Are your Instagram reels not working? Keep reading to know how to resolve the issue.
Instagram is a social platform that inspires many people and businesses to showcase their products, events and boost their brand exposure.
One of the platform's creative tools is the Reels which lets users express their brand story and connect with more people with different cultures from all over the world.
Not having access to Instagram reels can be frustrating most especially, for users who experienced or used the tool before.
In case Reels are not working on your end, then consider yourself as facing the Instagram reels not working issue which has been affecting many users on the platform.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to fix the Instagram reels not working issue.
That being said, we've compiled the best troubleshooting tips to help you fix the Instagram reels not working issue.
Table of Contents
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram reels are engaging, immersive videos that allow you to artistically communicate your brand story, inform your audience, and attract new customers.
People visit Reels to partake in cultural trends, work with the locals, and learn new concepts.
Your company may produce interesting videos that motivate your audience using creative tools like effects, music, and stickers through Reels.
Why is Reels not working on my Instagram?
The main reason why Reels are not working on Instagram is due to a glitch or bug that might have occurred in the app.
At times, it might not even be a problem, but just that Reels are not available for your account.
We'll later see some troubleshooting guides to help you resolve the Instagram Reels not working issue on the app.
Before You Fix Instagram Reels Not Working Issue
There something you'll need to do before concluding that you are actually facing the Instagram reels not working issue which is the check if the reels is actually available for your account.
Check Instagram Reels Through All Access Points
The first and foremost step to take when looking to fix the Instagram Reels not working issue is to check if Reels are available for your account.
To do this visit another Instagram account to see if you can view the reels. In case you're able to watch reels on other accounts, then chances are you should have the reels feature as well.
There's a chance you missed the Instagram Reels icon. In the app, you can find Instagram Reels in the following location:
1. Reels Tab via the Navigation Bar
Look for the Reels option in the center of the navigation bar at the bottom of the Instagram app.
2. New Post Screen
- To create a new post, tap the plus icon in the top left corner.
- Check to see if the Reels option appears on the bottom tab now.
3. Instagram Explore Screen
- To access the Explore page, tap the search bar.
- Check to see if Public Reels is in the search results now.
4. Instagram Stories Screen
Check the bottom of your Instagram Stories to see if the Reels option is available.
5. From a User's Profile
Check to see if the Reels option is visible next to the IGTV option on an Instagram profile.
6. Instagram Camera
From Instagram home page, swipe from left to right then check to see if you can locate the Reels option at the bottom.
How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Working
If the reels option is available for your account but not working properly, then you can follow the below troubleshooting tips to fix the Instagram Reels not working issue.
Fix 1: Check If Reels Are Available in Your Country
It's good thing to always check if the reels feature is available in your country before proceeding with any other troubleshooting tips.
You can find a list of the countries where Reels advertising are supported on Instagram's help page if you're unsure whether the feature is supported where you reside.
As long as you don't reside in a country where VPNs are prohibited, you can try using a VPN to get Reels for your account if the country you call home isn't on the list.
Fix 2: Check Your Internet Connection
If you are unable to view Instagram Reels on your phone, your internet connection may be the cause, especially if you receive the error message: Couldn't refresh feed.
Try reconnecting to the network to see if it resolves the issue. However, you can have poor internet speed if many devices are connected to the same network.
Restarting your router would be worthwhile to check if it resolves your connectivity problems.
Fix 3: Clear the App's Cached Data
Cache is used by apps to offer the best experience to their app users. However, if the cached data becomes corrupted, it will lead to a variety of issues, such as Instagram Reels not working.
To fix this issue and avoid further similar issues, consider deleting the app's cache data.
Here's how to clear Instagram app's cache to fix the Instagram reels not working issue:
- Open your phone's Settings menu.
- Tap Apps and select Instagram.
- Open Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache > Clear Storage.
Fix 4: Update Instagram to the Latest Version
Another known reason why users face the Instagram reels not working issue is due to the fact that they are using an outdated version of the the app.
In this case, updating your Instagram app to the latest version should fix the Instagram reels not working issue.
Android users can find the latest version of the Instagram app on Google Play meanwhile, iOS users can find the latest version of the app on the App Store.
Instagram Reels Not Showing After Update?
If your Instagram reels are not still showing after updating the app, then consider reinstalling the app to to fix the issue (a glitch might have occurred during the update).
In case that doesn't work out for you, then continue with the troubleshooting tips that follow.
Fix 5: Turn Off Instagram's Data Saver
Instagram's data saving feature prevents most data-consuming content such as reels from loading in advance.
Instagram Reels will take longer to start playing, but it can reduce your data usage.
Here's how to disable the data saver on Android if you believe it is interfering with the playback of Reels:
- Tap your account icon and select Settings.
- Go to Account > Mobile data use.
- Turn off the toggle next to Data saver.
For iOS, the procedure is similar. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options by tapping your profile icon. Disable Low Data Mode there.
Fix 6: Switch to Instagram Lite
Switching to Lite version of the app is another great way to fix the Instagram reels not working issue.
Instagram Lite uses less mobile data and doesn't take up much space on your phone.
Reels may still be watched on Instagram Lite even if there are some distinctions between the two apps.
Instagram Lite is only available for Android phones as of this writing.
Fix 7: Logout and Login to Instagram App
Logging out and logging back is another fix for the Instagram reels not working issue.
In most cases, the app just needs to sync your account to your new location as a way of checking is the reels are available in your current location.
This should help resolve the issue for those who travel to different locations often.
Fix 8: Uninstall and Reinstall the Instagram App
If logging out and back did not resolve the issue, then consider uninstalling the Instagram app and reinstalling it from a trusted source.
The problem can also originate from the version of the app you're using and the download source should also be highly considered.
If you downloaded from an untrusted source, then there are high chances that you'll experience issues with the app.
Android users should consider downloading the app from Play Store whereas, iOS users should download the app from the App Store.
Fix 9: Contact Instagram Support
If non of the above troubleshoots worked out for you, then consider, as a last resort, reporting the Instagram reels not working issue to Instagram support.
Here's how to reach out to Instagram support:
- Open Instagram and click the three-line menu.
- There, select Settings and go to Help.
- Click Report a problem. In the popup menu, click Report a problem again.
- Describe the issue as detailed as possible. You can even add screenshots to help them better understand the problem.
- Once you're done completing the report, click Submit.
Instagram Reels Not Working On iPhone?
The Instagram reels not working issue rarely happens to iPhone users, but if you're currently facing the issue on you iPhone, then consider any of the troubleshooting steps listed above.
Instagram Reels Not Working On Android?
Most Android users frequently face the Instagram reels not working issue. This is mainly caused by a sign error in the app and to fix the issue, the most straightforward way is to clear the app's cache.
You can also consider checking your internet connection to see if its working as expected.
Instagram Reels Not Working Today?
If your Instagram reels are not working as of writing of this article, then consider updating the app to the latest version as the latest glitch with Instagram has been fixed.
What to Do If Instagram Reels Sound Isn't Working
Instagram Reels typically have no sound because the creator muted it, sometimes as a creative way to make their Instagram account stand out or simply because they would rather not utilize sound.
Nothing is wrong with the app or your phone if you scroll down to the following Reel and it has audio.
Final Thoughts: Instagram Reels Not Working
Instagram reels are what people use to showcase their brand, events and connect with more people.
The Instagram reels not working error is a common issue faced by most users on the platform.
If that's the case for you, this guide compiles troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable Instagram Reels?
Tap in the top right, then tap Settings. Tap Privacy, then tap Reels and Remix. From here, you can manage your preferences for each type of video. Tap or next to Allow for reels or Allow for feed videos or Allow for photos to turn remixing on or off.
Why did Instagram stop showing my reel?
On Instagram, users browse at a breakneck pace; occasionally, all it takes is an eye blink to convince someone to watch your Reels. Therefore, Instagram will de-prioritize your Reels and show it to a lesser audience if you don't have a hook in the opening few seconds of your Reels and your audience doesn't engage with it sufficiently.
Did Instagram remove Reels?
According to Instagram, it has changed its name to "Instagram Video" and will now house Instagram Live videos in addition to "Instagram Video" structured content. However, it won't hold Reels videos.