How to Fix Instagram Reactions Not Working?

Reactions on Instagram allow users to express their emotions in response to a message using emojis, enhancing the vibrancy and enjoyment of conversations. However, some users have encountered a problem with this feature where they are unable to react to messages.

The inability to react to messages is commonly caused by bugs and glitches which compromise the app’s stability and functionality. Cache data corruption may also contribute to this issue.

Other contributing factors include network issues on the user’s device and server outages or maintenance on Instagram’s end. Our detailed guide offers several methods to resolve this issue.

1. Preliminary Fixes

• Network Connectivity: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Perform a speed test to check your connection’s performance.
• Instagram Server Status: Check if Instagram is down, which could affect app functionality. You can check the server status of Instagram here.
• Reboot Your Device: Restarting your device can refresh the operating system and resolve minor bugs or glitches.

2. Update the Instagram App

To fix compatibility and stability issues, regularly update Instagram to the latest version, which includes new features, improvements, and security patches.

For Android:

1. Open the Play Store app, type Instagram in the search box, and press Enter.
   
2. Tap on Update to install the latest version of Instagram. (If you already have the latest version, it will display Open instead of Update.)
   

For iOS:

1. Open the App Store, tap the search icon, and enter Instagram in the search box.
   
2. Tap Update to install the latest version of Instagram. (If you already have the latest version, it will show Open instead of Update.)
   

3. Clear App Cache

Clearing the app cache, which may become corrupted and cause issues, can improve performance and resolve problems.

On Android:

1. Press and hold the Instagram app icon until a menu appears.
2. Tap the Information Icon to open app info.
   
3. Select Clear Data to access the Clear Cache option.
   
4. Tap Clear Cache and check if the problem is resolved. (Steps may vary by device.)
   

On iOS: The Offload feature removes the app and its cache while retaining its data, enabling reinstallation without a new download from the App Store.

1. Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Find Instagram and select Offload App. (After offloading, the button changes to Reinstall, and you may have to log in again.)
   

4. Reinstall Instagram App

If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram, which will remove all data and files but may correct functionality problems.

For Android:

1. Search for Instagram in the Play Store and select it.
2. Tap on Uninstall.
   
3. After uninstallation, click Install to reinstall Instagram.
   
4. Log in again to check if the issue has been fixed.

For iOS:

1. Press and hold the Instagram App icon and choose Remove App.
   
2. Select Delete App to uninstall it.
   
3. Reinstall Instagram via the App Store by tapping Get.
   
4. Log in and confirm resolution of the problem.