Instagram Something Went Wrong: Fixes in the Order to Try Them

Few messages are as unhelpful as Something went wrong. It pops up when you're trying to log in, post a Reel, open a message or boost a post, and it rarely tells you why. I've seen it stop small business owners mid-launch, which is the worst possible moment for an app to go quiet on you.

Instagram's help centre doesn't have one single article for this exact message, because it's a catch-all. What it does have is a clear order of fixes for when the app isn't working. I'll take you through them in the order Instagram recommends, plus what the message means in the places it most often appears.

What Instagram's Something went wrong message usually means

The wording is generic on purpose. It's Instagram's way of saying a request didn't go through. Depending on where you see it, the cause could be on your side, such as an old app version or a weak connection, or on Instagram's side. In its help page about boosting, Instagram shows an error that reads Something went wrong. There's an issue on our end and we can't boost your post right now. Please try again later. When the message itself says the issue is on their end, waiting and trying again later is the honest answer.

Update the Instagram app first

This is Instagram's first recommendation. Its help centre says that if something's not working with the app on iOS or Android, update it to the latest version, and it adds that some older versions are no longer supported.

• iPhone or iPad: open the App Store, search for Instagram and tap Update if it appears.
• Android: open the Google Play Store, search for Instagram and tap Update if it appears.

Instagram's troubleshooting page also says to keep your phone or tablet's operating system up to date, so check for a system update while you're at it.

Restart your phone when Instagram says something went wrong

Instagram's help says to always try restarting your phone or tablet first if you're having trouble. It sounds too simple, but a restart clears out stuck processes that can stop the app talking to Instagram's servers.

Check your connection on Wi-Fi and mobile data

If a restart doesn't help, Instagram suggests trying the app on both Wi-Fi and mobile data, to see whether a weak connection is the problem. A few quick checks:

1. Switch Wi-Fi off and try Instagram on mobile data.
2. Switch back to Wi-Fi and try again.
3. If it only fails on one network, the problem is likely that network, not your account.

If you're on public Wi-Fi in a cafe or hotel, make sure you've finished any sign-in page the network shows before blaming Instagram.

Delete and reinstall Instagram

Next, Instagram's help suggests deleting and reinstalling the app. Its help page says your photos and profile info will be saved by Instagram, so you won't lose your posts. You will need your username and password to log back in, so make sure you know them before you delete anything.

• iPhone and iPad: tap and hold the Instagram icon on your Home screen, tap Remove App, then reinstall it from the App Store.
• Android: go to Settings, then Apps, then Instagram, tap Uninstall, then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

Only reinstall from the official app stores. Modified versions of Instagram from other sites can put your account at risk.

Try Instagram on the web instead of the app

Instagram's help reminds you that you can always go to Instagram.com from a mobile browser or computer. If the app keeps showing the error but the website works, you know your account is fine and the problem sits with the app or your phone. That's also a handy way to get an urgent post or reply out while you fix the app.

When Instagram something went wrong is about a feature, not the app

Instagram's troubleshooting page mentions two causes people rarely think of:

• Settings that you or someone else set up can stop something loading. If a team member manages your business account, check whether they changed a setting.
• A feature might not be available to everyone yet, so a tool you've seen on someone else's account may not be on yours.

If the error only appears on one feature, such as Reels audio, search Instagram's help centre for that feature. For example, if your Reel posts but the sound disappears, my guide to why an Instagram Reel has no sound after posting covers that specific problem.

Report the Something went wrong error to Instagram

If none of the fixes work, tell Instagram. Its help centre gives two ways to report a problem in the app:

1. Shake your phone to open the reporting menu, then tap Report a problem and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Or go to your profile, tap Menu in the top right, tap Help below More info and support, then tap Report a Problem.

Instagram's help asks for as much detail as possible, such as the phone or tablet you were using, what you were doing when the error appeared, and a screenshot. If you're locked out and can't remember which email or phone number your account uses, my guide to checking whether you already have an Instagram account may help you track it down.

Related guides live in the Instagram Help: 81 Guides to Followers, Hashtags, Money, Accounts and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Instagram keep saying something went wrong?

It's a general error that means a request didn't go through. Instagram's help suggests updating the app, restarting your phone, checking your connection and reinstalling, then reporting it if it continues.

Will I lose my posts if I reinstall Instagram?

No. Instagram's help says your photos and profile info will be saved by Instagram when you delete and reinstall the app. You'll need your login details to get back in.

How do I report a problem to Instagram?

Shake your phone and tap Report a problem, or go to your profile, tap Menu, then Help, then Report a Problem, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Can I use Instagram while the app shows an error?

Instagram's help says you can always go to Instagram.com from a mobile browser or computer. If the website works, the problem is likely with the app.

What if the error says the issue is on Instagram's end?

Some Instagram errors say there's an issue on their end and ask you to try again later. In that case, waiting a while and retrying is the best fix.