Lately, Instagram has been facing some problems, and many users are reporting that whenever they open Instagram, they get an error that reads “Couldn’t load feed,” and it is usually coupled with a screen message that reads “Something went wrong.”
This is irritating as Instagram just stops working and you can’t do anything about it. Oftentimes, you can’t even reach the settings page as Instagram doesn’t load at all.
So what can a person do when they see the something went wrong error message on Instagram?

So let’s dive right in and understand what you can do if you see this message.
When do you see the ” Something Went Wrong” error on Instagram?
Something went wrong, which is a common error you will see on Instagram. In fact, it is a go-to error message that Instagram throws at you whenever there is something wrong with the app. That means you can see this error pretty much anywhere or during any activity on Instagram. Some examples are:
- Logging into your account.
- Refreshing your feed.
- Posting photos or stories.
- Editing your profile.
- Sending messages in DMs.
This is where things also get a bit tricky. As this is a generic issue, finding an exact fix becomes challenging. However, there are a few things that one can always try to fix the problem.
Why does this happen?
This is a very generic issue because there are so many causes for this error message to pop up on your Instagram app. So if you some the Something went wrong error on Instagram, it could be due to:
- Instagram server outage
- Network issues
- An old version of the Instagram app
- Device issues
- Account restrictions
- Account violating any Instagram policies
- Using a VPN
- Outdated login session issues
There can be any number of other reasons, but these are some of the most common ones.
Fix Something Went Wrong on Instagram
Now that we know what can cause the Something went wrong error on Instagram, here is how you can try fixing it:
Network Issues
The most common reason to see the Something went wrong error on Instagram is poor networks or no networks at all. In that case, you will not be able to use the Instagram app on your phone.
Fixing this issue is simple. First, you need to see if you are able to use other internet apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, etc. If you are not able to use these apps or access the internet on a browser, then you need to check whether your internet connection is working or not. If it is working, you need to run a speed test and see if you are getting decent internet speed.
Server Issues
Another very common cause for this issue is server issues from Instagram. To determine this, you can just ask your friends nearby if their Instagram is working fine or not. If they are also having the same issues, then there might be some server-side problems. Additionally, you can also use Downdetector to check if the Instagram servers are down.
The good thing is that Instagram is very popular and they definitely do not like to keep their servers down. So any server downtime is going to be resolved quickly.
Update the Instagram App
In many cases, if you use an older version of the Instagram app then there can be issues and you will see this error. So make sure that you use the latest version of the app. Here is how you can do it:
- Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Check for updates and install if available.
Log Out and Log In
In some cases, outdated login sessions can also lead to this error. So what you can do is log out of the Instagram app and then log in again. This should probably fix the issues.
Disable VPN
If you are using a VPN, then disabling it should resolve the issue. Simply disconnect the VPN and then try using the Instagram app. This should fix the issue.
Reinstall the Instagram App
Sometimes the issues are a bit deep and in that case, you have one choice that is to reinstall the Instagram app. Here is the proper way to do it:
- Uninstall the app.
- Restart your device.
- Reinstall Instagram from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Contact Instagram Support
If nothing works, you can try contacting Instagram support. The problem is that you won’t be able to access Instagram support if you see the Something went wrong error app-wide. But if you are able to access it, make sure to escalate the issue to Instagram support.
Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile.
Step 2: Tap on the hamburger menu icon in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Help under the “More info and support” menu.

Step 4: Tap on Report a problem.

Step 5: Again, tap on Report a problem.

Step 6: Here, tap on Include and Continue.
Step 7: Now, describe the issue, add any screenshots, and then tap on Send.

This should fix the issue for you. However, it will take some time.
Wrapping Up
So these are some things that you can try to fix the Something went wrong error on Instagram. Based on personal experience, the issue usually resolves on its own in a day at most. But you can try these fixes as many users have reported that these fixes have helped them. Hope this guide helps you and in case you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
FAQs
A: It can happen due to server issues, poor network, outdated app, device glitches, VPN use, or account problems.
A: Use Downdetector or ask friends if they face similar issues.
A: Check if other apps work, run a speed test, and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
A: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Update if available.
A: Log out and back in, disable VPN, reinstall the app, or contact Instagram support.
Also Read: