How to Fix Instagram “Couldn’t Load Activity” Error?
If your Instagram app isn’t loading account activity, there might be a problem with your internet connection, account settings, or the app itself. This guide will help pinpoint possible issues and provide solutions that may work for you.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
If the Instagram app can’t load your account’s activity or any other content, your first plan of action should be to verify that you’re connected to a stable internet connection, whether Wi-Fi or Mobile Data. You may also try to switch to the other option to see if it fixes the issue. To verify, run an online internet speed test to see if your connection is stable.
2. Restart the Instagram App
If there’s nothing wrong with your internet connection, it is advised that you restart the Instagram app since a simple restart can often fix issues that are otherwise hard to explain. With this, you can also try to restart your phone to rule out the possibility of an on-device software glitch.
It is important to understand that minimizing the app to Recents is not the same as “closing” it completely. To close all apps on Android, you’ll need to swipe up from the bottom, hold, and then let go. Then, swipe from left to right, and on the left, tap “Clear all.” Note that the procedure to close apps on your specific device may vary.
3. Update the Instagram App
Ensure that you’re using the latest version of the Instagram app. At times, newer updates come with patch fixes for issues in previous builds. You can open the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iOS to check if there’s a software update available.
For the majority, it may be a good idea to leave automatic updates enabled since this way, apps stay up-to-date without the user being constantly mindful of when to update certain apps manually. To do this:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- On the top right-hand side, tap on the profile icon.
- Tap Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update apps.
4. Clear App Cache and Data
On Android, clearing the app cache may fix certain issues as well. Since this issue most likely stems from a bug or an improper connection, it is recommended that you clear out your Instagram app cache, which may, over time, accumulate corrupted files or data that may interfere with the proper functioning of the app.
5. Log Out and Log Back In
Sometimes, a temporary glitch with your app or account settings can lead to unexpected errors. Cycle through logging out and back into your account to see if it fixes the issue. You may also try logging in to a different account to see if the issue is account-specific.
6. Log In Through a Browser
The Instagram app might be facing temporary issues or glitches, so it is recommended that you try to log in through a different medium, preferably a browser, since it may bypass app-specific issues.
This would also give you a hint as to where the issue lies. Some people have third-party apps connected to their accounts, and this would be a way to verify if there’s external interference leading to the issue in the first place.
7. Check if Your Device Has Enough Storage
If your Instagram account works within a browser, there is a chance that your mobile device or the app has an issue. Ensure that you have enough space for Instagram to store additional data on your device. You can do this by deleting unwanted documents, photos, and apps from your device. Clearing cache and data for certain unused apps may also help.
8. Check for Instagram Server Issues
When you can’t seem to load content on Instagram, there is a chance that Meta’s servers at the back end are down or experiencing a higher load than usual. This is exactly what happened back in March 2024, when Meta services, including Facebook and Instagram, were hit by widespread outages, locking users out of their accounts.
To check whether there are any reported issues with the servers, you may check other social media platforms or websites to verify the cause and authenticity of the issue.
