How to Fix “Couldn’t refresh feed” on Instagram

How to Fix “Couldn’t refresh feed” on Instagram in 2024

Published on: December 22, 2022
Last Updated: December 22, 2022

How to Fix “Couldn’t refresh feed” on Instagram in 2024

Published on: December 22, 2022
Last Updated: December 22, 2022

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Is it happening that you are trying to view your Instagram account but get an error message saying, “Couldn’t refresh feed”?

This error is likely to be a sign that you are feeling very frustrated!

You may have tried to uninstall and reinstall Instagram or reset its cache multiple times. It didn’t matter how many times you tried to fix it. Instagram support is almost non-existent. 

You’ve probably used Instagram for some time, and you know that Instagram support is not available. Don’t worry. This issue has been faced by many Instagram users before.

Good news! Nearly all these users were able to restore their feeds. So if you ever come across the dreaded “Couldn’t refresh feed” message, don’t panic.

There are a few things you can do to fix this and start browsing your Instagram feed again.

The first thing to try is restarting your phone or tablet and opening up Instagram again. If that doesn’t work, take a deep breath and follow these steps:

This article will explain why Instagram keeps saying “Couldn’t refresh feed,” how it can be fixed, and answer other frequently asked questions.

Why Do I see “Couldn’t refresh feed” on my Instagram?

couldn’t refresh feed

Instagram is down is the most common reason you get the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error. This could be due to an error in your date/time or a glitch.

Down Detector will help you determine if Instagram is offline. Look out for spikes in the graph.

Instagram keeps repeating the phrase, “Couldn’t refresh feed,” for three reasons.

These three reasons could be prime suspect: 

  • You’ve used an app from a third party
  • Your date or time is wrong
  • Lastly, there was a glitch

These three reasons may not apply to you. For example, Instagram might have misinterpreted your account.

Instagram is well-known for “blocking” people falsely for things they didn’t do. Another common mistake on Instagram is the “auction block.” Even though they haven’t spammed their actions, some people are falsely blocked by Instagram.

A few of their posts might have been liked by them, but they are subject to an action block. The error could be due to a glitch, and you have no options. 

For example, you may have received the error “Couldn’t refresh feed” because of a glitch. It’s vital that you carefully read the following points to determine the reason for the error. This will allow you to identify if the error is a glitch.

1. A Third-Party App Has Been Used

First, Instagram might have displayed the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error if you use an app or automation tool from a third party. Second, suppose you have been performing actions.

For example. if you’ve been using a third-party app or an automation tool to like or comment, Instagram will temporarily disable your feed.

Instagram may temporarily block access to your feed if you have used an app or automation tool from a third party.

Instagram prohibits third-party apps and automation programs from being used. They are trying to reduce bots and automation. Instagram may temporarily block your access to your feed if you get the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error.

This happens most often if you use a third-party application to like other posts. Instagram’s AI will prevent you from seeing your feed to limit your actions. Instagram allows only specific third-party tools to be used on its platform.

These tools can be used to schedule your posts. Your account could be banned temporarily if you are using tools not certified by Instagram.

2. You Have the Wrong Time or Date Set

date and time

If you have an incorrect date or time, you may get an error message as you try to view your Instagram feed. Instagram will sync the date and time with your device settings.

Your device might have the wrong date or time and cause the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error. Instagram can be very frustrating if you have the wrong date or time.

The app can make errors if the date and hour on your device are not the same as Instagram’s. Verify that the date and time are correct.

It could cause other problems. For example, if your date and/or time are wrong, Instagram stories may not load.

3. Instagram Has a Technical Downtime

Technical Downtime

Instagram is down is the final reason you get the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error. Instagram has been down many times over the years. So, it’s not unusual for Instagram to be down at the moment.

Due to a server outage, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp went down for 6 hours on October 4, 2021.

Down Detector will tell you if Instagram is down. For updates, you can also visit Instagram’s official Twitter account. 

You’ll see many reports if Instagram goes down. Instagram is usually not down. The error could be due to an old problem or a glitch.

You should also check your internet speed. You should test your internet speed if your Instagram feed doesn’t look fresh.

Slow internet speeds can prevent your feed from refreshing. You may also get an error message “Could not refresh feed” when refreshing your feed.

Sometimes your Instagram feed won’t refresh due to slow internet speeds. To test your internet speed, you can take a speed test online for free.

It would help if you aimed to reach speeds of at least 20 Mbps. Your feed may not load if your internet speed is lower than 20 Mbs.

If this is the case, you might switch to mobile data if your internet speed is slower than 20 Mbps, or vice versa.

4. Limited Data Usage

One factor causing issues within our account could be due to low cellular Internet bandwidth because sometimes we may not be getting enough information about how much traffic flows through these networks which slows down internet speeds at times- especially during peak hours or weekends.

When there are too many users trying simultaneously to access Instagram, speed fluctuations happen more often than expected.

If you are using up all your cell phone’s available minutes, then this problem will pop-up while scrolling through feeds and accessing content such as pictures or videos posted by friends on Instagram.

5. Outdated App

If you are using the outdated version of Instagram, then also you get into this trouble. If you are still using the outdated version of Instagram, then you will likely experience this often.

You may not refresh feed on any device running an older app version until you do the necessary update.

6. Instagram Cache Is Full

When the Instagram cache is full, it may lead to performance issues that prevent users from accessing their feed.

Cache files help speed up loading times on your phone and make for a smoother user experience overall!

How to Fix Instagram’s “Couldn’t refresh feed” Problem

You will need to wait for Instagram to restore your account before you can fix the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error.

Alternately, you can set your date and/or time to auto or use another device. Alternatively, you could try clearing, updating, or reinstalling Instagram’s cache.

It would help if you waited for Instagram to fix any issues that are causing Instagram to go down.

For example, you have three options to fix the Instagram “Couldn’t refresh feed” error: wait it out, set your date/time to auto, or use another device.

Try these methods if you get an error message on Instagram that says, “Couldn’t refresh the feed.”

1. Wait for A While

Waiting is the best way to fix Instagram’s “Couldn’t refresh feed” error. The “Couldn’t refresh feed” error can last up to 24 hours. Most cases are not severe. The error can be corrected with time.

Instagram users who received the error message were able to return to normal within a day. Instagram users who experienced the “Couldn’t refresh your feed” error received their feeds back within 24 hours.

People who use a third-party app, automation, or website will be subject to the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error. However, this error is temporary and will soon be corrected.

2. Set Your Date and Time Automatically

You can also set your date/time automatically. You can set your date and time back to the original setting if you have changed it in the past.

Instagram can be affected if you use the wrong date or time. This is how an iPhone can automatically set the date and time.

  1. Scroll to settings.
  2. Keep scrolling and click on the icon “General.”
  3. Tap on “Time  & Date” under “General”.
  4. Turn on “Set Automatically.”

Here are steps to set up an automatic date a time on your device.

  1. Go to your settings.
  2. Tap on “Date & Time.”
  3. Turn on “Automatic.”

The automatic setting of your date/time will bring it up to the current date and hour. To avoid Instagram errors, you must have the correct date and time set up on your device.

3. Use Another Device

You can also try another device. Try accessing Instagram from a desktop computer instead of a mobile device.

If you are using Instagram on a computer, it is possible to access it from a mobile device. Try accessing Instagram from a desktop computer instead of a mobile device.

Make sure you change your browser to incognito mode before you log in to Instagram from your desktop.

This will clear your browsing history, data, and cache, which may help eliminate the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error.

If you can’t get rid of the error on your own device, then try using another phone. Once logged into Instagram and refreshed with no errors appearing in both places will tell us if this problem is occurring because of something that’s wrong with either one or multiple devices involved.

You can access Instagram from another device to fix the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error.

You can also switch to incognito mode if you are accessing Instagram from a computer. You can clear your browsing history, cache, and data by switching to incognito mode. This may help you get rid of the error.

How to Stop Instagram’s “Couldn’t refresh feed”

It is essential to prevent errors on Instagram so you don’t spend too much time fixing them. You can return your feed to normal by following the steps below to prevent it from happening again.

Although the error “Couldn’t refresh feed” might be due to a glitch, you should still follow the steps. This is to make sure that the error isn’t your fault. It might also mitigate other errors in the app.

1. Plan to Stop Using Third-Party Apps

third-party app

You should not use a third-party app or an automation tool to like, follow, and unfollow. Instagram has stringent rules about which third-party apps can be used.

Your account could be at risk from third-party apps that have not been partnered with Instagram. You may not be able to use certain Instagram features if you are using third-party apps.

The action block, which blocks you from liking, following, and unfollowing others on Instagram, is the most significant.

Instagram may also prevent your feeds from refreshing, which could be a restriction. Third-party apps and third-party tools allow you to complete actions faster.

This can be easily detected by Instagram and blocked from you from completing that action. Here are the steps to remove third-party tools and apps from a mobile device.

  1. Click on the menu to go to your profile.
  2. Click on “Settings”
  3. Choose “Security”
  4. Select “Data and History” and “Apps and Websites.”
  5. Tap on “Active” and then “Remove.”

Alternatively, you can also change your Instagram password to sign you out of all third-party apps.

You can’t delete third-party apps that you use, but you must take steps to ensure Instagram doesn’t block them.

It is essential to avoid doing anything in third-party apps. Instead, only perform actions (e.g., You should only comment and like the Instagram app.

It would be best if you did not spam anything on Instagram. However, to avoid future mistakes, you should carry them out at regular intervals.

2. Do Not Change Your Date or Time

Next, don’t alter your date or time on your smartphone. Instagram may not work if you change your date or time.

Your Instagram feed might not refresh if your time and date are incorrect. Stories may also not load.

Instagram can be hampered by a wrong date or time. This could prevent your feed from refreshing or stop stories from loading.

You can avoid these mistakes from happening by setting your date and hour to auto. This way, your date and time will always be current.

3. Keep Instagram Up-To-Date

Instagram Up-To-Date

Last but not least, make sure continually to update Instagram. You should always check the App Store/Google Play Store for any updates to Instagram. It is essential to update Instagram as it may help resolve issues within the app.

This is especially true if the update description reads, “Bug fixes or performance improvements.” Sometimes, Instagram may release an update with bugs.

Therefore, you should check for an update and then update again. This will prevent any potential issues from arising in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions to help you have a good grasp of how to resolve “couldn’t refresh feed” on Instagram.

We have selected some of the most widely asked questions with their answers to give you an informative read. 

What Is My Instagram Feed Not Loading?

Slow internet speeds or the use of an automated third-party app can cause your Instagram feed not to load. Your internet speed may be too slow if your Instagram feed doesn’t load.

To test your internet speed, you can use an internet speed test. If your upload/download speeds exceed 20 Mbps, your internet connection is good. However, your feed may not be loading if this is the case.

A third-party app or an automation tool might be why your feed isn’t loading if you have been using an automation tool or third-party app to perform actions (e.g., Like/Comment Your feed will be restored to normal within 24 hours.

How Do I Refresh My Instagram Feed?

Pull down your screen to refresh your Instagram feed. Refreshing Instagram will reorder the posts in your feed. Refreshing your Instagram feed will display posts in chronological order if you have liked all of the posts.

If you don’t like the content of your feed, you can refresh it to display only the most interesting posts.

How Can I File a Report to Instagram?

If you cannot find a way to refresh your feed on Instagram, the last option left is sending reports. For this, go back into settings and select ‘Help’ from there before selecting “Report A Problem”.

This will take you directly towards filling out all necessary information so that they can investigate!

Conclusion 

The Instagram app is a great way to share and follow your favorite content creators, but sometimes you might be unable to refresh the feed.

If this happens or if you see an error with the “Couldn’t refresh feed” message on Instagram, we have extensively discussed some steps that can help fix it. 

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Written by Jason Wise

Hello! I’m the editor at EarthWeb, with a particular interest in business and technology topics, including social media, privacy, and cryptocurrency. As an experienced editor and researcher, I have a passion for exploring the latest trends and innovations in these fields and sharing my insights with our readers. I also enjoy testing and reviewing products, and you’ll often find my reviews and recommendations on EarthWeb. With a focus on providing informative and engaging content, I am committed to ensuring that EarthWeb remains a leading source of news and analysis in the tech industry.