This is the ULTIMATE blog post for fixing Instagram reels not working, packed with practical solutions and tricks to fix it instantly. I’ve included all the necessary screenshots and shared real-life examples from real people. Let’s get started!
How I Fixed This Instantly
Firstly, there might be an ongoing issue with the Instagram app, which could cause reels to stop playing. To check if it’s just you or if others are experiencing the same problem, you can check Google Trends.
As you can see, there is a surge in search trends in the US for reels not working, which means people are facing this issue and searching for solutions on Google.
However, if that’s not the case for you, simply clear the cache and Instagram app data from both the app and the settings.
Try logging out of your account and logging back in, or updating the app. If none of that works, you might need to wait for Instagram to update their platform or push a soft update to the app.
How to Fix The Instagram Reels Not Playing or Working
In my experience, dealing with Instagram Reels not working can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it randomly stops functioning. After going through trial and error, and digging into forums and user comments, I found some fixes that work. Here’s everything I discovered, from clearing cache to reinstalling the app, and a few other tricks. Let’s dive into it!
Fix 1. Clearing Cache and Storage
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard that clearing the app cache and storage can fix various issues. The cache stores temporary files, and when they get corrupted, things like Instagram Reels tend to malfunction. Here’s what I did:
Steps I Followed:
- Went to Settings on my phone.
- Tapped on Apps or Application Manager.
- Found Instagram and tapped on it.
- Went into Storage and selected Clear Cache first.
- If Reels didn’t work, I followed up by selecting Clear Data or Clear Storage.
User Comment: “I tried clearing the cache, and it worked for the open session. Reels were restored, but the fix didn’t last long. I needed to clear it again later." — u/MOALnft
This method provided a temporary fix for me but worked long enough to access Reels.
Fix 2. Reinstalling Instagram
When clearing cache didn’t give me a long-term solution, I decided to try reinstalling the app. Sometimes files can become corrupted or incomplete during updates, and a fresh install can help.
Steps:
- I uninstalled Instagram by holding the app icon and selecting Uninstall.
- Then, I went to the Google Play Store (or App Store) to download the latest version.
- After reinstalling, I logged back into my account.
User Insight:
I uninstalled Instagram, reinstalled it, and Reels worked—until I closed the app. It fixed the issue temporarily.” — u/JUNEALYNA
Although reinstalling worked for a while, I had to keep doing it after the app closed. Still, it’s a fix worth trying.
Fix 3. Switching Accounts
A weird solution I found was that Reels worked fine on my secondary Instagram account, but not my main one. If you have more than one account, switching between them might restore Reels temporarily.
Steps I Took:
- Logged out of my primary account via Settings > Log Out.
- Logged into a secondary account (or created one if needed).
- Reels worked perfectly on my secondary account.
User Comment: “When I switch to my second account, Reels work just fine, but my main account still has issues.” — u/rocin4nte_
This step made me realize that the issue could be account-specific rather than app-related.
Fix 4. Force Stopping the App
Force-stopping Instagram helped when the app became unresponsive or buggy. It essentially closes all processes and allows the app to restart fresh.
Steps:
- I went to Settings > Apps > Instagram.
- Tapped on Force Stop.
- Reopened Instagram, and Reels were working again.
User Tip: “Forcing the app to stop fixed it for a short time, but it worked!” — u/MOALnft
This fix worked temporarily for me but was quick and easy.
Fix 5. Updating Instagram
Outdated apps often cause features like Reels to stop working. I checked for updates and found that keeping Instagram updated can fix a lot of bugs.
Steps:
- Opened the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Searched for Instagram.
- If an update was available, I tapped Update.
User Experience: “After updating, I had Reels for 30 minutes before they stopped working again.” — u/Muted-Box7247
Updating the app fixed Reels temporarily, so I made sure to stay on top of new updates.
Fix 6. Clearing Space on My Device
I realized that if my device’s storage is full, Instagram struggles with media processing, especially for larger files like videos. No wonder I couldn’t send videos, add stickers, or download received media.
Steps I Took:
- Went to Settings and checked Storage.
- Cleared out unnecessary files or moved things to cloud storage.
Important Note: If your storage is full, media creation, editing, and sharing get restricted. Plus, apps may crash when trying to process large files.
Fix 7. Reporting the Issue to Instagram
If none of the fixes worked, I reported the issue to Instagram directly. While response times vary, some users reported that the issue got fixed after enough complaints.
Steps I Took:
- Went to Profile > Settings > Help > Report a Problem.
- Described the issue and mentioned the steps I had already tried.
User Comment: “I had to report the problem several times, but eventually, Instagram fixed it.” —
u/ContactDesperate
Reporting the issue seems like a last-resort solution, but it’s worth doing.
Fix 8. Temporary Fix by Re-Logging
I found this trick on Reddit, and it’s been a lifesaver in some cases. I logged out of the problematic account, logged in with an account where Reels worked, and then switched back.
Steps:
- Cleared cache and storage.
- Made sure Instagram had permissions for Camera, Microphone, and Photos.
- Logged into an account where Reels worked.
- Then immediately switched to my main account. Reels worked again—at least temporarily.
User Insight: “This process gave me a working Reels for that session, but after logging out, the problem returned.” — u/MOALnft
It’s a temporary fix but can help in a pinch.
Fix 9. Access Instagram via Browser
If the app version wasn’t working, I used Instagram’s web version through a browser like Chrome or Safari.
Steps:
- Opened my browser and went to Instagram.com.
- Logged in and accessed Reels through the browser.
User Tip: “Reels worked perfectly fine on my desktop browser even when the app failed.” — u/champijoni
This is a great alternative when the app refuses to cooperate.
Fix 10. Wait for Instagram to Fix It
Sometimes, the problem is on Instagram’s end. I’ve had to wait it out before, but eventually, Instagram rolled out updates or bug fixes that restored Reels.
User Experience: “After waiting for a whole month, Reels finally returned for me!” — u/JazzyAngel4646
It’s frustrating, but sometimes patience is the only solution.
More Ways to Make Reels Working Again
| Fix | Explanation | Steps |
| Change DNS Settings | Switching to a faster DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can enhance Instagram’s connection speed, reducing issues with features like Reels. | Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Connected Network > IP Settings > Set to Static > Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) > Save and restart the phone. |
| Use a VPN | A VPN can bypass regional restrictions or resolve server-related issues by allowing you to connect from a different location. | Download a VPN > Connect to a different region (like the U.S.) > Open Instagram > Check if Reels function properly. |
| Disable Battery Optimization | Disabling battery optimization for Instagram prevents background restrictions, allowing the app to load Reels and other features seamlessly. | Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > Find and disable optimization for Instagram > Restart the app and test Reels. |
| Change Instagram Data Usage Settings | Disabling Data Saver mode on Instagram allows the app to use more data, improving the loading of Reels and reducing buffering issues. | Open Instagram > Go to Profile > Settings > Account > Cellular Data Use > Turn off Data Saver. |
| Switch to an Older APK Version | Reverting to a stable, older version of Instagram by sideloading a previous APK can help, especially if new updates introduce bugs. (Android only) | Download a trusted older APK > Uninstall the current Instagram app > Install the downloaded APK > Check if Reels function better. |
| Create a New Instagram Account | Creating a secondary Instagram account can help troubleshoot account-specific bugs affecting Reels on your primary account. | Create a new Instagram account > Log in > Switch back to your primary account > Check if Reels are restored. |
| Use Parallel Space/Dual Apps | By cloning Instagram through apps like Parallel Space, you can run a second instance of Instagram, bypassing bugs in the main app. | Download Parallel Space > Clone Instagram > Log in to Instagram > Check if Reels work on the cloned instance. |
| Change Device Region/Language | Changing the device’s region or language settings may reset app preferences and fix geo-specific bugs. | Go to Settings > System > Language & Input > Change language to English (US/UK) > Change the region > Restart your device. |
| Switch to Instagram Lite | Instagram Lite is a lightweight version of the app and may resolve performance issues with Reels, especially on slower networks or older devices. | Download Instagram Lite from the Google Play Store > Log in > Test if Reels work on Instagram Lite. |
| Use a Different Device | Logging into Instagram on another device can help determine if the issue is device-specific or account-related. | Borrow another phone/tablet > Install Instagram > Log in > Check if Reels work on the new device. |
Each fix has been proven useful by users across various forums, offering a range of advanced troubleshooting solutions for Instagram Reels issues. These fixes aim to resolve more complex problems beyond basic troubleshooting methods.
Conclusion
From clearing cache to force-stopping the app, these solutions helped me tackle the issue of Instagram Reels not working. While some fixes were temporary, others helped me regain access to Reels long enough to enjoy the feature again. If you’re dealing with this issue, try these methods one by one, and don’t forget to report the issue to Instagram if nothing else works!
That’s it for today’s blog post! Today, I tried showing you all the proven and working methods that are currently effective for both Android and iOS devices whenever you encounter reels not working, not loading, or just getting stuck on the first frame. It’s important to fix this issue, and these steps are completely safe and easy to follow. Plus, I’ve included screenshots to make it even easier for you!
