When I open Instagram, it crashes - I really did not know that this moment would come to my life. This happens in every IG user’s life at some point and I’m not an exception. When the IG application crashes, it's a gut wrenching moment. In 2024, we want everything to be flawless. I did a thorough research and found quick solutions. 

Reasons why Instagram is crashing when opening

There could be various reasons why Instagram is crashing. Due to numerous reasons, there will be many solutions. After a lot of research, let’s first focus on reasons.

Outdated version of Instagram

Developers consistently update applications to enhance functionality, improve security, and fix bugs that could cause instability or crashes. When your Instagram app is not updated, it misses out on these critical improvements, which can lead to performance issues such as frequent crashes. This scenario can particularly manifest as "my Instagram keeps crashing" or "why is my Instagram crashing," especially if the version in use is significantly behind the current release.

An outdated app may not be compatible with newer features or backend changes made on the server side, resulting in incompatibility issues that cause the app to crash upon opening or during usage. Regularly updating Instagram via your device's app store ensures you have the latest bug fixes and features, minimizing potential disruptions and providing a smoother user experience. Keeping the app up-to-date is a straightforward yet effective measure to prevent many common issues, including frequent crashes.

Insufficient storage of your smartphone

Mobile applications, including Instagram, require a certain amount of free space to function optimally. This space is used for caching data, storing temporary files, and managing the app’s operational needs dynamically. When your device lacks sufficient storage, it can lead to operational hiccups, frequently causing the app to crash.

When users experience "my Instagram keeps crashing," it is often advisable to check the available storage space on their device. Instagram, like many modern apps, continually updates and caches new content such as images and videos. This process requires adequate space to ensure smooth data processing and app performance. If the storage is nearly full, the app may not perform these essential functions correctly, leading to crashes.

Therefore, managing your device's storage by clearing unused apps, deleting old media files, or offloading data to cloud services can significantly mitigate the "why is my Instagram crashing" issue, ensuring more stable app performance.

Outdated version of the operating system

Mobile apps like Instagram are designed to operate optimally with the latest software technologies provided by the device's OS. When the OS is not kept up to date, it can lead to compatibility issues with apps that regularly update to utilize new software capabilities.

An outdated OS may lack the necessary support for newer app features or security updates, which can result in Instagram keeps crashing. This is because the app tries to execute functions that the older OS does not recognize or cannot process efficiently, leading to instability and crashes.

To resolve the issue of why my Instagram is crashing, it is crucial to regularly check for and install OS updates on your device. These updates not only enhance overall device performance but also ensure compatibility with the latest app versions, reducing the likelihood of crashes and improving user experience. This proactive maintenance is essential for the smooth operation of apps and the security of your device.

How to fix Instagram crashing

As I mentioned various reasons for Instagram crashing, logically there are various solutions. Here we go with the instant fix options:

Update Instagram app or the OS

Regular updates are critical as they not only bring new features but also include bug fixes and enhancements that address stability issues. An outdated app can miss crucial updates that make it incompatible with newer technologies or server-side changes, leading to crashes. Similarly, an old operating system may not support the newer versions of applications, including Instagram. Ensuring that both the Instagram app and your device's operating system are up-to-date is essential for maintaining optimal app performance and stability. This simple step can significantly reduce the occurrences of crashes and improve your overall experience;

Clear the cache and history

The app accumulates cache and data that can become corrupted or overloaded, leading to performance issues and crashes. Clearing the cache removes temporary files which the app stores to speed up operations but are not essential for its functionality. Clearing data resets the app to its initial state, removing potentially corrupted files and settings. This process can resolve conflicts and restore app stability, making it a recommended first step in resolving persistent crashing problems. This action not only frees up valuable space but also can help ensure the app runs more smoothly and efficiently.

ReInstall Instagram app

Reinstalling Instagram is a robust solution to address persistent issues like "why is Instagram crashing" or "my Instagram keeps crashing." This process involves deleting the app from your device and then downloading and installing the latest version from the app store. Reinstallation removes all traces of the app, including any potentially corrupted files or settings that could be causing the crashes. By installing a fresh version, you ensure that you're using the most up-to-date and stable release, with all the latest fixes and optimizations that the developers have implemented. This can significantly improve app performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes, providing a cleaner, more stable operating environment for Instagram.

Reset network setting

Resetting network settings is a vital troubleshooting step to consider if you're encountering persistent issues like "why is Instagram crashing." This process clears all saved network information, including Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, restoring them to factory defaults. It is particularly effective when the crashes may be related to network problems, such as unstable connections or network conflicts that hinder Instagram’s ability to communicate properly with its servers. By resetting these settings, you eliminate any network-specific errors or corruptions, potentially resolving the crashes. This action ensures that your device can establish a fresh, clean connection to the network, which can be crucial for apps like Instagram that rely heavily on internet connectivity to function smoothly.

If there is a specific issue, then we have a specific solution. Every solution is definitely an instant fix. If you have other issues with Instagram, we have published instant fix options on why instagram feed is not refreshing.  

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

why is my instagram not opening

If your Instagram isn't opening, check for a few common issues: ensure your app is updated to the latest version, clear the cache and app data from your device settings, and confirm that your device's operating system is current. Additionally, check your internet connection for stability. These steps often resolve issues preventing Instagram from opening.

why do my reels keep freezing

If your Instagram Reels keep freezing, try these steps: First, ensure your Instagram app is up-to-date, as older versions may have performance issues. Clear your app's cache through your device settings to remove temporary files that could be causing the problem. Also, check your internet connection for speed and stability, as a slow or intermittent connection can cause freezing during video playback.

why do my instagram reels keep restarting

If your Instagram Reels keep restarting, it could be due to a few factors: First, ensure your Instagram app is updated as outdated versions can have glitches. Also, check if there's enough storage space on your device since low storage can cause performance issues. Finally, examine your network connection for stability; poor internet can disrupt video playback, causing Reels to restart.

why is my instagram glitching

If your Instagram is glitching, it's important to first update your app and operating system to ensure compatibility and fix known bugs. Also, clear your app's cache from device settings to resolve any temporary data issues. Insufficient storage space and unstable internet connections can also cause glitches, so make sure your device has enough free space and a strong network signal.