Instagram is a great place to binge and scroll through an unlimited stream of content, millions of people, and more.
This is probably why Instagram is simply so huge and people like to spend a good amount of time scrolling through unending posts and videos and whatnot.
However, everything falls flat to the ground when you encounter the “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” error on Instagram. You know what I am talking about. Here’s more about the issue on how to fix it.
What is the “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” Error on Instagram?
The question is, what is this particular error on Instagram. In the event this error strikes you, you aren’t able to load any photos or videos no matter how you scroll.
This could be because of network issues on your end or something’s wrong with the app on your device. Another possible reason is an issue with Instagram.
Because there are millions of users, Instagram is notorious to go down either fully or some of its features go down for some time.
This could affect locally i.e. your region only or on a global scale which is why you get to see many people with #InstagramDown hashtags on Twitter and other platforms.
The question, how do you fix the “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” Error on Instagram? Here’s how to fix it.
How To Fix “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” Error on Instagram?
Method 1#: Toggle mobile data/WiF
Assuming that the problem is from your end (an Instagram error will be dealt with later), there are a few things you can do. The first is to refresh data. Simply get to the notification panel and tap on WiFi or mobile data whichever you are using at the moment.
This should disable WiFi or mobile data (if it was enabled beforehand). Repeat the procedure 2-3 times and check if Instagram starts working well or not.
Method #2: Check if Instagram is down
As I mentioned above, it is quite common for Instagram to go down temporarily.
Sometimes it is localized so you may or may not have issues accessing Instagram, however, if the Instagram services go down globally, you won’t be able to either access it at all or case if you are granted access, you will lose the ability to send messages, post stories, scroll through posts, and others.
Note that all these services are unlikely to be down at the same time. This is why you can still scroll on Instagram through profiles, however, when you check out any photo/video, you get the said “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” error on Instagram.
To verify if Instagram is down or not, simply go to Twitter which is a go-to place for Instagram users to vent their anger when Instagram is down.
You can also check out the website DownDetector to see if Instagram is really down or not. There’s another website i.e. “Is It Down or Just Me” or “Down For Everyone or Just Me”, “Down.com”, and others.
Method #3: Use VPN
You can try using Instagram on VPN and check whether it works. This method works if Instagram is down in, say India, but it is working everywhere else. Some recommendations include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, SurfShark among others.
Also, Read: VPN Buying Guide: All You Need to Know
Method #4: Update Instagram app
Outdated apps cause more harm at times. Apart from no feature updates to malicious codes and malware, outdated apps are often behind many issues and it is likely that the “Couldn’t Load Image, Tap to Retry” error on Instagram is because of it.
You can update the Instagram app via Google Play Store >> My apps and games >> Instagram >> Update for Android devices. The update procedure for iOS is via the App Store >> tap on profile photo/icon >> search for Instagram >> Update.
Note that both the platforms support automatic updates which means the phone will automatically update the said apps whenever an update is available.
Android: Go to the Google Play Store >> My apps and games >> Auto-update.
iOS: Go to the Settings >> iTunes & App Store >> checkmark on App Updates.
This is how you can update Instagram and all other apps on both Google Play Store (for Android) and App Store (for iOS) manually or automatically.
Method #5: Clear Instagram app cache
You might have heard about cache files. These are temporary files that every app stores in order to speed up retrieval when the same data is requested the next time.
This is the reason why an app takes time when opening for the first time but doesn’t on the second attempt. But cache files are often behind many issues and here’s how you can get rid of them.
For Android Devices:-
- Go to Settings phone and proceed to “Apps >> Instagram”.
- Navigate to “Storage” and press both “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache” to clear both.
For iOS:-
- On iOS devices, you will have to uninstall the app and reinstall it. Long-press on the Instagram icon on the home screen and select “Remove App”.
- Go to the App Store and reinstall the app.
- Login using credentials and you are good to go.
Method #6: Use Instagram Web instead
To understand, the app runs differently than the website. Many times, a particular feature like messaging is down on the Instagram app but not the whole app itself.
Similarly, if the service to show photos on Instagram is not working, it is likely limited to the app and may or may not have affected the website.
Visit www.instagram.com, use your login credentials and you are good to go. You don’t have to worry about issues on the app’s front unless the website is down too. In case the website is down as well, you will have to stick to other options here
Method #7: Check out alternatives
You just lost the ability to view photos on Instagram albeit temporarily. What can you do next? Unless you are a hardcore Instagram fan and can’t stand the sight of other social networking sites, you can still go for better options like Telegram.
It isn’t a photo-sharing site like Instagram but it sure is problem-free with privacy and security features are its helm. Snapchat is a good option too if you are into ephemeral content and love filters and stuff.
You can switch to Facebook which is Instagram’s sister social network so you are basically using Instagram but on a different app (metaphorically). But you have options and more apps will join by the time you get to read this part of the troubleshooting guide.
Closing Phrases
It is a real pain to see all the beautiful photos and videos not loaded on Instagram because it’s the only thing it has to do, right?
Well, I hope you must’ve fixed the issue using the troubleshooting methods posted above. However, if not, there’s probably little you can do until it magically fixes itself. Stay put as we will update the article if there’s something more to do to fix the issue.
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