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Fix Instagram “Couldn’t refresh feed” Error

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Are you attempting to browse your Instagram feed but getting the error message “Couldn’t refresh feed”?

You’re undoubtedly really annoyed right now if you’ve received this error.

You may have removed and reinstalled Instagram several times, as well as purged its cache.

But, despite your best efforts, none of it worked. To make matters worse, Instagram support is non-existent.

If you’ve used Instagram for a time, you’ll know that the support team is inaccessible.

But don’t panic; many Instagram users have had this problem in the past, so you’re not alone.

I have excellent news for you—nearly all of these users received their feedback.

This post will explain why Instagram keeps stating “Couldn’t refresh the feed,” how to repair it, and answer other commonly asked problems.

Why does my Instagram continually tell me that Couldn’t refresh feed?

Instagram couldn't refresh feed

The most common cause of the “Couldn’t refresh feed” issue is that Instagram is unavailable.

It might also indicate that you utilized a third-party app, that your date and time are incorrect, or that there was a problem.

To see whether Instagram is down, use Down Detector and watch for spikes on the graph.

Instagram keeps stating “Couldn’t refresh feed” for three reasons.

There are three possible explanations: you utilized third-party software, your date and time are incorrect, or there was a problem.

If none of these three reasons apply to you, you may have received the message because Instagram is down (unlikely).

Instagram is notorious for “blocking” individuals for reasons they did not commit.

Another typical mistake on Instagram is the auction block.

Even though they did not spam their activities, some persons had their actions prohibited by Instagram.

They may only have liked a few posts on their feed, and an activity block imposes on them.

In most circumstances, the problem by a bug, and there is nothing you can do about it.

Returning to the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem, it might be a malfunction.

However, it is ideal if you read the following points and identify the reason that relates to you.

This allows you to identify whether the problem is a glitch or not.

1. You’ve used a third-party app cause of Couldn’t refresh the feed

To begin, you may have encountered the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem on Instagram due to the usage of a third-party app or automation tool.

If you’ve been utilizing a third-party app or an automated tool to perform actions (e.g., like, commenting), Instagram may temporarily block your feed.

Instagram may briefly prevent you from reading your feed if you’ve used a third-party app or an automated tool.

Instagram strictly prohibits the use of third-party applications and automated technologies.

This is due to the fact that they are attempting to limit the number of bots and automation on their site.

If you get the “Couldn’t refresh feed” message, Instagram may suspect you are a bot and temporarily prevent you from reading your feed.

This is common when you use a third-party app to like other people’s postings.

As a result, Instagram’s AI will prevent you from accessing your feed in order to minimize your activities.

Only specific third-party tools are permitted on Instagram. These are mostly scheduling programs that allow you to schedule your postings.

As a result, if you use tools that are not certified by Instagram, your account may be temporarily banned.

2. Your date and time are the wrong cause of Couldn’t refresh feed

date & time Couldn't refresh feed

When you try to see your Instagram feed, you may receive the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error if your date and time are wrong.

Instagram syncs the date and time with your device’s settings.

The “Couldn’t refresh feed” error message might be caused by an incorrect date and time on your device.

The incorrect date and time on your smartphone might create a slew of problems on Instagram.

If the date and time on your device do not match those on Instagram, the app may crash.

Check to see that the date and time on your device are correct. Otherwise, it may cause more problems.

Instagram stories, for example, may not load if your date and time are incorrect.

3. Instagram is down the cause of Couldn’t refresh feed

Instagram down Couldn't refresh feed

The final reason you get the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error is that Instagram is unavailable.

Instagram has gone down several times over the years.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for Instagram to be down right now.

Due to a server outage on October 4, 2021, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp were unavailable for around 6 hours.

You may use Down Detector to see whether Instagram is down.

You may also get updates through Instagram’s official Twitter account.

If Instagram is down, the graph will most likely show thousands of reports.

In most circumstances, Instagram is not down, and the error is caused by either a previous reason or a malfunction.

You should also check your internet speed.

If your Instagram feed is not refreshing, you should check your internet connection.

When you try to update your feed, you may receive the “Couldn’t refresh feed” error because your internet connection is too sluggish.

Sometimes your Instagram feed will not update because your internet connection is too sluggish.

To test your internet speed, you may utilize a free speed test available online. Generally, you should strive for a speed of more than 20 Mbps.

If your internet speed is less than 20 Mbps, your stream may not load because it is too sluggish.

If that’s the case, you should try switching from WiFi to mobile data and vice versa.

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

To resolve the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem on Instagram, you must wait until Instagram is operational again.

You may also try using another device or setting your date and time to automatic.

You may also try updating, reinstalling, or emptying Instagram’s cache.

If Instagram is down, you must wait until the problems are resolved on Instagram’s end.

Wait it out, adjust your date and time to automatic, or use another device to try to repair the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem on Instagram.

If you’re encountering the “Couldn’t refresh feed” issue on Instagram, try the solutions suggested below.

1. Wait it out

Waiting it out is the best approach to resolve the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem on Instagram.

The “Couldn’t refresh feed” error message might linger up to 24 hours.

The “Couldn’t refresh feed” error message might linger up to 24 hours.

In most circumstances, you may have received the error by accident, and it will be lifted with time.

Most Instagram users who saw the error notice were able to restore their feeds within a day.

Most Instagram users who saw the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem had their feeds restored within 24 hours.

The “Couldn’t refresh feed” message is intended to be displayed to users who used a third-party app or automation.

You’ve most likely received the error if you haven’t utilized these.

If you haven’t used these, the error was most likely caused by a malfunction or Instagram being down.

Nonetheless, the issue is just temporary, and it will be corrected shortly.

2. Set your date and time automatically

iPhone set date & time automatically Couldn't refresh feed

The second technique is to automatically set your date and time.

If you changed your date and time in the past, you must reset it to normal.

An erroneous date and time might create several problems on Instagram. It might even stop your Instagram feed from updating.

Here’s how to adjust your iPhone’s date and time automatically:

  • Navigate to your settings.
  • Scroll down and select “General.”
  • Tap “Date & Time” under “General.”
  • Turn on “Set Automatically.”

Here’s how to set your Android device’s date and time automatically:

  • Navigate to your settings.
  • Select “Date & Time.”
  • Turn on “Automatic.”

Setting your date and time to automatic will bring them up to date with the current day and time.

To avoid issues on Instagram, make sure you have the correct date and time on your device.

3. Use another device

Finally, you can try another device.

If you’re currently using Instagram on a mobile device, try using it on a desktop instead or on a desktop, or then try it on a mobile device.

Switch your browser to incognito mode before logging in to Instagram on your PC.

Because it clears your browsing history, data, and cache, this may resolve the “Couldn’t refresh feed” issue.

Using another device to access Instagram can assist in resolving the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem.

Additionally, if you’re using a desktop to browse Instagram, consider switching to incognito mode.

Changing to incognito mode will delete your browsing history, data, and cache, perhaps removing the problem.

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

Preventing problems on Instagram is vital since it saves you time resolving them.

If your feed has returned to normal, proceed to the next steps to prevent the problem from occurring again.

Though the “Couldn’t refresh feed” problem might be due to a bug, it’s better if you follow the procedures below.

This is done to check that the mistake was not caused by you. Furthermore, it may help to reduce other app issues.

1. Stop using a third-party app

Couldn't refresh feed

You should quit utilizing a third-party app or an automatic program to like, follow, unfollow, and so on.

Instagram is quite picky about which third-party applications you may use.

Third-party applications that are not affiliated with Instagram pose a significant danger to your account.

If you use a third-party app to perform such actions, you may be barred from utilizing some Instagram features.

The most visible Instagram block is the action block, which restricts you from liking, following, unfollowing, and other actions on the network.

Furthermore, as a security measure, Instagram may prohibit your feed from reloading.

The benefit of using third-party applications and tools is that they allow you to do tasks more quickly.

Instagram may easily identify this and prevent you from performing that activity.

Here’s how to uninstall third-party apps, tools, or websites from your mobile device:

  • Go to your profile and select the menu option.
  • Select “Settings.”
  • Choose “Security.”
  • Select “Apps and websites” under “Data and history.”
  • Tap “Active,” then “Remove.”

You may also reset your Instagram password, which will sign you out of all third-party applications.

However, if you do not want to deactivate the third-party app(s), you must take specific precautions to avoid being blocked by Instagram.

The most crucial precaution to take is to avoid doing activities directly in the third-party program you’re using.

Instead, you should only do activities (such as liking and commenting) within the Instagram app.

Overall, you should avoid spamming any action on Instagram. Instead, do them in intervals to reduce future mistakes.

2. Don’t change your date and time

You should also avoid changing the date and time on your mobile device.

Changing your date and time may result in Instagram issues.

If your date and time are out of date, your Instagram feed may not update and your stories may not load.

Having the wrong date and time on your smartphone might create a slew of problems on Instagram.

It may prevent your feed from refreshing or loading stories.

To prevent these errors from occurring, make sure your date and time are set to automatic.

As a result, your date and time will always be correct.

3. Always update Instagram to the latest version

Instagram bug fixes Couldn't refresh feed

Finally, always upgrade Instagram to the most recent version.

Always check the App Store/Google Play Store for updates.

Always check the App Store/Google Play Store for Instagram updates.

Instagram updates are significant because they can help solve bugs in the program.

This is especially true if the update description includes words like “bug fixes and speed enhancements.”

Instagram may occasionally issue an update that contains problems.

If this is the case, you must check for a future update and reinstall the program.

This will assist to reduce any potential troubles with the app.

What’s the deal with my Instagram feed not loading?

If your Instagram feed isn’t loading, it’s usually due to a sluggish internet connection or the use of a third-party app/automation tool.

To begin, if your Instagram feed is not loading, your internet connection may be too sluggish.

You can test your internet speed with an online internet speed test.

However, if your upload/download speed is greater than 20 Mbps, your internet connection is enough.

If this is the case, your feed may not be due to a technical error.

Another typical cause of your feed not loading is the usage of a third-party software or automation tool.

If you’ve been utilizing a third-party app or automation tool to perform activities (such as liking/commenting), Instagram may temporarily block your feed.

But don’t worry, your stream will be restored within 24 hours.

How can I update my Instagram feed?

Simply pull down and release your device to refresh your Instagram feed.

When you refresh your Instagram account, the posts on your feed will rearrange.

If you already liked all of the posts in your feed, reloading it will display them in chronological order.

If you didn’t like all of the posts in your feed, reloading it will show you the posts you’re most likely to interact with first.

Further reading

How to Resolve “Couldn’t load the image.” on Instagram

Fix Instagram to Add Your Sticker

How to Post a YouTube Video to Instagram Story

About the author

Kiruthika

A passionate writer and a social activist. she writes on various niches in an SEO-optimizing manner.