How to Fix Instagram’s "Something Went Wrong" Error: 9 Easy Solutions

The dreaded "Something Went Wrong" error on Instagram can strike at any moment, leaving you locked out and frustrated. But what's the culprit behind this cryptic message? It turns out there could be several reasons:

More often than not, the "Something Went Wrong" error on Instagram traces back to a brief hiccup with the Instagram servers. It's the digital equivalent of Instagram taking a quick coffee break – annoying, but usually resolved quickly. You can easily check for an outage on a site like DownDetector. If the problem persists, it may be an issue with corrupted cache data in your Instagram app. Giving the cache a cleanup can often clear the cobwebs and get you logging in smoothly again. And of course, if you're seeing "Something Went Wrong" when trying to log in, always double check that caps lock key isn't playing tricks on you – entering the wrong login details is a surefire way to trip the error message.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If you're seeing the "Something Went Wrong" error on Instagram, your first move should be to try restarting both the Instagram app itself and your phone.

Restarting can often fix Instagram glitches caused by temporary software hiccups or minor bugs. It's like giving your phone a power nap – things usually work better after a quick reset.

If a basic restart doesn't fix Instagram after encountering a "Something Went Wrong" error, don't worry – there are still plenty of other solutions.

Before you go too far down the troubleshooting rabbit hole, it's always good to rule out the simplest potential cause first: Instagram's servers could be experiencing an outage. If Instagram itself is down, that "Something Went Wrong" error could just be the app's way of saying "It's not you, it's me!"

The quickest way to check for an Instagram outage is to visit DownDetector, a handy site that tracks real-time problem reports across tons of popular online services. Just search for "Instagram" and you'll see a graph showing the volume of recent user reports about Instagram errors or downtime. A big spike likely means widespread server woes.

Some other ways to check if Instagram servers are down include:

• Asking friends if they're also getting the Instagram error

• Checking the official @InstagramComms Twitter account for service updates

• Searching "Is Instagram down" on Google News for any fresh articles about outages

If Instagram's servers are purring like a kitten, the next potential culprit behind the "Something Went Wrong" error could be your internet connection. Instagram needs a steady data stream to function properly, so spotty Wi-Fi or weak cellular service can easily gum up the works.

Here's how to give your internet connection a quick checkup:

1. Toggle off Wi-Fi and use mobile data instead (or vice versa). If Instagram starts working, your issue is with the other connection.
2. Run a speed test using an app like Speedtest by Ookla to check your download and upload speeds. If they're well below your plan's advertised speeds, you've got a weak link.
3. Try loading a few different websites. If they're sluggish too, it's likely a broader network problem, not an Instagram-specific one.

If your internet connection seems to be the weak link, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or go to an area with better cellular coverage
• Restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, then plugging it back in
• Tell your kids to ease up on the 4K Netflix streaming and online gaming for a bit!
• Contact your ISP if issues persist – there could be an outage in your area

Once you've verified (or restored) a strong, stable internet connection, try reopening Instagram. If you still get the dreaded "Something Went Wrong" error, keep reading for more advanced tips to resolve the issue.

Over time, Instagram gobbles up a sizable hoard of data and cache files on your phone. It's like Instagram is building its own little scrapbook of your browsing sessions. While this stockpile of files helps the app run more efficiently, it can sometimes get corrupted and cause technical issues like the "Something Went Wrong" error.

On Android phones, the solution is straightforward: purge Instagram's cache and data to give the app a clean slate. It's like clearing out Instagram's junk drawer and starting fresh. Here's how:

1. Go to your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Apps & notifications.
3. Scroll down and tap Instagram.
4. Tap Storage & cache.
5. Hit Clear cache to zap just the temporary files.
6. If you're still having issues, come back and tap Clear storage which wipes all the app's data (don't worry, your account is safe).

Once you've purged the bad data, re-open Instagram and try again. You'll need to log back in, but hopefully that pesky "Something Went Wrong" error has vanished like an Instagram Story after 24 hours.

Unfortunately, there's no built-in way to clear cache and data for Instagram on iPhones. If you're on iOS, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Just like that carton of milk in your fridge, apps have a shelf life. If you're using an outdated version of Instagram, it's like pouring spoiled milk in your cereal –you're gonna have a bad time. Outdated apps are more prone to bugs and incompatibilities that can trigger errors like "Something Went Wrong".

Luckily, the fix is simple: update Instagram to the latest and greatest version. Here's how:

For iOS users:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right.
3. Scroll down to see pending updates and release notes.
4. Tap Update next to the Instagram listing.

For Android users:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap the profile icon and select Manage apps & device.
3. Under the Updates available section, find Instagram.
4. Tap the Update button next to it.

If you're already on the newest version or updating doesn't squash the bug, try removing Instagram entirely and reinstalling a fresh copy:

1. Press and hold the Instagram icon on your home screen.
2. Tap Remove App (iPhone) or Uninstall (Android).
3. Go to the App Store or Play Store and download Instagram again.
4. Log in and hopefully the error is a distant memory!

If updating didn't fix Instagram, here's a clever workaround: try logging in on a different device like your tablet, laptop or that dusty old iPad in your junk drawer. Or hop on a computer and log into Instagram through the official website instead of the app.

By switching devices or using a browser, you can help pinpoint whether the "Something Went Wrong" error is tied to your specific phone or app install. Plus, logging in through a browser bypasses the app entirely, which can help if the mobile app is buggy.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy servers are popular tools for protecting your online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and hiding your true location. But sometimes, those extra layers of security can interfere with Instagram's ability to accurately verify your login details, triggering the "Something Went Wrong" error.

If you have a VPN or proxy enabled on your device, try temporarily disabling it and then accessing Instagram again. After turning off the VPN, launch Instagram again. If you no longer get the error, you know the VPN was the culprit.

If you've tried every trick in the book and that "Something Went Wrong" error just won't quit, it's time to bring out the big guns: temporarily disable your Instagram account. It's like giving Instagram a brief "time out" so it can collect itself and hopefully return in a more cooperative mood.

When you temporarily disable your account, all your photos, comments, likes and even your profile are hidden until you reactivate it. It's a scorched earth approach – by taking your account offline, it severs all those finicky connection points that might be causing issues.

Here's how to put your Instagram account on ice:

1. Go to Instagram.com in a web browser (you can't disable via the app).
2. Login if prompted.
3. Click on your profile picture and select Profile, then Edit Profile.
4. Scroll way down and click Temporarily disable my account in the bottom right.
5. Select an option from the drop-down menu to indicate why you're disabling.
6. Re-enter your password when prompted.
7. Click Temporarily Disable Account.

Your account is now in stasis. Wait a few hours, then log back in to see if the error persists. If you're suddenly seeing that glorious feed again, you're golden! If the "Something Went Wrong" message lives on, you may need to escalate this to the Instagram powers that be.

You've patiently waded through this entire troubleshooting guide and yet here you are – staring down that "Something Went Wrong" error like a cowboy in a spaghetti western showdown. If it feels like you've exhausted all your options, it's time for reinforcements. Contacting Instagram support is like sending up the bat signal to get the caped coding crusaders on the case.

The key is providing Instagram's support staff with as much detail as possible. The more context about your woes, the better they can identify the glitch in the matrix. Improve your chances of a timely reply by keeping your original report concise yet packed with key details. If you receive a generic response, reply with additional specifics about your predicament to show 'em you mean business.

If you're seeing the "Something Went Wrong" error on Instagram, don't panic! Here's a cheat sheet of troubleshooting tricks to get you back to scrolling and double-tapping in no time:

• Restart the Instagram app and your phone

• Check if Instagram is down using DownDetector

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection

• Clear Instagram's cache and data (Android only)

• Update Instagram or delete and reinstall the app

• Log in on a different device or via the web browser

• Disable any VPN or proxy connections

• Temporarily disable your Instagram account

• Contact Instagram support as a last resort