7 Ways to Fix Instagram Opening Wrong Link

So, your friend sent you a link to an Instagram Reel; you opened and watched it, only to realize your friend sent another link. Well, you’re not alone. We faced a similar issue a few days ago. Moreover, the problem occurs not only with Reels but also with posts. Keep reading to know how to fix if Instagram opens the wrong link.

Moreover, Instagram links open random posts or wrong videos when you tap the comment button on the Facebook Reels as well. Here’s how to fix this issue using the below tried and tested methods. Let’s begin.

Note: Remember that the steps can differ based on your Android smartphone. The steps added in this articles will still give you an idea of what to do.

1. Clear Instagram From the Recent Page

Usually, removing an app from the recent page can help you solve the Instagram link opening different Reel issue. This is because any temporary files associated with the app will be removed upon removing the app from recent. Follow these steps.

On Android

Step 1: Swipe up from the navigation bar or tap the recent button to access the recent page.

Step 2: Now, locate Instagram and swipe up from the bottom to remove the app.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the recent menu by swiping up from the Navigation bar.

Note: If you own an iPhone with the home button, press the home button and swipe up from the bottom.

Step 2: Locate Instagram and swipe up from the bottom to remove the app from the background.

2. Swipe up or Down to Check the Next or Previous Reel

Even if Instagram opens the wrong link and takes you to the wrong Reel, try to swipe up or down. You will most likely see the actual post the person intended to send you. However, this only works for the video links on the platform. For posts, you can check the other fixes.

3. Copy and Open the Link in Browser

This will help us understand if the issue is limited to the app. When you copy-paste a link directly to the browser, the probability of landing on the wrong post is almost impossible. The browser will navigate to the link directly rather than being affected by bugs.

Step 1: Press and hold the link you have received.

Step 2: Choose Copy.

Step 3: Paste the link on the browser of your choice. This should open the correct link. If it doesn’t, move on to the next fix.

4. Clear Instagram App Cache

Most apps in your device store temporary files known as cache. These cache files help the app to load faster. Over time, these cache files can accumulate and cause issues with the app’s performance. You can fix the issue by clearing the app cache on your smartphone.

iPhone users can offload the Instagram app and reinstall it to clear all the temporary files. As for Android, follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap Apps and Choose ‘See all X apps.’

Step 2: Tap Instagram and choose ‘Storage and cache’.

Step 3: Choose Clear cache.

5. Force Stop Instagram App on Android

There might be a chance of Instagram opening the wrong link if it is kept in the background. This is probably because some temporary files store your last activity upon exiting the app. When you clear the cache, this will also clear the files storing your recent activities, thus solving the issue.

On iPhone, an app will close instantly when you remove it from the recent. However, on Android, you must perform some extra steps as follows.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap Apps and choose ‘See all X apps.’

Step 2: Tap Instagram and choose Force stop.

Step 3: Choose OK to confirm.

6. Update Instagram

Besides bringing new features, Instagram is also great at fixing all the bugs with every new update. Since you are facing issues with Instagram links opening random posts or wrong videos, update the app for your device from the links below.

Update Instagram on iPhone and iPad

Update Instagram on Android

7. Uninstall and Reinstall the App

Uninstalling the app will help clear all the files associated with it. This means it can also help clear any files behind the Instagram link opening different Reel issues. iPhone users can follow our guide on how to uninstall apps on iPhone. As for Android users, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Playstore > search for Instagram and open the app page. You can also access it from the link below:

Open Instagram in Play Store

Step 2: Tap Uninstall and choose Uninstall to confirm.

Step 3: Once uninstalled, tap Install.

After installing the app, log in and check if you are still facing the issue.

FAQs on Instagram Opening Wrong Link

No More Mistakes

While Instagram lets you share the posts to DM’s and other external sources, Instagram opening the wrong link could be a massive issue for those who tried to access the post through the external link. We have ensured to provide all the fixes to prevent this issue. However, we suggest contacting Instagram support if you still have a problem.