Stories offer instant glimpses into the daily lives of your connections on Instagram. They are simply impossible to ignore, given that they rest at the top of the feed. These stories might stick with you, but well, after their 24-hour time is up, you move on!
They are actually the app’s highlight because of how simple it is to access them. All you have to do is tap on them to load! So, there is no waiting, and it is easy to access them.
However, users occasionally complain about stories not appearing at all. Nothing is more annoying than discovering an entirely empty story timeline when you know your friend has added anything.
Therefore, it is no surprise that we are irritated that Instagram stories are not showing or working for you. But rather than pondering the whys and the hows, you might, in our opinion, look for causes and solutions.
So, why not read this blog and find out how to fix the error as early as possible?
Why are Instagram stories not showing or working?
Have you just logged into Instagram to view a couple of your friend’s stories when it suddenly shuts down? Yes, we are aware of this since we have personally experienced it.
We are aware that the circumstance is frustrating, especially when nothing seems to be working! But we’re here to provide some logical explanations for why Instagram is acting erratically. And let us add that no single cause is ever shared by all Instagram users when they encounter this problem.
However, the sections following will assist you in identifying these causes and potential solutions. Therefore, read through each one below to see which explanations apply to your gram and how to correct them.
Checking your internet connectivity
Instagram stories are significantly more affected by bad internet connectivity than you might think. Therefore, always check for a weak wifi connection or a terrible network on your cell phone.
Try alternately using mobile data and wifi to test how effectively your internet functions. Additionally, we advise you to open different web platforms and move between programs to determine whether they reflect the same problems.
You can also launch any browser and run a search to see if your internet connectivity is working. Your Instagram stories will start working and showing when your internet returns to normal.
Cleaning the in-app cache for Instagram
Clearing the in-app cache for any app has been a popular troubleshooting technique for a long time now. The cache is frequently neglected, which can occasionally result in issues with the operation of certain platforms.
We’ll give you a basic step-by-step explanation of how to erase the in-app cache. Although we know that this approach may or may not be successful, it would be ideal if you tried it. So, have a look at it and pay close attention.
Steps to clean the in-app cache for Instagram:
Step 1: Navigate to the Gear icon on your phone to open Settings, and make sure to tap on the Apps option.
Step 2: A Manage apps option is present on the menu. Click on it and search for Instagram on the next page.
Step 3: Tap on Instagram and then select Clear data.
Step 4: Under the Clear data option, you will find two options: Clear all data and clear cache.
Please go ahead with Clear cache and confirm your action by tapping on Ok.
Restarting the Instagram app/device
We’re going to assume that none of the methods we discussed above have worked for you if you’re here. We have other techniques under our belts, so it’s okay. Now we ask that you log out of Instagram temporarily.
Then, you must turn your device off, wait a while, and then turn it back on. Use your login information to sign in to Instagram, then check the stories to see whether the issue has been resolved.
Instagram might be crashing
You’ve probably heard about or perhaps seen the Instagram app crash or go offline. While sometimes it only affects specific functionality, other times it affects your entire app.
Our best assumption is that Instagram’s outage may be yet an additional factor preventing your stories from appearing or functioning. You will just have to wait till the app is operational again if this is truly the case.
Setting the date and time to automatic
We have explained to you some of the common fixes above. However, some claim that tampering with your device’s time and date can also result in this error. Therefore, it would be ideal if you corrected the time and date if it would prohibit you from watching someone’s Instagram story. We’ll walk you through the process of changing your time and date in the section ahead.
On iPhone:
Step 1: Open your iPhone and head to Settings.
Step 2: Move to the General option and then hit the Date & Time tab.
Step 3: Do you see the option that states: Set automatically? You need to tap on it to continue.
Step 4: Restart your Instagram app and check the stories.
On Android:
Step 1: Launch the Settings on your phone by hitting the Gear icon.
Step 2: Use the search bar on the page to search for Date & Time and click on it.
Step 3: You might find the Automatic option here, so click on it and return to Instagram.
Reinstalling the Instagram application
Sometimes the best way to repair these bugs that could have caused Instagram stories to stop operating is to remove the app and then reinstall it later. So, you can always delete the app from your phone if none of the techniques work.
You can long-tap on the app icon, select uninstall, and then delete the app. Check to make sure your stories are active once again after you’ve successfully installed the app again.
Wrapping up
Let’s talk about the important points now that the blog has come to an end. So, we spoke about how to fix Instagram stories that aren’t working or showing. We spoke about a few workarounds that may enable you to get around this app error.
We first suggested that you test your internet connection. Then, we suggested you clear the in-app cache. Additionally, we advised you to restart your app and device.
We also described the possibility of your app crashing and how it would impact the stories. We suggested setting the time and date to automatic, followed by a straightforward app reinstallation.
We hope one of these solutions helps quickly resolve your problem! Follow us for more of these tech-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Instagram stories stop working or showing while using music stickers?
According to reports, many users have complained that using music stickers on stories stops them from working. Hence, it’s true for a lot of people.
However, you should be aware that this is not the sole cause of the errors. So, you can try the techniques we listed in the blog if you haven’t included any music stickers in your story.
You can delete your story and repost it if stickers are indeed the problem. If the issue persists, you can use the musical stickers for a different story.
2. Will the Instagram app update make my stories work again?
Updating the app is not a completely reliable way to get your Instagram stories to work or show. However, you might try this approach to see whether it is effective for you.
Also Read:
How to Fix Google Play Store Waiting for Download
How to Fix “This content is age restricted” on TikTok
How to Fix “This Story Is No Longer Available” on Instagram
How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Working or Showing
How to Know Who Blocked You From Seeing Their Story on Snapchat
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