Fix Instagram Not Showing Stories on iPhone and Android
Learn why Instagram Stories may not appear and follow step-by-step fixes for iPhone and Android to restore Stories and prevent future glitches.
Fix Instagram Not Showing Stories on iPhone and Android
If your Instagram Stories are not showing up — whether you can’t see friends’ updates or your own Stories fail to appear — you’re not alone. The “IG not showing stories” glitch is common on both iPhone and Android devices.
This guide explains the main causes, practical fixes, and preventive measures so you can restore Stories functionality quickly and keep your Instagram experience seamless.
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Understanding Common Causes
Before applying solutions, it’s useful to know why Instagram Stories may disappear, fail to load, or never appear in the first place. Common causes include:
- App glitches – temporary bugs in the Instagram app.
- Network issues – slow or unstable internet connections.
- Account settings – privacy controls, mutes, or blocks hiding certain Stories.
- Server downtime – Instagram’s servers experiencing temporary outages.
Identifying the likely cause will help you apply the most effective fix.
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Check If Instagram Is Down
Sometimes the issue is entirely on Instagram’s end.
- Visit outage tracking websites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow.
- Search for “Instagram” for spikes in reported problems.
- Monitor Twitter/X or Facebook for trending outage posts.
If there’s a platform-wide problem, you’ll need to wait for Instagram to restore services.
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Update the Instagram App
Outdated apps can contain unresolved bugs or lack compatibility with newer Instagram features, including Stories.
- iPhone: Go to the App Store → Search “Instagram” → Tap Update if available.
- Android: Go to the Google Play Store → Search “Instagram” → Tap Update.
Updates often contain targeted bug fixes for the Stories interface.
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Clear Instagram Cache to Resolve Glitches
When cached files are corrupted, Stories might not load correctly.
On Android
- Open Settings → Apps → Instagram.
- Select Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache.
On iOS
iOS doesn’t allow direct cache clearing, but you can offload the app:
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Find Instagram and tap Offload App.
- Reinstall it from the App Store.
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Restart Device and Relaunch the App
A simple restart can fix temporary system glitches:
- Power off your device.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Restart and reopen Instagram.
This refreshes system memory and app connectivity.
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Log Out of Instagram and Back In
Refreshing your login session can sync your account data:
- Tap your profile icon.
- Open Settings → Log Out.
- Close the app fully.
- Log back in.
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Review Account Privacy and Mute Settings
Muted or blocked users’ Stories will not appear in your feed.
- Navigate to Settings → Privacy → Story.
- Check your Hidden Story list.
- Review mute settings for accounts you follow.
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Test Instagram on Another Device or Account
To identify whether the issue is device-specific:
- Log into your account from another phone or tablet.
- Or, log into a different account on your main device.
If Stories work elsewhere, reinstalling the app on your main device may help.
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Reinstall Instagram as a Last Resort
If earlier methods fail, reinstalling resets the app files entirely:
- Uninstall Instagram.
- Restart your phone.
- Download Instagram from the App Store or Google Play.
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Troubleshoot Internet or VPN Conflicts
Stories require a stable, fast connection to load:
- Turn off VPN and check again.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Run an internet speed test for confirmation.
Tip: High latency can cause Stories to fail to appear.
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Contact Instagram Help Center
If issues persist:
- Go to Settings → Help → Report a Problem.
- Provide a detailed description, including screenshots.
- Submit the report and await response.
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Preventing Future “IG Not Showing Stories” Problems
Maintain smoother app performance with these habits:
- Regularly update Instagram.
- Use reliable, high-speed internet.
- Limit VPN use during Instagram sessions.
- Clear the cache periodically.
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Instagram Stories FAQ
Why are Stories not loading at all?
Potential causes include server downtime, weak internet, or cache corruption.
Why are Stories missing on one account but not another?
You may have muted stories on that account, or they simply haven’t posted recently.
Why can’t I upload Stories?
Possible reasons are file format/size issues, temporary server failure, or slow upload speeds.
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Quick Troubleshooting Reference
| Issue | Likely Cause | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stories not appearing in feed | Muted or blocked accounts | Check privacy & mute settings |
| Stories won’t load | Slow internet or VPN interference | Disable VPN, test internet speed |
| Can’t upload Stories | Server outage or large file size | Compress media, wait for service |
| Stories missing only on one device | Cache corruption in app | Clear cache or reinstall |
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Summary and Next Steps
When Instagram Stories don’t show up on iPhone or Android, the most common culprits are app bugs, connectivity problems, or account settings.
By working through updates, cache clearing, connection checks, and privacy reviews, you can often restore Stories within minutes. If all else fails, reinstalling the app or contacting Instagram support are reliable final options.
Take action now: Apply these fixes today to get your Stories back and enjoy uninterrupted updates from friends and creators.
