While Instagram rarely has stability issues, the video playback can get stuck from time to time. Additionally, that can lead to app crashes or instability, or nervous breakdowns. So, if Instagram videos are not playing on Android, you’ve come to the right spot. Let’s try and resolve this issue together and get those videos up and running.
Table of contents:
- Update the Instagram app
- Clear Instagram app cache and data
- Reinstall Instagram
- Restart Wi-Fi router
- Reset your Network settings
- Leave the Beta program
- Turn off the Power-saving mode
Why Instagram won’t play videos on Android?
There are multiple reasons for Instagram videos not playing on your Android. Some of those are:
- The Instagram app is outdated.
- The current version of Instagram has a bug.
- You have network issues.
- The Power-saving mode is preventing videos from playing.
Learn how to fix the problem below.
1. Update the Instagram app
The first step you should take is to update your Instagram app. Most of the time, the problem lies in an outdated version. Because of that, make sure you have the latest version at any given time. The auto-update should do the job for you, but you can look for updates manually, too.
- Open Play Store.
- Tap Menu.
- Lookup for Instagram in the Update tab.
- If there’s an update available, update the app.
- Once it’s done, open Instagram and try playing videos.
In case the videos still won’t play, let’s try additional steps.
2. Clear the Instagram app cache and data
As same as most apps do, Instagram stores a lot of data on your phone. With particular settings, every picture or video you post can be preserved on the phone storage or SD card. Moreover, there are a lot of cache files that may slow down the app gradually and impact video playback.
According to that, your next step should be clearing the cache and data from the Instagram app. Follow these instructions to clear Data and Cache.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Open Instagram from the list of apps.
- Select Storage.
- Clear Cache.
- Now, Clear Data and reboot your device.
Some users use specific apps for the automatic clearing of cache. However, we advise you not to use them. Firstly, they take up your storage space, and secondly, they tend to work in the background and slow down all-around performance. Simply put, those apps are more disadvantageous than they are valid tools.
3. Reinstall Instagram
Sometimes the apps may stuck because of some kind of corruption. Software sometimes has a mind of its own and the only viable solution is reinstallation. So, if you’ve tried previous steps and the videos still won’t load, try this out.
- Open the Play Store and look for Instagram.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Reboot your device and go back to the Play Store.
- Install Instagram again.
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Mobile Data & Wi-Fi and allow Instagram to use mobile data in the background.
- Go back and open Permissions.
- Grant all permissions to Instagram and check for improvements.
Most of the time, this should resolve your issue. Of course, if the software is an issue. However, sometimes the connection may play the main part in these Instagram wrongdoings. Move on to the next step to troubleshoot the connection.
4. Restart the Wi-Fi router
Some users reported on various forums that the Instagram videos work on Wi-Fi but won’t work on mobile data and vice versa. So, the first step is to restart your Wi-Fi router. Turn it off, wait a minute or so, and then turn it on.
Additionally, you may want to update the router firmware and change from the 5 GHz wireless band to 2.4 GHz. Even though 5 GHz supports higher speeds, its signal isn’t as reliable as 2.4 GHz over distance. That, of course, is not an issue with dual-band routers.
5. Reset your Network settings
Once you’ve tweaked your router, let’s reset the network settings on the phone. That should fix common connection bugs and let you start from scratch. Have in mind that you’ll need to re-establish the settings again.
- Open Settings.
- Choose System.
- Open Reset options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Tap Reset settings.
- Reconnect and check out Instagram videos.
6. Leave the Beta program
If you are an early adopter and like to get the latest and greatest from Instagram, chances are that the Beta release is causing the problem. For that reason, we suggest leaving the Beta program and reinstalling the app. The stable, public release should be less bug-prone.
Here’s how to leave the Instagram Beta program:
- Open Play Store.
- Search for Instagram and expand the app section.
- Scroll down and tap on Leave, under the Beta program section.
- Reinstall the app.
7. Turn off the Power-saving mode
Thanks to one of our readers, we obtained another workaround that just may be the one that resolves the problem. He resolved the problem by disabling the Power-saving mode, which somehow interferes with the Instagram video playback.
So, navigate to Power settings, disable Power-saving mode and your problem should be sorted out.
Thanks a lot to Matt that suggested this solution.
That should wrap it up. In case you have any additional problems with Instagram, please be free to reach out on Twitter or Facebook. We’ll do our best to help you resolve them.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
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have an S7 edge… my problem is Im not able to upload videos… it says cannot post this now… have tried clearing cache, updating th app, teh power save mode off, restarting the phone but not happening… wat cud b the issue. can someone help me here pl….
It seems that the simple fact that Power Saving Mode is enabled stops most videos from playing. Even adding an exception doesn’t seem to render positive results. The same applies for many third-party IG apps as well, especially older apps.
Were you able to resolve it?
i got a note 8 and i got the same prob
i got a note 8 and i got the same prob
hi i have Huawei P9 and in instagram story the audio that records is so loud and not clear at all!!! i know isnt the phones problem but instagram’s how can i fix it i cant record nothing with that destroyed sound!!!
hi i have Huawei P9 and in instagram story the audio that records is so loud and not clear at all!!! i know isnt the phones problem but instagram’s how can i fix it i cant record nothing with that destroyed sound!!!
Power saving mode!!!!!
Last on list but finally got there, thanks!
Power saving mode!!!!!
Last on list but finally got there, thanks!
Awesome problem solved, my problem was simple, all I had to do is turn off power save mode, yet I think that should have been the first option!!
Awesome problem solved, my problem was simple, all I had to do is turn off power save mode, yet I think that should have been the first option!!
nothing workd tired everything please help i have a Lg Phoenix 2 and nothing works Instagram videos take forever to load and Live doesn’t want to load either i need help right away
power save has to be off
nothing workd tired everything please help i have a Lg Phoenix 2 and nothing works Instagram videos take forever to load and Live doesn’t want to load either i need help right away
The latest update is not always the solution. I’ve had an issue with the videos on my S8 for a few weeks and tried all of these and none of them worked. The only thing that worked was to delete the app and install an older version and it worked perfectly so it seems to be an issue with the app. Possibly a bug
The latest update is not always the solution. I’ve had an issue with the videos on my S8 for a few weeks and tried all of these and none of them worked. The only thing that worked was to delete the app and install an older version and it worked perfectly so it seems to be an issue with the app. Possibly a bug
I have tried all these methods. Still, video is not playing
I have tried all these methods. Still, video is not playing
I have redmi 4 bkack And I am having problems with the videos on instagram playing. They won’t play at all. It’s rare if I go to the person’s page directly it may or my not play. Is anyone else having this issue? how do I fix it?
I have redmi 4 bkack And I am having problems with the videos on instagram playing. They won’t play at all. It’s rare if I go to the person’s page directly it may or my not play. Is anyone else having this issue? how do I fix it?
Yes! Power saving mode was the answer for me. Good deal. Thanks!
Yes! Power saving mode was the answer for me. Good deal. Thanks!
Yep, I had to turn off power savings mode and the videos started playing again. So weird.
Yep, I had to turn off power savings mode and the videos started playing again. So weird.
Done all that and still had the same problem.i found it in the end lol .i turned my battery saving mode of
I’ve tried until clear cache and data and restart the phone.
Then got frustrated and hopeless since it didn’t work. I thought restarting Wi-Fi router wouldn’t solve the problem, then I read until the last, and tried disabling my phone’s (S8) power saving mode.
Then IT WORKED!!
Should have read until the end first haha.
I think for Samsung S8, S8+, that’s where the problem lies at. It’s annoying though, that we cannot enable power saving mode while on insta 🙁
Done all that and still had the same problem.i found it in the end lol .i turned my battery saving mode of
i have tried everything in my si and it still doesnt work. it works for maybe 2-3 video clips and then it wont play anymore. plz help
sorry my phone is s8
I’m suffering this issue since my phone updated to Nougat. I don’t understand why I can’t have powersave yet still be able to watch Instagram videos. That’s the only solution from above that works.
I take the above comment back – videos also not playing even though I’m NOT in power saving mode (S6).
I’m suffering this issue since my phone updated to Nougat. I don’t understand why I can’t have powersave yet still be able to watch Instagram videos. That’s the only solution from above that works.
Tried everything and nothing works. Have a Samsung edge 7. Repeated so.many things so many times. Only solution is not using IG. Oh yeah I can’t upload videos either. So all in all I think I just have a bum phone
Tried everything and nothing works. Have a Samsung edge 7. Repeated so.many things so many times. Only solution is not using IG. Oh yeah I can’t upload videos either. So all in all I think I just have a bum phone
The power-saving option worked for me. Thanks man!
The power-saving option worked for me. Thanks man!
Hi I have a samsung s6 edge and I’ve followed all yours steps but instagram’s videos continue not playing. It’s not a internet problem because it play the inst histories and videos from others apps ex. Twitter. Please help me!
Hi I have a samsung s6 edge and I’ve followed all yours steps but instagram’s videos continue not playing. It’s not a internet problem because it play the inst histories and videos from others apps ex. Twitter. Please help me!
Thank you for the tip! I tried everything and the videos on IG just wouldn’t play. Turning off the power saving feature solved the issue immediately! 🙂
Thank you for the tip! I tried everything and the videos on IG just wouldn’t play. Turning off the power saving feature solved the issue immediately! 🙂
I’m not having issues with other peoples videos but only one video of mine that I uploaded. I uploaded it on the multiple feature with the video first and photos after. It played the first day and hasn’t played since. I’ve tried everything to fix it but nothing seems to work. Any ideas? Is it because I deleted the actual video from my phone?
I’m not having issues with other peoples videos but only one video of mine that I uploaded. I uploaded it on the multiple feature with the video first and photos after. It played the first day and hasn’t played since. I’ve tried everything to fix it but nothing seems to work. Any ideas? Is it because I deleted the actual video from my phone?
yay~~~ my problem solved! I disable power saving mode and the ins video is playing very fluent now!!!
yay~~~ my problem solved! I disable power saving mode and the ins video is playing very fluent now!!!
Yes! Power saving mode wasn’t allowing my IG videos to play. Thanks for the help,
Yes! Power saving mode wasn’t allowing my IG videos to play. Thanks for the help,
I had this issue recently on my Galaxy S7 Edge and so far the only thing that has fixed it was going into Settings > Device Maintenance > Performance > High Quality Video mode. Since I switched to this mode, I haven’t had nearly so many problems.
I had this issue recently on my Galaxy S7 Edge and so far the only thing that has fixed it was going into Settings > Device Maintenance > Performance > High Quality Video mode. Since I switched to this mode, I haven’t had nearly so many problems.
Thank you very much…. great instructions… 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆.
Thank you very much…. great instructions… 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆.
Thank you!!! The issue with mine was also the power saving mode. I was going crazy!
Thank you!!! The issue with mine was also the power saving mode. I was going crazy!
I have just moved to Android. I thought it was my connection or LET. But in this case it was the cache. So I have to do it constantly? If yes I already miss IOs
I have just moved to Android. I thought it was my connection or LET. But in this case it was the cache. So I have to do it constantly? If yes I already miss IOs
I was having this issue on my S8 but turning off power saving mode fixed it. I feel dumb because before you turn it on, it tells you all the things it’ll prevent lol. Thanks for this article!
I was having this issue on my S8 but turning off power saving mode fixed it. I feel dumb because before you turn it on, it tells you all the things it’ll prevent lol. Thanks for this article!
ive tried all above and nothing works
If you have Galaxy s7/s8 turn off the power saving mode and everything will be okay. Because power saving mode limits background network usage, the videos won’t load. So if you turn on background network usage, it is also okay.
Remove power saving mode, clear data and restart instagram. All is working for me now! thanks!
Remove power saving mode, clear data and restart instagram. All is working for me now! thanks!
I finally got it to work. I got a galaxy note5 and for a past week been having the same problem as you all. I just got it to work. I went to the app settings and cleared data and cache then I manually gave permission to use your phone. Restarted the phone and after signing in again BOOM!!!! Instagram vids played tested and happy with results. Maybe the last update to android turned all permissions off?
I finally got it to work. I got a galaxy note5 and for a past week been having the same problem as you all. I just got it to work. I went to the app settings and cleared data and cache then I manually gave permission to use your phone. Restarted the phone and after signing in again BOOM!!!! Instagram vids played tested and happy with results. Maybe the last update to android turned all permissions off?
Turn off the automatic sound by playing a video was my solution
I have the s8+ and videos will not work and also having bluetooth issues since the new update. Very frustrating!
Don’t put your device in the power saving mode or allow the app to use data in the parameter.
This issue was driving me crazy
Turning off the automatic sound in Instagram settings fixed this issue
Thanks
This issue was driving me crazy
Turning off the automatic sound in Instagram settings fixed this issue
Thanks
I keep getting this error “there was an issue importing your video. Please try again.” I’ve made sure I exported my video with the right settings. It works fine on my mum LG G3, but not on my Samsung s6. I’ve also tried it on a S7 Edge and it has the same error. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Can you tell me which is the video format of the exported files?
I keep getting this error “there was an issue importing your video. Please try again.” I’ve made sure I exported my video with the right settings. It works fine on my mum LG G3, but not on my Samsung s6. I’ve also tried it on a S7 Edge and it has the same error. Does anyone know how to fix this?
I signed into Instagram through Chrome. All my videos are working just fine. Since the problem only occurs with the Instagram app (updated and cache cleared), I am assuming the issue is between the app and my phone LGG4. It was great to see my videos working again. 🙂
We’re glad that you managed to work it out. 🙂
I signed into Instagram through Chrome. All my videos are working just fine. Since the problem only occurs with the Instagram app (updated and cache cleared), I am assuming the issue is between the app and my phone LGG4. It was great to see my videos working again. 🙂
We’re glad that you managed to work it out. 🙂
Hello folks!
Thanks for the created topic! I tried all ways to turn the playback of the instagram videos but unfortunately nothing helped me..
The issue continues and it drives me nuts…. i am using htc one m9 cellphone and i have the problem for a loong time.. i tried to delete the cache, reinstall the app, reset the network settings and so on, but without any change. The videos are trying to load, i see at the top right corner the insta loading icon, but that’s it… please if you know any other ideas where would be the problem, please share. Thanks in advance ! 🙂
Hello folks!
Thanks for the created topic! I tried all ways to turn the playback of the instagram videos but unfortunately nothing helped me..
The issue continues and it drives me nuts…. i am using htc one m9 cellphone and i have the problem for a loong time.. i tried to delete the cache, reinstall the app, reset the network settings and so on, but without any change. The videos are trying to load, i see at the top right corner the insta loading icon, but that’s it… please if you know any other ideas where would be the problem, please share. Thanks in advance ! 🙂
Galaxy s8…did all that amd IG vids still don’t play. Doesn’t matter if i’m on wifi or 4g i got nada 🙁
Go to app settings, instagram, allow all permissions, restart phone
Omg I tried all the tips and it didn’t work, but when I tried your tip about allowing permissions, it finally worked! I’m so grateful, thank you so so much!!
Galaxy s8…did all that amd IG vids still don’t play. Doesn’t matter if i’m on wifi or 4g i got nada 🙁
Go to app settings, instagram, allow all permissions, restart phone
Try turning off power saving mode. Worked for me
Thanks for sharing, Matt.
Oooh thaank you mate!!! That’s really what it is! You resolved it!!!!
Try turning off power saving mode. Worked for me
Thanks for sharing, Matt.
I’m happy I’m not the on one. I’ve been facing this issue ever since i updated me htc 10 to android 7.
Tried a lot of thing. Still no good
I’m happy I’m not the on one. I’ve been facing this issue ever since i updated me htc 10 to android 7.
Tried a lot of thing. Still no good
Having the same issue with galaxy s7. Its been happening for a month now. I tried all the steps above
Having the same issue with galaxy s7. Its been happening for a month now. I tried all the steps above
I have galaxy 7 and having same problem since last update. Can not uninstall since Android has preinstalled it and don’t want to disable app. Tried to use instagram help center but when I type in search bar it says I am “misusing feature” by going to fast and I’ve been blocked. There is no valid link to their Help Center or “let us know link” ?
I’m having sane problem recently starred I cleared app and phone cache nothing helped
I have same problem. Did all of these things and no change. Videos still don’t play. Samsung Galaxy S7. Last phone update is when this started.
I have same problem. Did all of these things and no change. Videos still don’t play. Samsung Galaxy S7. Last phone update is when this started.
I have a HTC One M9 and have been having the same problem since I updated my phones software a few days ago. Also, I can only uninstall the Instagram updates not the entire app since I did the phone update.
Have you tried the factory reset? I’m aware that this approach seems extreme but it looks like the Instagram comes preinstalled in your case. So you won’t be able to reinstall it. At least, not without flashing your stock ROM:
Mine is the HTC M10. The app can be uninstalled, but none of these solutions work. And there’s no way to clear app cache without clearing the whole app of its data, which I’ve done a few times, with no success.
I have a HTC One M9 and have been having the same problem since I updated my phones software a few days ago. Also, I can only uninstall the Instagram updates not the entire app since I did the phone update.
Have you tried the factory reset? I’m aware that this approach seems extreme but it looks like the Instagram comes preinstalled in your case. So you won’t be able to reinstall it. At least, not without flashing your stock ROM:
Mine is the HTC M10. The app can be uninstalled, but none of these solutions work. And there’s no way to clear app cache without clearing the whole app of its data, which I’ve done a few times, with no success.
I have the exact Sam problem with my iPhone. Ever since about 4 days ago videos have stopped playing. I’ve deleted the app, restarted my phone to no avail.
Check out our article dedicated to iOS Instagram playback issues. You’ll maybe find something helpful.
I have the exact Sam problem with my iPhone. Ever since about 4 days ago videos have stopped playing. I’ve deleted the app, restarted my phone to no avail.
Check out our article dedicated to iOS Instagram playback issues. You’ll maybe find something helpful.
I’ve been having problems with videos not working since the last android update and I’ve tried all of these things. Both videos in my feed and my story videos. This is really disturbing because it doesn’t seem like anyone else has the same problem as I.
Which phone model we are talking about, Tova?
Im having the exact same problem. Galaxy S7.
Have you tried installing a Flash player of some kind? It’s not needed, but it’s worth a try. Additionally, try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi and vice versa when playing videos.
As above, S7 not loading any videos or stories since last update. Have tried everything suggested, switching between wifi and mobile data, clearing and resetting everything and still no results
I have same phone and exactly same problem like you.
I have a Samsung S7 edge and have the same issue. My videos won’t play in my Gallery. And now they have stopped playing in my feed too! Has anyone found a solution yet??
New S8+ and same issues
Having the same issue on my new S8!!!!
Don’t put your device in the power saving mode or allow the app to use data in the parameter.
it’s work thank you sooooo much
If you have a new galaxy phone just go to app settings, instagram, and allow all permissions. Restart phone and your welcome
Took off power saving and restarted, WORKED!
Having the same issue with s8. Nothing worked. Frustrated!
All videos on my Instagram don’t work for me either. I’ve tried everything on this kid, plus a few other things. None of it works… It’s very annoying when someone sends something and it can’t even be viewed.
Same issue. Just updated in the last 2 days and no videos will play on instagram. Annoying to say the least!!
I do. i dont know what to do, i have tried all type of troubleshooting, when i do it it work for a couple of videos and then stops playing again. The funny thing is that the videos on the stories and the sponsors they play.
I’ve been having problems with videos not working since the last android update and I’ve tried all of these things. Both videos in my feed and my story videos. This is really disturbing because it doesn’t seem like anyone else has the same problem as I.
Which phone model we are talking about, Tova?
Im having the exact same problem. Galaxy S7.
Have you tried installing a Flash player of some kind? It’s not needed, but it’s worth a try. Additionally, try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi and vice versa when playing videos.
As above, S7 not loading any videos or stories since last update. Have tried everything suggested, switching between wifi and mobile data, clearing and resetting everything and still no results
I have same phone and exactly same problem like you.
I have a Samsung S7 edge and have the same issue. My videos won’t play in my Gallery. And now they have stopped playing in my feed too! Has anyone found a solution yet??
New S8+ and same issues
Having the same issue on my new S8!!!!
Don’t put your device in the power saving mode or allow the app to use data in the parameter.
All videos on my Instagram don’t work for me either. I’ve tried everything on this kid, plus a few other things. None of it works… It’s very annoying when someone sends something and it can’t even be viewed.
Same issue. Just updated in the last 2 days and no videos will play on instagram. Annoying to say the least!!
I do. i dont know what to do, i have tried all type of troubleshooting, when i do it it work for a couple of videos and then stops playing again. The funny thing is that the videos on the stories and the sponsors they play.