Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

Fix Instagram’s “Couldn’t Refresh Feed” Error with These Easy Steps

Download Article

You're most likely not banned! Learn why IG says "Couldn't Refresh Feed"

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: July 21, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Are you getting the error "Couldn't refresh feed" on Instagram? While you might immediately wonder if you're banned , don't worry, this error most likely stems from a server issue on Instagram's side and not from your account.

Why is Instagram showing a "Couldn't Refresh Feed" Message?

Don't worry; your account is most likely not banned from Instagram. Instead, the servers could be down and prevent the social platform from working properly. You should wait until the servers are back online and try using Instagram again then.

1

Make sure Instagram's servers are online.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Offline servers cause the platform to stop working. In that case, you'll see a "Couldn't Refresh Feed" error and will need to wait until the servers are online. Online tools like https://downdetector.com/status/instagram/ will let you know the status of Instagram servers.
- This is the most common cause of seeing "Couldn't Refresh Feed" when you're positive that your internet connection isn't the issue.

Advertisement

2

Check your Internet connection.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
You aren't connected reliably to the Internet. You should try to fix this by reconnecting to the router or modem.
- If multiple devices on the network are seeing the same thing, the issue might be more for your ISP instead of a simple connection problem.
- You can also try using different data. So if you're using cell data, try using Wi-Fi instead; if you're using Wi-Fi, use cellular data.

3

Log out and log back in.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
This forces your account to refresh. To log out, tap your profile picture, the three-line menu icon, then Settings , and finally, tap Log out you can then re-enter your Instagram information (like the username and password) to log back in.
- Some users ^{[1]
  X
  Research source} have reported that logging into your account on desktop, then logging in on the app works.

Advertisement

4

Uninstall and reinstall Instagram.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Uninstalling the app and reinstalling it should get rid of any pesky glitches. If none of the other tricks worked for you, try uninstalling and reinstalling. Doing this will not only remove the app, but it will also delete all the app data associated with it (which may be corrupted!) Uninstalling and reinstalling the app takes care of any troubleshooting steps to clear the app cache.
- Any of your drafts or posts that you've saved to your phone will be deleted once you uninstall the app.

5

Use a desktop web browser.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Once you log into your account on a computer, you might get a pop-up that wasn't able to load on your phone or tablet. In that case, you can close the pop-up and can use IG on your mobile again!

Advertisement

6

Update Instagram.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Outdated apps don't work properly. To update your app, open the App Store or Google Play Store , search for Instagram, and tap Update .
- You'll definitely need to update any versions older than May 2022. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

7

Update your phone.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Couldn%27t-Refresh-Feed-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
An old OS could be causing trouble with the app. The process for updating your phone varies depending on your manufacturer:
- Androids , go to Settings > System > System Update .
- iPhone and iPad , go to Settings > General > Software Update .

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

References

About This Article

Reviewed by:

Professional Technologist

This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 1,883 times.

How helpful is this?

Co-authors: 3

Updated: July 21, 2024

Views: 1,883

Categories: Social Media | Social Networking Services

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,883 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

X

-

-

442

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}

Design a Mobile Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: