Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and stories. However, sometimes the app may unexpectedly crash or stop working on an iPhone, leaving users frustrated. In this article, we will guide you through several methods to fix the “Instagram Has Stopped” error on your iPhone.
Common Causes of this Instagram error
There are several common causes for the “Instagram has stopped” error on an iPhone. Some possible reasons include:
1. Outdated app
- If you are using an outdated version of Instagram, it may cause the app to crash or stop working. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your iPhone.
- If your iPhone has low storage space, it can cause issues with apps, including Instagram. Try freeing up some space by deleting unused apps, photos, or videos.
- If your internet connection is weak or unstable, it can cause Instagram to stop working properly. Try connecting to a stronger network or resetting your network settings.
- Sometimes, the app’s data may become corrupted, causing the app to malfunction. Try clearing the app’s cache and data or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
5. iOS bugs
- If you are using an outdated version of iOS, it can cause issues with apps like Instagram. Try updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS. Meanwhile, if the error instigated from an iOS update, then it’s probably due to some unknown bugs that caused conflicts with Instagram.
6. Jailbroken iPhone
- If you have a jailbroken iPhone, it can cause conflicts with Instagram and other apps. Try restoring your iPhone to its original state or using the app on a non-jailbroken device.
Potential Solutions to “Instagram has stopped” error
Outlined below are simple workarounds that you can use to eliminate common factors that can trigger the said error to occur on the iOS Instagram app.
Method 1: Force Close Instagram
When an app encounters an error, it may become unresponsive and cause further issues. Force closing the app helps to clear any temporary glitches or bugs that may be causing the app to stop working, allowing it to start fresh when it is reopened.
So the first thing you can do is to force close Instagram and then restart the app. Here’s how:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen or double-click the Home button to access the App Switcher.
- Swipe left or right to find Instagram.
- Swipe up on the Instagram app card to force close it.
- Wait for a few seconds and then reopen Instagram to see if the issue has been resolved.
Method 2: Restart Your iPhone (soft reset)
Restarting the iPhone can help to clear any background processes or cache that may be causing the Instagram app to malfunction. It also allows the phone’s operating system to reset, which can resolve any software-related issues that may be impacting the app’s performance.
To restart (soft reset) an iPhone, just follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears to restart your iPhone.
- As soon as your iPhone is ready, relaunch Instagram and check if the issue persists.
Meanwhile, if your iPhone gets stuck or becomes unresponsive due to the Instagram error, performing a forced restart would be necessary. Here’s how:
- Press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button.
- When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.
Method 3: Update Instagram
Updating Instagram on an iPhone can fix any known bugs or glitches that are causing the app to stop working. It can also improve the app’s overall stability and performance, which may prevent future errors from occurring.
If possible, try to check for any pending update for Instagram and other apps on your iPhone with these steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down to the “Pending Updates” section.
- If an update is available for Instagram, tap the “Update” button.
- Once updated, launch Instagram and see if the problem is resolved.
Method 4: Clear Instagram Cache
Clearing the Instagram cache can help to remove any temporary data or files that may be causing the app to malfunction. This can free up storage space and may resolve any issues related to corrupted data, which can help to prevent the app from crashing in the future.
To clear Instagram cache, just follow these steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right corner.
- Tap on “Settings” and then “Security.”
- Tap on “Clear Search History” and confirm by tapping “Clear All.”
- Exit and relaunch Instagram to check if the issue has been resolved.
If the above steps aren’t applicable, then you can try offloading Instagram on your iPhone instead.
Offloading will temporarily remove the app from the iOS system without deleting the app’s data. This can help fix errors that are triggered by some unknown in-app glitches that result in some conflicts with Instagram.
Here’s how to manually offload an app on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings-> General-> iPhone Storage.
- Locate Instagram and then tap on it.
- In the next window, tap Offload App.
- Read the warning prompt then tap Offload to confirm action.
You can reinstall Instagram afterwards by heading to the App Store or by simply tapping on its offloaded (grayed out) icon from the Home screen of your iPhone.
Method 5: Reinstall Instagram
Reinstalling Instagram can help to fix any issues related to the app’s installation files or corrupted data. This can result in a fresh installation of the app, which can resolve any errors that may be causing it to stop working. If offloading the app doesn’t fix the problem, then reinstalling it might do.
Simply follow these steps to uninstall and reinstall Instagram on your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Instagram app icon on your home screen until it starts to wiggle.
- Tap the “X” icon that appears on the top-left corner of the Instagram app.
- Tap “Delete” when prompted to confirm.
- When Instagram is completely uninstalled, restart your iPhone.
- Then, open the App Store and search for Instagram.
- Tap the “Get” button to download and reinstall the app.
- Log in to your Instagram account and see if the issue has been resolved.
Method 6: Check for iOS Updates
Updating to the latest version of iOS can provide bug fixes and security improvements that may help to resolve any issues related to Instagram or other apps. It can also ensure that the iPhone’s operating system is compatible with the latest version of Instagram, which may prevent errors from occurring.
To check for iOS updates, your iPhone must be connected to the Internet either via Wi-Fi or cellular data network. Then, proceed with these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General” and then “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install” to update your iPhone.
- Once updated, open Instagram and check if the issue persists.
Conclusion
If the “Instagram Has Stopped” issue on your iPhone persists after trying the above methods, it might be due to temporary server issues or a bug within the app. In such cases, you can report the problem to Instagram support and wait for a fix.
Also ensure to keep your iPhone and Instagram app updated will ensure a smooth and seamless experience on the platform.
FAQs
1. Q: Why does Instagram keep crashing on my iPhone?
A: Instagram may crash due to various reasons, including outdated app or iOS version, overloaded cache, insufficient device storage, or temporary server issues. Following the troubleshooting steps outlined in the article should help resolve the issue.
2. Q: Will I lose my data if I reinstall Instagram?
A: Reinstalling Instagram will not result in the loss of your account data or posts, as they are stored on Instagram’s servers. However, you may need to log in again and possibly reconfigure some app settings.
3. Q: How can I check if Instagram is down or having server issues?
A: To check if Instagram is experiencing server issues, you can visit websites like Downdetector or Outage.Report. Alternatively, you can check Instagram’s official Twitter account for updates on service outages.
4. Q: Can I clear the Instagram cache without deleting the app?
A: On an iPhone, there is no direct way to clear the app cache for Instagram without deleting the app. However, you can clear your search history within the app to free up some space and improve performance.
5. Q: Can I fix the “Instagram Has Stopped” issue on an iPhone without updating the iOS?
A: While it’s possible to resolve the issue without updating your iOS, it’s recommended to keep your device up-to-date for optimal performance, security, and app compatibility. If the problem persists after trying other methods, updating the iOS could be the solution.
6. Q: Will force closing other apps help with the “Instagram Has Stopped” issue?
A: Force closing other apps can free up memory and improve your iPhone’s overall performance, potentially reducing the chances of Instagram crashing. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution and should be used in conjunction with the methods mentioned in the article.
7. Q: How long should I wait before reopening Instagram after force closing it?
A: It’s recommended to wait for a few seconds before reopening Instagram after force closing it. This allows the app to shut down completely and can help in resolving the issue.
