Is your Instagram acting up on your iPhone, and you can’t play videos? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. With a few quick fixes, you can get back to scrolling through your feed in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Fixing Instagram Videos Not Playing on iPhone
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that the issue could be due to a variety of reasons such as a glitch in the app, outdated software, or poor internet connection. The following steps will guide you through troubleshooting and resolving these common causes.
Step 1: Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a stable internet connection, as a weak signal can cause videos to buffer or not play at all.
A poor internet connection is often the culprit behind videos not playing. If you’re using cellular data, try switching to Wi-Fi. If you’re already on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or resetting it.
Step 2: Restart the Instagram app
Close the app completely and reopen it. Sometimes a simple restart can fix minor glitches.
If the issue persists after checking your connection, the next step is to restart the Instagram app. Double-click the home button and swipe up on the Instagram app to close it. Then, reopen it from the home screen.
Step 3: Update the app
Go to the App Store and check for any available updates for Instagram. An outdated app can lead to performance issues.
Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve the app’s performance. If your app is outdated, updating it could resolve the video playback issue.
Step 4: Update your iPhone’s software
Navigate to your iPhone’s settings and check for any software updates. Running on an outdated iOS can cause compatibility issues with apps.
Just like updating the app, updating your iPhone’s software can also fix bugs and improve overall performance.
Step 5: Reinstall Instagram
If none of the above steps work, try deleting the app and then reinstalling it from the App Store.
Reinstalling the app can often resolve persistent issues, as it clears the app’s cache and data, giving you a fresh start.
After completing these steps, Instagram videos should start playing smoothly on your iPhone. If the problem continues, it may be worth reaching out to Instagram support or visiting an Apple store for further assistance.
Tips: Fixing Instagram Videos Not Playing on iPhone
- Ensure your iPhone’s battery-saving mode is turned off, as it can restrict data usage and affect video playback.
- Check if other apps are also experiencing issues with video playback. This can help determine if the problem is with Instagram or your iPhone.
- Clearing the Instagram app cache can often resolve performance issues. To do this, go to your iPhone’s settings, select Instagram, and tap on "Clear Cache."
- Try using Instagram on another device to see if the issue is isolated to your iPhone.
- Keep in mind that some videos may not play due to copyright restrictions or if the uploader has deleted the video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t Instagram videos play on my iPhone?
It could be due to a number of reasons such as poor internet connection, app glitches, outdated software, or device issues.
Can updating Instagram or my iPhone’s software fix video playback issues?
Yes, updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve video playback problems.
What should I do if videos are still not playing after following the steps?
Consider reaching out to Instagram support or visiting an Apple store for further assistance.
Will reinstalling Instagram delete my photos and videos?
No, your photos and videos are tied to your account and not the app itself, so they will be safe.
Could the issue be with Instagram’s servers?
Yes, sometimes the issue could stem from Instagram’s end. Check their social media or websites like DownDetector to see if others are experiencing similar issues.
Summary
- Check your internet connection.
- Restart the Instagram app.
- Update the app.
- Update your iPhone’s software.
- Reinstall Instagram.
Conclusion
There you have it, a step-by-step guide to fixing Instagram videos not playing on your iPhone. Although it can be frustrating when technology doesn’t work the way it should, these simple solutions can often resolve the issue quickly. Remember to keep your apps and software up to date to avoid similar problems in the future. If you’ve tried all the steps and still can’t get your videos to play, it might be time to seek help from the experts. Whether it’s Instagram’s support team or a visit to the Apple store, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Happy scrolling, and enjoy catching up on all those videos you’ve missed!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.