Instagram reels not working? Try These Fixes

Instagram Reels is Instagram's answer to TikTok, where you can create engaging short clips to share with your followers. However, with apps and app functionality in general, problems are not uncommon. If you find that the Instagram Reels feature is not showing or working as expected, you are undoubtedly looking for a quick fix.

In this article, we will discuss the possible solutions to get your Instagram Reels working again. We also outline the exact steps to follow for each trick, via your Android or iOS device. Let's go.

Instagram reels not working on Android

We will now go over six tips you can try on your Android device to get Reels working again. After trying each trick, you can check if the issue is resolved.

Tip 1: Check Instagram Reels Through All Access Points

To verify that Instagram Reels is not displaying or working correctly, first check the various points that can be accessed:

1. Reels tab via navigation bar

1. At the bottom of the Instagram app, scan the navigation bar.
2. In the center, the option "Reels" should appear
   .

2. New post screen

1. At the top left, tap the plus sign icon to create a new message.
   
2. Now see if the “Reels” option is showing in the bottom tab.
   

3. Instagram Explore Screen

1. Tap the search bar to access the “Explore” page.
   
2. Now check if “Public Reels” is showing up in the search results box.
   

4. Instagram stories screen

1. Go to your “Instagram Stories”.
2. Now check if the "Reels" option is at the bottom.
   

5. From a user's profile

1. Go to an Instagram profile.
2. Check if the "Reels" option is displayed next to the IGTV option.
   

6. Instagram Camera

1. Swipe left to right through the Instagram homepage.
2. In the bottom tab, look for the “Reels” option.
   

Second tip: try logging out and then logging back in

A temporary bug or glitch on your Instagram account may be the reason why Reels is not working. The easiest way to resolve this scenario, especially when you have multiple accounts logged into your Instagram app, is to log out of your account and then log back in:

1. In the lower right corner, tap your profile picture.
   
2. When your profile appears, in the top right, tap the hamburger menu.
   
3. At the bottom of the sidebar, tap "Settings".
   
4. In "Settings", scroll down, then tap "Sign out".
   
5. Check your account and then select "Sign Out" again.
   

Tip #3: Clear Data Cache

To reset the Instagram app to how it was when you originally downloaded it, try clearing the data cache. To do so via your Android device:

1. Launch “Settings”.
   
2. Select “Apps”.
   
3. Type “Instagram” in the search bar at the top right.
   
4. Under 'Usage', select 'Storage'.
   
5. Select “Clear cache”.
   

Tip 4: Uninstall then reinstall the Instagram app

If the Instagram app is buggy, glitchy, or hasn't been updated, then your best bet is to try uninstalling the app from your device and then reinstalling the latest version.

To uninstall Instagram on your Android device:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Select “Apps & Notifications”.
   
3. Find and select Instagram.
   
4. Press “Uninstall” then “OK.
   

To reinstall Instagram

1. Visit the Google Play Store to find the Instagram app.
2. Press the "Install" button.
   

Fifth Tip: Update Your Device

The problem may be caused by the device you are using. Make sure that the latest version of operating system software is installed on your device to support the Instagram Reels feature. To do this on your Android device:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Scroll down to tap "System".
3. Choose “System Update”.
   
4. Tap "Check for update".
   

Your device will check for pending updates and then install it if there is one available.

Tip Six: Report the Problem

If none of the tips above got Instagram Reels working, try telling Instagram:

1. Log into your Instagram account.
2. In the top left, tap the hamburger menu icon.
   
3. Select “Settings” then “Help”.
   
4. When the "Report a problem" prompt appears, tap it.
   
5. Enter the issue, for example, "Unable to see or use Instagram Reels feature". You can take a screenshot of the problem if you want.
   
6. At the top right, press the "Send" button.
   

Then wait for Instagram to respond.

Instagram Reels Not Working on iPhone

Next, we'll walk you through six tips to try on your iPhone and iOS devices to get Reels working again. You can check if the issue is resolved after trying a trick.

Tip 1: Check Instagram Reels Through All Access Points

To verify that Reels isn't displaying or working correctly, first check the many points it can be accessed:

1. Reels tab via navigation bar

1. At the bottom of the Instagram app, inspect the navigation bar.
2. In the center, it should display the “Reels” option.
   

2. New post screen

1. At the top left, tap the plus sign icon to create a new message.
   
2. Check if the "Reels" option is displayed in the bottom tab.
   

3. Instagram Explore Screen

1. Click on the search bar to access the “Explore” page.
   
2. Check to see if "Public Reels" appears in the search results box.
   

4. Instagram stories screen

1. Go to your “Instagram Stories”.
2. Check if the "Reels" option is at the bottom.
   

5. From another user's profile

1. Access a user's Instagram profile.
2. Check if the "Reels" option is displayed next to the IGTV option.
   

6. Instagram Camera

1. Swipe from left to right on the Instagram homepage.
2. In the bottom tab, look for the “Reels” option.
   

Second tip: try logging out and then logging back in

A bug or issue with your Instagram account can cause problems with Instagram Reels. The easiest way to fix this problem, especially when multiple accounts are logged into the Instagram app, is to log out of your account and then log back in:

1. Tap your profile picture in the lower right corner.
   
2. When your profile appears, tap on the top right on the hamburger menu.
   
3. Tap "Settings" at the bottom of the sidebar.
   
4. In "Settings", scroll down, then tap "Sign out".
   
5. Select your account, then choose "Sign Out" again.
   

Tip #3: Clear Data Cache

To reset the Instagram app to its original state when you first downloaded it, try clearing Instagram's data cache. To do so via your iPhone or iOS device:

1. Launch “Settings”.
   
2. Scroll down until you see the Instagram app, then tap on it.
   
3. Look for the "Clear Cache" option, then if the toggle next to it is green, tap it to clear Instagram's cache.

Tip 4: Uninstall then reinstall the Instagram app

If the Instagram app is problematic, your best bet may be to try uninstalling the app and then reinstalling the latest version.

To uninstall Instagram on your iPhone or iOS device:

1. Locate the Instagram app.
   
2. Long press it, then tap "Delete app".
   
3. Select "Delete Application" then "Delete" to confirm.
   

To reinstall Instagram

1. Visit the App Store to find the Instagram app.
   
2. Press the "Install" button.
   

Fifth Tip: Update Your Device

The problem with Instagram may be caused by the device you are using. Make sure you have the latest operating system software installed on your device to support the Instagram Reels feature. To do this on your iPhone or iOS device:

1. Open "Settings".
   
2. Select “General”.
   
3. Select "Software Update".
   

Your device will now check for pending updates and install it if there is one available.

Tip Six: Report the Problem

If none of the tips above worked for you, try contacting Instagram to let them know:

1. Log into your Instagram account.
   
2. Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top left.
   
3. Choose “Settings” then “Help”.
   
4. When the "Report a problem" prompt appears, tap it.
   
5. Enter the problem, for example, “Cannot use or see Instagram Reels feature”. You can take a screenshot of the problem if you want.
   
6. Press the "Send" button at the top right.
   

Then wait for Instagram to respond.

Instagram Reels Not Working – Solved!

Instagram's Reel feature makes it easy to create short video clips. For the most part, the feature works well; however, times when the option is not visible or the feature does not work as expected are not uncommon.

Luckily, these issues can be easily fixed by trying things like clearing Instagram's data cache and making sure your device and the app have the latest software installed.

What do you think of the Instagram Reel feature in general? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.