5 Ways to Fix Instagram Not Working on Mobile Data

Quick Tips

• Ensure you haven’t disabled cellular data access for Instagram on your device.
• Disable any data saver settings/low data mode that restricts cellular data usage for Instagram.
• Clear cache from the Instagram app to remove junk, and corrupted files that may cause problems.

Basic Fixes

• Check if Instagram is down: Check if Instagram is facing downtime. If yes, wait for the platform to be restored.
• Update Instagram: Update Instagram to the latest version on your Android or iOS device for a bug-free experience.
• Check mobile data plan: Ensure you have an active cellular data plan with a stable network signal on your device,

Fix 1: Enable Cellular Data for Instagram

On iPhone

Go to Settings, scroll down, select Instagram from the list, and enable Mobile Data.

On Android

Step 1: Tap and hold the Instagram app icon, and select App Info.

Step 2: Select Data usage and ensure you haven’t enabled Disable mobile data.

Fix 2: Disable Data Saver Mode on Instagram

The data saver mode on Instagram may affect loading speeds when you are using cellular data.

Step 1: Open the Profile tab, and tap on the menu button at the top right corner.

Step 2: Select Media quality and turn off Use less mobile data.

Fix 3: Disable Data Saver Mode on Device

Data saver settings on your device may affect Instagram and may restrict it from loading content using mobile data.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Cellular Data/Mobile data.

Step 2: Tap on Mobile Data Options (or Cellular Data Options).

Step 3: Tap on Data Mode. Ensure you haven’t selected Low Data Mode. Select Allow More Data on 5G or Standard.

On Android

Open the Settings app > go to Network & Internet > ensure you have not enabled the toggle for Use Data Saver.

Fix 4: Clear Cache

Clearing cache and junk files may resolve the issue with Instagram. You can check our guide on what happens when you clear your cache on Instagram for a better understanding.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press the Instagram app on the home screen and tap on App info. Tap on Clear Data.

Step 2: Tap on Clear cache and select OK to confirm.

On iPhone

Offloading an application on your iPhone removes temporary data, including cache and junk files.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Go to General -> iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Instagram from the list. Select Offload App. Wait for the offloading to complete, then tap on the Reinstall App option.

Fix 5: Enable Unrestricted Data Usage (Android)

Enabling unrestricted data usage and turning on background data helps Instagram complete tasks even after you close the app.

Tap and hold the Instagram app icon, select App Info, and go to Mobile Data Usage. Turn on the toggle for Background Data and Unrestricted mobile data usage.

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting the network settings on your device. Further, you can contact Instagram support for more assistance.