Fix Instagram Couldn't Refresh Feed: Is Instagram Down Right Now?

Oh, the dreaded “Instagram couldn’t refresh feed” error. It’s that special kind of digital headache that pops up at the best moments, leaving you staring at a static screen, wondering if you’ve been personally ghosted by the algorithm.

Let’s be real, you don’t normally know why it’s happening, and Instagram certainly isn’t telling. But don’t you worry. We’re going to play detective and figure this out together. The culprit is usually one of these usual suspects:

• The mothership is down (aka is Instagram down right now).
• Your phone’s clock is living in a different time zone.
• You’ve been a little naughty with third-party apps for Instagram.
• Your internet connection is slower than a sloth on a lazy Sunday.

Let's get into the nitty-gritty and figure out how to fix the “Instagram couldn't refresh feed” error so you can get back to your regularly scheduled scrolling.

How to Fix “Instagram Couldn't Refresh Feed”

Here are the most common reasons for this error and exactly how to solve them.

1. When Instagram is Down

First, let's check if the problem is you or them. While it’s not the most common issue, sometimes Instagram just… stops working. It’s a digital siesta.

These outages are more common than you think. Remember the great social media apocalypse of 2021 when all Meta platforms went down? More recently, on March 5, 2024, a technical issue caused a global outage affecting hundreds of thousands of users, with about 92,000 reports for Instagram at its peak.

Before you throw your phone against the wall, do a quick check on the Instagram server status. The best tool for this is an Instagram down detector, like the one at Down Detector. It collects user reports to see if an outage is widespread.

If it shows a massive spike in complaints, congratulations! It’s not your fault. The only fix is to sit back, relax, and wait for the engineers at Meta to work their magic.

2. When Your Date and Time Aren’t Synchronized

This one sounds weirdly simple, but it’s a surprisingly common culprit. If your device's date and time settings are out of sync with reality, it can confuse Instagram’s servers.

This digital jet lag can also cause other problems, such as Instagram Stories not loading correctly. To get back in sync, you just need to set your device’s clock to update automatically.

• Go to your device’s Settings
• Choose Date & Time
• Turn Automatic on

Problem solved. Who knew you were a time traveler?

3. When You’re Using a Third-Party App

Alright, time for some real talk. Have you been using any apps that promise to automate your Instagram activity?

While some third-party apps for Instagram, like Buffer or Later, are recognized for scheduling content, many others operate in a grey area. If you’re using an unrecognized tool to auto-comment, auto-like, or handle your Instagram tagging, Instagram’s security systems might flag your account.

Instagram's "no bots" rule is really just them deciding which automated accounts get to clog your feed. Use the wrong one, and they'll punish you for daring to be efficient, proving their commitment to "authenticity" is more of a control fetish.

They are notoriously strict with their rules. If you break them, they might serve you the "couldn't refresh feed" error as a warning shot. Keep it up, and you risk getting locked out of your Instagram account or even having it deleted permanently.

4. Your Internet Speed is Too Slow

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. The Instagram couldn't refresh feed error could just be a polite way of saying your internet is painfully slow.

A slow and unstable connection means your phone can't download the data needed to display new posts, stories, or reels, leading to a whole host of Instagram not working issues. It's a general Instagram malfunction that can often be traced back to your connection speed.

In this case, there is no other solution except making sure you have a steady and fast internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice-versa. If you suspect your service provider is the problem, it might be time to shop for a new one. After all, you have important feeds to refresh.

Final Thoughts

Oftentimes, the reason for the “Instagram couldn’t refresh feed” error is quite straightforward, and so is the solution. As long as you know the reason, you can immediately solve the error and get back to your normal Instagram routine.

Here is the quick recap of what you should do if you encounter this error on Instagram:

• Check if Instagram is down
• Inspect your device’s date & time settings
• Avoid using unrecognized third-party automation tools
• Examine your internet connection speed

If the error persists even after applying these changes, it's understandable to feel a little unsettled. Sometimes, the best step is simply to allow time for things to settle. Take a breath, and trust that clarity often emerges when you give it space.

Wrapping It All Up

Like a traveler whose path is blocked by an unseen wall, the solution isn't to rage against it, but to understand its nature. The reason for the “Instagram couldn’t refresh feed” error is often straightforward, and once you find its root, the way forward becomes clear, and you can get back to your normal routine.

Here is a quick recap of what to check when you're blocked:

• Check if Instagram is down
• Inspect your device’s date & time settings
• Avoid using unrecognized third-party automation tools
• Examine your internet connection speed

If the error persists even after you've done what you can, it’s understandable to feel a bit stuck. Sometimes, the most helpful step is to simply give things a little time to settle. Things will most probably get back to normal within the next 24 hours.