible reasons why an error will occur when you are refreshing your Instagram feed:
- Slow internet connection
- Your Instagram app is outdated
- Instagram servers are down
- Instagram cache is full
- Wrong time and date on your phone
- Account restricted/hacked
- Out dated Android/iOS version
1. Slow internet connection
If your connection is slow, or fluctuating(not consistent); Instagram will not be able to download new photos and videos into your feed. Or too many devices are using your Wi-Fi so network is choppy.
2. Your Instagram app is outdated
Using and outdated app will cause slow performance and glitches and this affects your feed when you are trying to refresh.
3. Instagram servers are down
If Instagram servers are down, your feed will definitely not refresh. This becomes an in-app situation not your fault.
4. Instagram cache is full
Cache saves app files temporarily to ensure smooth performance of the app. If your Instagram cache is full it affects performance which includes preventing your feed from loading and refreshing.
5. Wrong time and date on your phone
If your phone device time does not tally with that of Instagram, it could be the reason for ‘refresh feed error’. This is because the app’s date and time not matching with that of your device arouse conflicting issues when you are about to refresh your feed.
6. Account restricted/hacked
Just like everything else, Instagram has rules and regulations which when violated will earn you a ban or account restrictions. Using third party apps to login, logging in with many devices, using lewd words, posting, liking, following too many posts within a short period of time can earn you a ban. Also if your account has been hacked, it’s impossible to refresh your feed because you no longer have access to your account.
7. Out dated Android/iOS version
If your smartphone is outdated you will not be able to use Instagram. Also if your phone’s operating system is out of date, you’ll find it impossible to refresh your feed.
Now you know the possible causes of Instagram feed refresh error, let’s look at solutions to them.
What to do if your Instagram Feed will not refresh
- Check internet connection
- Set time and date correctly
- Log out and log in again
- Clear Instagram cache
- Restart device
- Update your Instagram/Re-install
- Check if your account is blocked/hacked
- Change Instagram data limits
- Contact Instagram support
1. Check internet connection
It’s important you check your internet connection if you have this problem. Most often than not, it’s your network acting up. Check if it’s working well, if the internet speed is okay, if wi-fi signal is strong enough and not fluctuating. If you notice issues with the network, you have to re-establish internet connection by ensuring your network is stable. Check other apps to see if network is okay or use Fast to check your internet speed.
2. Set time and date correctly
If you are using manual settings, switch to network provided time. This ensures that both your phone time and that of Instagram tallies.
3. Log in and log out again
Logging out and logging in back again can help you fix the ‘refresh feed error’. Go to Profile picture > Settings > Log out > Close the app > Open app again and enter your details to re- login.
4. Clear Instagram cache
In your device settings menu, go to Apps > Scroll to Instagram > Find and select clear cache. Cache contains files that are not important so deleting them is not harmful, however be careful not to select Clear Data as this contains important files about the app. When you clear cache you are required to re- input login details (make sure you didn’t forget them, so keep them safe). For IOS, go to Settings > General > iPhone storage > Instagram > Clear cache. Clearing cache helps solve Instagram in-app errors.
5. Restart device
Rebooting system fixes errors and gives it a fresh start. For Android, hold the power button till the power off button shows and you click. For iOS, hold both the power button and home button together for 3 seconds till the screen blacks out and the Apple logo comes up on the screen.
6. Update your Instagram/Re-install
You might have to update your Instagram if problem still persists. Or you delete the app and reinstall. For Android, go to play store, while for Apple go to the App store. Search for Instagram and either update the app to latest version or re- install totally.
7. Check if you account is blocked/hacked
If you account has been restricted, Instagram will send you a notification when you login and also tell you when you will be unblocked. If it has been hacked, you will not have access when you try to login. Just go to Instagram settings(profile > burger menu > settings), go-to security and check your login activities. Analyze your activities and see if there is anything suspicious then you can change your password to protect you account.
8. Change Instagram data limits
Instagram has a feature where it allows you set data usage for a period of time, Instagram automatically restricts you from uploading and viewing new contents when you reach your data limit. Simply go to Profile > Settings > Account > Scroll down and tap on mobile/cellular data usage and increase your data limit.
Instagram’s server might be down so you have to wait patiently till they come up again. Check if your friends can use Instagram, that way you know if it’s Instagram’s fault or not.
9. Contact Instagram support
You can report to Instagram if you have tried severally but error still persists. On you Instagram app, go to Settings > Help > Report a problem; describe your problem, you can say your feed is not refreshing or couldn’t refresh feed > Submit your report and wait for Instagram’s feedback to you.
Conclusion
Instagram with billions of users receives massive data inflow in a daily basis. People are constantly uploading videos, photos and other contents by the second. So it’s impossible to maintain a hundred percent perfect workflow.
These type of errors are bound to occur and you should expect them. However the few tips highlighted in the article can help you fix ‘Instagram Feed Not Refreshing‘ issues.
This article was first published on July 6, 2022 2:59 p.m. WAT
