How To Fix Instagram Reels Not Showing

Dave Johnson July 17, 2023

Reels are one of the most famous features on Instagram. These short videos can be very entertaining and addictive to viewers. But what if you can’t see them on your Instagram homepage?

Read on to find out about possible reasons why you can’t see reels and how to fix this.

Possible Reasons Why You Can’t See Reels on Instagram

It can be very frustrating not being able to enjoy all the fun features on Instagram, like reels for example. Knowing the cause can help you fix the problem.

Here are possible reasons why you might be unable to see reels on Instagram:

Instagram made reels unavailable in your region.
Your Internet connection is weak.
You’re not using the latest version of Instagram.
Your cache data is corrupted.
You turned on Instagram’s data saver.
You need to update your operating system.

Now that you know the possible causes of your problem, we can get to ways of solving it.

How to Make Instagram Reels Work by Logging Out from Instagram

This first solution is a rather simple one. However, one of the quickest ways to solve any issue with Instagram would be to log out and log back in. It doesn’t always work, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Follow these steps to log out and log in back to Instagram:

In the bottom right corner of Instagram, click on your profile picture.
In the top right corner, go to “Menu.”
Go to “Settings.”
Choose “Log Out.”
Click on “Log Out” once again.
Log back using your username and password.

Sometimes the most straightforward solutions lead you to the desired outcome, even if you don’t think of them at first. If this very basic trick doesn’t help this time, read on to learn about some other solutions.

How to Make Reels Work by Reinstalling Instagram

This again may sound simple, but it might be the right solution to the problem if reels are not working.

Follow these steps to uninstall Instagram on your Android phone:

Go to your phone’s settings.
Go to “Apps.”
Find “Instagram.”
Click on “Uninstall.”
Click on “OK.”

This probably goes without saying, but just in case, we’ll leave it here. To install the app again, visit the Google Play.

How to Make Instagram Reels Work if They’re Not Available in Your Region

Unfortunately, Instagram hasn’t made reels available to everyone yet. There are certain regions of the world where reels will not be viewable. On Instagram’s support page, you’ll be able to see which areas currently don’t support reels.

However, just because you find your region on the list it doesn’t mean you can’t watch reels. If you’re an Android user, you can sign up for Instagram Beta. The beta version of the app will enable you to try new features, which aren’t available in your region yet, including reels.

Follow these steps to sign up for Instagram Beta:

Go to the Play Store.
Open Instagram and scroll down until you see “Join Beta.”
Click on “Join.”

If you’re an iOS user, not all hope is lost. A possible solution f is to use a VPN and set your location to somewhere else where reels are available.

How to Make Reels Work by Clearing Instagram’s Cache Data

If this subheading is making you confused, here’s a simplified explanation: apps need this type of data to run smoothly. If these become corrupted for whatever reason, the app will experience bugs.

These steps will lead you to clear Instagram’s cache data:

Go to “Settings” on your phone.
Go to “Apps” and choose “Instagram.”
Go to “Storage usage.”
Click on “Clear Cache.”
Click on “Clear data.”

Switching to Instagram Lite can be another trick to avoid problems with cache data. However, this version of the app does come with numerous limitations.

How to Make Reels Work by Turning Off Instagram’s Data Saver

A slightly negative trait of Instagram is that it drains the battery and memory of its user’s phone. They know it too. That’s why Instagram has introduced the data saver mode. This feature will stop the app from loading data in advance.

However, this can also slow down the loading of reels. These steps will help you to turn off data saver mode :

Go to your account.
Go to “Settings.”
Go to “Data usage and media quality.”
Untick “Data Saver.”

Now Instagram won’t consider battery consumption, and your feed will be up to date all the time.

How to Report to Instagram That Reels Aren’t Working

Even if none of the methods listed so far helped solve the problem, not all hope is lost. You can report the issue to Instagram, and they might fix it for you.

These steps will lead you to report that reels aren’t working on Instagram:

Open Instagram.
Go to “Menu.”
Go to “Settings.”
Choose “Help.”
Go to “Report a Problem.”
A pop-up menu will appear.
Choose “Report a Problem” again.
Describe the issue with as many details as possible. Adding screenshots can also help.
When you’re done, click on “Submit.”

Instagram’s support team tends to take all reports seriously and work to find a solution to satisfy its users.

FAQs

How can I update Instagram to the latest version?

For all your functionalities to work on any app hassle-free, including Instagram, it’s best to always keep them up to date. To update Instagram, go to the Play or Apple Store, find Instagram, and click on “Update.”

What can I do if I notice that multiple functionalities on Instagram aren’t working?

If you notice multiple problems with the app, the quickest thing you can do is to reinstall the app.

What are the differences between Instagram and Instagram Lite?

Instagram Lite is a version of Instagram that is intended for users with older smartphones, as these take up less space. The app doesn’t enable its users all the functionalities regular Instagram does, such as Live capabilities. This version of the app is mainly supported in India.

Can a weak Internet connection affect Instagram’s performance?

Yes, this is one of the leading possible causes of why your Instagram isn’t working properly, such as not showing reels, for example. Try switching to another Wi-Fi network, or switch to mobile data instead.

Enjoying Reels Has Never Been This Easy

Like it or not, social media has become a big part of people’s everyday life. It’s where people turn not just to connect to friends and family, but to get their daily dose of entertainment too. Reels are an example of the type of entertainment you can get from Instagram.

Reels are one of Instagram’s most popular features. These short videos let you share special moments with your friends or film funny sketches to gain more followers. However, this functionality can encounter difficulties in operating correctly. These can occur due to poor Internet connection, not using the latest version of Instagram, or insufficient space. Either way, there’s a solution for each of these causes. If none of these help, you can always contact Instagram’s support team.

Have you had issues with reels on Instagram so far? How did you solve them? Tell us in the comments section below.