11 Ways to Fix Instagram Reels Not Working

PDF download Download Article
Tips and tricks to use when Instagram Reels isn't working
PDF download Download Article

Are you getting an error whenever you try to upload a new Reel? Or maybe you're not able to access Reels at all? There are a few reasons why Instagram Reels might not be working, but fortunately, they are all easy to fix. This wikiHow article will help you troubleshoot Instagram Reels not working on your Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Things You Should Know

  • Do simple fixes first, like updating the Instagram app and checking your internet connection.
  • Check https://help.instagram.com/804597213806653 to make sure Reels is available in your country.
  • Clear your Instagram app cache on Android, or uninstall and reinstall the app on your iPhone/iPad.
1

Update Instagram.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-1-Version-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>"}
    To update your app, open the App Store or Google Play Store , search for Instagram, and tap Update .
    2. Advertisement
2

Make sure Reels are available in your country.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-2-Version-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>"}
    Go to https://help.instagram.com/804597213806653 in a web browser and check if your country is listed. This feature may not be available in your country, so you may be unable to view or make Reels .
    • If your country isn't listed, you will immediately know that Reels not appearing on Instagram is not a glitch you can fix. [1]
    • If you want to watch Reels, you can try using a VPN .
3

Check your Internet connection.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-3-Version-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 should try to fix this by reconnecting to the router or modem. [2]
    • 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.
    • If you're using your mobile data plan to access Reels, try switching to using Wi-Fi instead. Or, if you're using Wi-Fi, see if Reels works on your cellular data connection.
    2. Advertisement
4

Turn off the data saver feature.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-4-Version-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>"}
    To turn it off, tap your profile picture, then tap the three-line menu icon and Settings and privacy . Go to Data usage and media quality and toggle off "Use less cellular data." [3]
    • With this off, you should be able to see Reels.
5

Clear the app's cached data.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-5-Version-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>"}
    • In Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage & cache > Clear cache .
    • For iPhone and iPad, you'll have to delete and reinstall the app instead since there aren't settings in General that will let you do this task automatically.
    2. Advertisement
6

Log out and log back in.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-6-Version-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>"}
    To log out, tap your profile picture, the three-line menu icon, then Settings and privacy , and finally, tap Log out you can then re-enter your Instagram information (like the username and password) to log back in. [4]
7

Use Instagram Lite (Android only).

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-7-Version-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>"}
    The lighter version is smaller, but you can still watch Reels on it. [5]
    2. Advertisement
8

Update your phone or tablet's operating system.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-8-Version-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'll want to update it to prevent glitches. The process for updating your phone varies depending on your manufacturer:
    • On Android , go to Settings > System > System Update .
    • On iPhone and iPad , go to Settings > General > Software Update .
9

Uninstall and reinstall Instagram.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-9-Version-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>"}
    If none of the other tricks worked for you, try uninstalling and reinstalling. Doing this will not only remove the app but also delete all the associated app data (which may be corrupted!). [6]
    • Any of your drafts or posts that you've saved to your phone will be deleted once you uninstall the app.
    2. Advertisement
10

Join Instagram beta (Android only).

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-10-Version-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>"}
    Since iPhones and iPads don't have access to the Google Play Store, they are unable to opt into the beta . [7]
    • Note that while this may clear up your Reels not working by forcing the platform to update, opting into beta may introduce other issues. Beta testers are more for testing experimental features before they are released and letting Instagram's developers know if there are hiccups with those features.
11

Report it to Instagram.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Instagram-Reels-Not-Working-Step-11-Version-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>"}
    To report an issue, open Instagram, go to your profile and tap the three-line menu icon. Select Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem > Report and then describe the issue in as much detail as possible. You can also add screenshots to support your details. [8]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Easily View a List of People You Have Requested to Follow on Instagram
      5 Easy Steps to Have Invisible Highlight Names on Instagram
      4 Easy Ways to Download a Picture from Instagram
      4 Quick Ways to Contact Instagram Support for Help
      4 Easy Ways to Login to Instagram Without a Recovery Code
      How to See Your Instagram Stalkers: Stories, Stats, & Apps
      Find Out Who Shared Your Instagram Posts & Reels to Stories
      How to Start a Conversation with a Girl on Instagram: 10+ Tips to Get Her Chatting
      The 4 Easiest Ways to Reset Your Instagram Explore Page
      How to Check Who Doesn't Follow You Back on Instagram
      3 Ways to Delete Instagram Search Suggestions (Reset Autofill)
      How to
      View Instagram Without an Account
      Hiding Your Instagram Followers: Tips & Tricks
      3 Easy Ways to Check Instagram Login Devices + Delete Them
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/270447560766967
      2. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/370569449686414
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210596
      4. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/370569449686414
      5. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/518372316681740
      6. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/370569449686414
      7. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/634304533341747
      8. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/381579045265733?helpref=faq_content

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 271,957 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement