If you’ve noticed that your Instagram reels have suddenly gone dark or blank when you try to watch them, there are a few possible reasons why this might be happening.
Instagram is experiencing a technical issue
The most likely explanation is that Instagram is having a technical glitch that is causing some reels to not load properly. Instagram’s infrastructure supports billions of users, and sometimes bugs or server issues can cause temporary problems like this.
It doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your specific account or reels. If it’s a widespread technical problem on Instagram’s end, there’s a good chance they are working quickly to resolve the issue.
Your Instagram app needs to be updated
Another possibility is that your Instagram app needs to be updated to the latest version. Instagram is constantly releasing updates to fix bugs and improve features. If you haven’t updated your app recently, you may be missing some of the newest code that allows reels to function properly.
Go to your device’s app store and check for any Instagram updates that need to be installed. Once you’re running the latest version of the app, try viewing your reels again.
Your device software needs to be updated
Along the same lines, your device’s operating system may need to be updated as well. Just like apps receive updates, iOS and Android operating systems also periodically release new versions.
If your device is running outdated software, it can sometimes cause glitches like reels not loading. Check to make sure your device software is fully up-to-date by going to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS or Settings > System > Advanced > System Update on Android.
Your device is low on storage
If your phone or tablet is running low on storage space, it can cause some glitches with viewing content like reels. Apps and videos require available storage space to function properly.
Try clearing out some unused apps, photos, videos, and other files to free up storage space. You may notice issues like reels not loading properly are fixed after you’ve freed up some capacity.
Your internet connection is unstable
An unstable or slow internet connection can also potentially disrupt reels from loading. Instagram reels require a steady data stream to download and buffer smoothly.
Try moving closer to your WiFi router, turning off other devices using your home internet, or switching from WiFi to cellular data. This may help establish a faster, more reliable connection that allows reels to load properly.
The reel file is corrupted
In rare cases, the actual reel video file itself may have become corrupted or damaged somehow. This can prevent Instagram from being able to properly process and display it.
If the issue seems isolated to just one or two reels in particular, it could be file corruption. You may need to delete and re-upload a fresh version of the damaged reel video.
How to troubleshoot and fix reels not loading
If you’re experiencing widespread problems with reels not loading in your Instagram feed, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
Force quit and relaunch the Instagram app
Fully close out of the Instagram app by force quitting it. On iOS, swipe up to close it or double click the home button and swipe up on Instagram. On Android, open your recent apps list and swipe Instagram away.
Relaunching the app essentially resets it and clears out any corrupted temporary memory that could be preventing reels from loading.
Log out and log back into your account
Logging out and back in essentially accomplishes the same purpose of resetting your account’s temporary data and connections.
To log out on iOS, go to your profile and tap the three line Menu > Settings > Log Out. On Android, tap your profile > three line Menu > Settings > Log Out.
Update or reinstall the Instagram app
As mentioned previously, keeping your Instagram app fully up-to-date or reinstalling it from scratch can help resolve glitches.
Update your device software
Double check that both your device operating system and the apps like YouTube and Safari are updated to their latest versions.
Free up storage space on your device
Delete unused apps, photos, videos, and files to maximize available storage for properly running Instagram and loading reels.
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a solid WiFi or cellular data connection that is fast enough for streaming reel videos smoothly.
Delete and re-upload damaged reels
If the issue seems isolated to one or two reels, it could be corruption. Take down and re-upload fresh copies of those reels.
What to do if reels still aren’t loading
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your Instagram reels still aren’t loading properly, here are a few next actions to take:
- Check Instagram’s status page at https://www.instagram.com/status/ for any known issues with the service.
- Reach out to Instagram’s support team directly via in-app support request or https://help.instagram.com/contact/504521742987441
- Ask your followers if they are experiencing the same reel loading issues, or if the problem seems isolated to just your account.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app if it still seems to be malfunctioning.
- As a last resort, try resetting your device to factory default settings (back up data first).
Why consistent troubleshooting is important
Issues like Instagram reels not loading can be frustrating. But methodically testing different solutions until the problem is fixed is key.
Consistently re-trying the main troubleshooting steps like updating software, checking internet connectivity, and uninstalling/reinstalling the app tends to resolve most technical issues like this.
Persistence and consistency are important when it comes to troubleshooting. Don’t give up after trying something once. Many issues take multiple attempts and cavalry through different potential fixes before they are ultimately resolved.
When to seek additional help
If you’ve persistently tried all of the troubleshooting suggestions and your Instagram reels still refuse to load properly, it’s time to seek additional help.
Reach out to Instagram’s customer support directly via in-app chat or social media. They may be able to provide specialized troubleshooting tips or identify if it’s a larger platform issue on their end.
You can also look for a local phone repair shop that offers services specifically for debugging mobile app issues like this. Sometimes hands-on troubleshooting with a phone technician can pinpoint problems that are hard to diagnose yourself.
Preventative measures
While intermittent technical issues are hard to avoid completely, there are some preventative measures you can take to minimize problems with your Instagram reels:
- Routinely update Instagram app, device OS, other apps
- Regularly clear out old photos, videos, and files
- Use wifi for large uploads whenever possible
- Don’t upload reels with minimum storage remaining
- Download reels over wifi before sharing
- Maintain a strong internet connection
- Restart your phone regularly
Key takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember about troubleshooting Instagram reels not loading:
- Consistently re-test potential fixes like app updates, internet connections, etc
- Don’t hesitate to contact Instagram support if issues persist
- Preventatively maintain your device storage, software, wifi, etc
- Technical issues usually have a temporary fix with enough effort
- Be patient and persistent in working through possible solutions
Conclusion
Troubleshooting finicky mobile app issues requires persistence, consistency, and methodically working through all potential solutions. If Instagram reels aren’t loading properly, methodically re-trying steps like updating software, resetting the app, checking internet connections and storage levels tends to resolve many problems like this after enough repetition.
Don’t hesitate to leverage Instagram’s customer support, local repair shops, or phone manufacturer help if you’ve tried all conventional DIY troubleshooting without success. With enough diligence, you should be able to get your Instagram reels smoothly loading once again.