Why Does My Instagram Keep Crashing And How To Fix It Now

If you’ve ever opened Instagram only for it to freeze, close unexpectedly, or fail to load stories and reels, you’re not alone. Millions of users report frequent crashes across both iOS and Android devices. While frustrating, most Instagram crashes are solvable with a few targeted troubleshooting steps. The issue isn’t always the app itself—sometimes it’s your device settings, network instability, or outdated software. Understanding the root cause is key to applying the right fix.

Instagram relies heavily on real-time data, high-resolution media, and background processes that can strain older devices or unstable connections. When any part of this system falters, the app may respond by freezing or shutting down entirely. But before you delete your account or switch platforms, try these practical, tested solutions.

Common Causes of Instagram Crashes

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know what might be triggering the instability. Instagram crashes aren’t random—they usually stem from one or more predictable issues:

• Outdated app version: Running an old version of Instagram can lead to compatibility problems with new OS updates.
• Insufficient storage: Low device memory affects app performance, especially for media-heavy platforms like Instagram.
• Buggy app update: Occasionally, Instagram rolls out flawed updates that introduce instability.
• Network issues: Poor Wi-Fi or cellular signal disrupts data syncing, causing timeouts and crashes.
• Corrupted cache: Temporary files build up over time and can interfere with normal operation.
• Incompatible device software: Older operating systems may not support current app features.
• Background app conflicts: Other apps using excessive resources can destabilize Instagram.

Identifying which factor applies to your situation streamlines the repair process. For example, if Instagram crashes only when loading Reels, the issue may be related to video rendering or network speed. If it crashes immediately upon opening, corrupted data or a faulty update is more likely.

Tip: Note when the crash occurs—on launch, during scrolling, or while uploading—to narrow down the cause.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Stop Instagram Crashing

Follow this structured sequence of solutions, starting with the simplest and progressing to more advanced methods. Most users resolve the issue within the first three steps.

1. Force Close and Restart the App

The quickest way to reset a misbehaving app is to force close it and relaunch. This clears temporary glitches in memory.

1. Swipe up from the home screen (or double-click the home button on older iPhones) to view open apps.
2. Find the Instagram card and swipe it upward to close it.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then reopen Instagram.

On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Force Stop, then restart the app.

2. Check for App Updates

An outdated Instagram version often lacks critical bug fixes. Updating ensures you have the latest stability patches.

On iPhone:

• Open the App Store.
• Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• Scroll to find Instagram under \"Available Updates.\"
• If an update appears, tap \"Update.\"

On Android:

• Open Google Play Store.
• Tap the menu (three lines), then select \"My apps & games.\"
• If Instagram shows under \"Updates,\" tap it and select \"Update.\"

Tip: Enable automatic updates to prevent future version-related crashes.

3. Clear Instagram Cache (Android Only)

Unlike iOS, Android allows users to manually clear an app’s cache without losing login data.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage.
2. Tap \"Clear Cache\" (not \"Clear Data\"—that logs you out).
3. Restart the app.

This removes corrupted temporary files that may be interfering with performance.

4. Free Up Device Storage

If your phone is near full capacity, apps struggle to function. Instagram needs space to store cached images, videos, and session data.

Aim to maintain at least 1–2 GB of free storage. To free up space:

• Delete unused apps.
• Offload photos and videos to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud).
• Remove downloaded content from streaming apps.
• Use built-in tools like iPhone’s \"Offload Unused Apps\" or Android’s \"Smart Storage.\"

“Mobile apps perform significantly worse when storage drops below 10% capacity. It’s not just about space—it’s about system-level resource allocation.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Engineer at Android Authority

5. Reinstall Instagram

If crashes persist, a fresh install often resolves deep-seated corruption.

1. Uninstall Instagram from your device.
2. Restart your phone to clear residual processes.
3. Download Instagram again from the App Store or Google Play.
4. Log back in and test functionality.

This replaces all app files with clean versions from the official source.

Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

If basic fixes don’t work, consider these deeper interventions.

Check Your Internet Connection

Instagram requires stable, high-speed connectivity. A weak or fluctuating signal can mimic app crashes.

To test:

• Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue persists.
• Run a speed test using apps like Speedtest by Ookla.
• Restart your router if Wi-Fi seems unstable.

You can also reset network settings (note: this erases saved Wi-Fi passwords):

• iOS: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

Disable Battery Saver and Background Restrictions

Power-saving modes limit app performance. On some Android devices, Instagram may be restricted from running in the background, causing it to reload every time you open it—increasing crash risk.

To adjust:

• Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Battery > Unrestricted.
• iOS: Settings > Instagram > Background App Refresh > Enable.

Check for Operating System Updates

Running an outdated OS can break app compatibility. Newer versions of Instagram may require recent security patches or framework updates.

Update iOS: Settings > General > Software Update.
Update Android: Settings > System > System Update.

Always install major updates over Wi-Fi to avoid data overages.

Do’s and Don’ts When Fixing Instagram Crashes

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep Instagram updated via official stores	Install third-party modded versions (e.g., IG Lite from unknown sources)
Clear cache regularly on Android	Ignore persistent low-storage warnings
Test on different networks	Assume the problem is always with Instagram—check your device first
Restart your phone weekly	Leave the app open in the background for days without closing
Report crashes to Instagram via Settings > Help > Report a Problem	Expect instant fixes—some bugs take weeks to patch

Real-World Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Crashing Instagram

Sarah, a small business owner who uses Instagram daily to promote her handmade jewelry, started experiencing constant crashes every time she tried to upload a post. The app would freeze, then close. She couldn’t check DMs or Stories, costing her engagement and sales.

She began by force-closing the app—no change. Next, she checked for updates and found Instagram hadn’t updated in over a month due to disabled auto-updates. After installing the latest version, the app still crashed.

Then she noticed her iPhone storage was at 98%. She deleted old screenshots, offloaded unused apps, and cleared Safari history. With 2.3 GB of free space, she restarted her phone and reopened Instagram. The app launched smoothly and stayed stable.

Her issue was a combination of outdated software and low storage. By addressing both, she restored full functionality without needing technical support.

Quick Checklist: Fix Instagram Crashes in 5 Minutes

Follow this checklist for a fast resolution:

1. ✅ Force close Instagram and reopen it.
2. ✅ Check for app updates in the App Store or Google Play.
3. ✅ Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test connectivity.
4. ✅ Restart your smartphone.
5. ✅ On Android: Clear Instagram’s cache in Settings > Apps.

If the problem continues, proceed to reinstall the app or check device storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Instagram crash only when I open Reels?

Reels demand high processing power and fast data loading. If your internet is slow or your device has limited RAM, the feature may overload the app. Try lowering video quality in mobile data settings or closing other apps before opening Reels.

Will clearing Instagram data log me out?

Yes. On Android, “Clear Data” resets the app completely, removing your login, preferences, and cached media. Use “Clear Cache” instead if you want to stay logged in. On iOS, you’ll need to delete and reinstall the app to achieve a similar reset.

Is Instagram down or is it just my phone?

To verify if Instagram is experiencing a global outage, visit websites like Downdetector.com. These track user-reported outages in real time. If thousands of users report issues simultaneously, the problem is likely on Instagram’s end—not yours.

Preventing Future Crashes

Once you’ve fixed the immediate issue, adopt habits that reduce the likelihood of recurrence:

• Enable auto-updates: Ensures you never run outdated, buggy versions.
• Monitor storage monthly: Set calendar reminders to review available space.
• Limit background apps: Too many running apps compete for memory.
• Use Instagram Lite (Android): A lighter, faster version designed for lower-end devices.
• Report bugs: Use Instagram’s built-in feedback tool to help developers identify issues.

Regular maintenance prevents minor glitches from becoming major disruptions.

Conclusion: Get Back to Scrolling Without Interruption

Instagram crashes are common but rarely permanent. Most issues stem from simple causes like outdated software, full storage, or network hiccups—all of which you can fix in minutes. By following the steps outlined here, from updating the app to reinstalling it cleanly, you regain control over your experience.

Don’t tolerate constant crashes as inevitable. With a methodical approach, you can restore smooth performance and get back to connecting, sharing, and discovering content without frustration. Take action today—your feed is waiting.

💬 Did one of these fixes work for you? Share your experience in the comments and help others troubleshoot their Instagram issues!