Instagram Stories not loading and showing a blank screen? This frustrating issue prevents you from viewing friends’ stories and can happen due to network problems, app bugs, or account issues.
Here are 7 quick solutions to fix Instagram Stories loading problems on Android and iPhone.
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
1. Check Internet Connection
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Test other apps (YouTube, WhatsApp) to confirm internet works
- Move closer to WiFi router or find better signal area
- Restart router if WiFi is slow
2. Force Close and Restart Instagram
- Close Instagram completely from recent apps
- Wait 10 seconds
- Open Instagram again
- Try viewing stories
3. Update Instagram App
- Android: Play Store → Search “Instagram” → Update
- iPhone: App Store → Search “Instagram” → Update
- Restart phone after update
App-Specific Solutions
4. Clear Instagram Cache (Android)
- Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage
- Tap Clear Cache (keeps your login and data)
- Restart Instagram
- Test stories loading
5. Log Out and Log Back In
- Instagram → Profile → Menu (3 lines) → Settings
- Scroll down → Log out
- Wait 30 seconds
- Log back in with your credentials
- Check if stories load
6. Check Data Saver Settings
Android:
- Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver
- Turn OFF Data Saver or allow Instagram unrestricted access
iPhone:
- Settings → Cellular → Instagram → Enable cellular data
Instagram app:
- Profile → Menu → Settings → Account → Cellular data use
- Turn OFF “Use less data”
Advanced Solutions
7. Reinstall Instagram App
- Uninstall Instagram from your phone
- Restart phone
- Download Instagram from Play Store/App Store
- Log in and test stories
8. Check Instagram Server Status
- Visit downdetector.com/status/instagram
- Check social media for widespread Instagram issues
- Wait if servers are down - usually fixed within hours
9. Switch Instagram Account
- Add another Instagram account (or create temporary one)
- Switch to different account
- Test if stories load on other account
- If yes → original account has issues
Network-Related Fixes
10. Reset Network Settings
Android:
- Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Network Settings
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Note: This will reset WiFi passwords.
11. Use VPN (Temporary Test)
- Install free VPN (ProtonVPN, Windscribe)
- Connect to different location
- Test Instagram Stories
- If works → ISP blocking issue
Account-Specific Issues
12. Check Account Restrictions
- Stories might be restricted in your region
- Account might have temporary limitations
- Try viewing from web browser (instagram.com)
- Contact Instagram support if account issues persist
Prevention Tips
Keep Instagram Working:
- Update app regularly
- Keep phone storage above 1GB free
- Don’t use modified Instagram apps
- Restart Instagram weekly
- Use stable internet connection
Avoid These Mistakes:
- ❌ Using Instagram mods (GB Instagram, etc.)
- ❌ Following/unfollowing too quickly
- ❌ Using third-party Instagram tools
- ❌ Ignoring app updates
Device-Specific Solutions
Android Phones:
- Disable battery optimization for Instagram
- Settings → Apps → Instagram → Battery → Don’t optimize
iPhones:
- Enable background app refresh for Instagram
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Instagram ON
When Stories Still Won’t Load
Try These Alternatives:
- Use Instagram web version (instagram.com)
- Ask friends to send story screenshots
- Check Instagram Lite app (Android only)
- Wait 24 hours - temporary glitches often resolve
Contact Instagram Support:
- Instagram app → Profile → Menu → Settings → Help → Report a Problem
- Describe the issue clearly
- Include screenshots if possible
Most Instagram Stories loading issues are temporary and resolve with app restart or cache clearing. Network problems are the most common cause.