Fix Instagram Reels Not Showing or Stuck Loading (iPhone & Android)

Instagram Reels may disappear, fail to load, or get stuck on a spinning circle due to app bugs, outdated versions, cache corruption, or account-level issues. This guide provides a complete step-by-step solution for iPhone and Android users, including fast fixes, advanced methods, and long-term prevention tips.

What You’ll Learn (Quick Summary)

• Why Instagram Reels disappear
• How to fix Reels not loading or not showing
• Device-specific solutions
• When to contact Instagram Support

Understanding the Issue

When Instagram Reels fail to show, the root cause usually falls into one of these categories:

1. App-Related Problems

• Outdated Instagram version
• Cache corruption
• Temporary bugs after long usage
• Old device not supporting certain features

2. Account-Level Issues

• Feature rollout delays
• Account flagged or limited
• Incorrect account type configuration
• Reels disabled regionally

3. Network Problems

• Slow or unstable internet
• Wi-Fi dropouts
• VPN interference

4. Server-Side Issues

• Instagram outage
• Reels undergoing maintenance
• Region-based A/B testing

With this in mind, let’s move into the proven fixes.

How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Showing or Loading

1. Restart Instagram Completely

This refreshes your app session and clears temporary bugs.

iPhone

Swipe up → close Instagram from app switcher → reopen.

Android

Settings → Apps → Instagram → Force Stop → open Instagram again.

Most users fix the issue with this simple step.

2. Update Instagram to the Latest Version

Outdated builds often break Reels, especially after Instagram pushes a global update.

Steps:

1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store
2. Search Instagram
3. Tap Update

If Reels is a newly rolled-out feature in your region, updating is mandatory.

3. Clear the Instagram Cache

iPhone

No “clear cache” button exists, but you can refresh the session:

• Log out → restart phone → log back in.

Android

Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage → Clear Cache

This resolves 70–80% of Reels loading problems.

4. Switch Your Internet Connection

Network issues are extremely common causes.

Try:

• Switch Wi-Fi → mobile data
• Switch mobile data → Wi-Fi
• Restart your router
• Disable VPN
• Try a different Wi-Fi network

VPN especially can make Reels disappear entirely.

5. Log Out and Log Back In

A fresh login resets your session and account-level feature flags.

Instagram → Profile → Menu → Log Out

After logging back in, Reels usually return within minutes.

Advanced Fixes (If Reels Are Still Missing)

6. Reinstall Instagram Completely

This clears corrupted internal data that cache clearing cannot fix.

Steps:

1. Uninstall Instagram
2. Restart your device
3. Reinstall Instagram
4. Log in and check the Reels tab

Most stubborn bugs disappear after a full reinstall.

7. Change Your Account Type

Sometimes Reels get stuck due to your current account category.

Try switching:

Option A — Switch to Personal Account

Instagram → Settings → Account → Switch to Personal Account

Option B — Switch to Professional Account

Instagram → Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account

This triggers Instagram to reload feature rules for your account.

8. Disable Data Saver Mode

Low data mode restricts video loading.

Instagram settings:

Settings → Account → Data Usage → Turn off Data Saver

Device settings:

iPhone → Cellular → Low Data Mode → OFF
Android → Network Settings → disable Data Saver

9. Turn Off Battery Saving Mode

Battery saver can reduce performance and block high-quality video playback.

iPhone

Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode OFF

Android

Battery → Performance → set to Standard or High Performance

Device-Specific Fixes

iPhone Users

Try the following:

• Update iOS
• Disable Low Data Mode
• Reset network settings (optional)
• Restart after installing updates

Android Users

Additional recommended steps:

• Update Android WebView
• Clear Instagram cache regularly
• Turn off “Force Dark Mode” (Developer Options)
• Update system software

Check if Instagram Is Down

Sometimes the problem is not on your device at all.

Check:

• Downdetector.com
• Twitter/X trending topics
• Reddit: r/Instagram

If Reels are globally down, wait 1–3 hours.

When You Should Contact Instagram Support

You should report a problem if:

• Reels missing for more than 48 hours
• Only your account is affected
• Reels missing after reinstall + account switch
• You suspect an account restriction

Inside the app:
Profile → Menu → Settings → Help → Report a Problem

How to Prevent This Issue in the Future

• Update Instagram weekly
• Clear cache (Android)
• Keep 2–3 GB free storage
• Avoid unstable VPNs
• Restart your device every few days
• Do not use third-party Instagram mods

FAQ