Instagram lag can be attributed to multiple factors such as slow internet speeds, outdated app version, low RAM, and more. Let’s discuss everything and troubleshoot Instagram lag on iPhone and Android.
1. Disable Less Mobile Data in Instagram
If you are tight on mobile data, you might have enabled the Use Less Mobile data toggle in the Instagram app. That way, the app will use less data to load the feed. The practice may result in Instagram lag on Android and iPhone. Follow the steps to disable less mobile data on Instagram. Step 1: Open Instagram on iPhone or Android. Step 2: Go to your profile and tap on the hamburger menu at the top. Step 3: Go to Settings. Step 4: Select Account and tap on the Data usage menu. Step 5: Disable Use less mobile data toggle and reopen the app.
2. Disable High-Quality Uploads on Instagram
Instagram allows users to upload higher-quality videos on mobile or Wi-Fi. The additional processing time may be required due to larger file sizes. When trying to use Instagram in the middle of a high-quality media upload, you may notice a lag in the app. Here’s how you can disable high-quality uploads on Instagram. Step 1: Go to your Instagram account on your iPhone or Android. Step 2: Select the hamburger menu and go to Settings. Step 3: Open Account and select Data usage. Step 4: Disable high-quality uploads and enjoy a smooth Instagram experience.
3. Use Fast Internet Speeds
While browsing Instagram, you need to have a strong internet connection for a flawless performance. If you are connected to a slow network connection, you may notice the lag in your Instagram feed. Connect to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency and not the 2.4 GHz one if you are on Wi-Fi. You will see improvement in network speeds and faster load times.
4. Force Stop Instagram (Android)
Is Instagram acting weirdly on your Android phone? You need to force close the app and reopen it. Here’s what you need to do. Step 1: Find the Instagram icon on your Android home screen or App Drawer. Step 2: Long-tap on the app icon and go to the app info menu. Step 3: Tap on Force stop and confirm your decision. The move will shut down every Instagram-related activity on the app. Until you open the app, you won’t receive Instagram notifications as well. Open Instagram, and you won’t notice any lag.
5. Clear Instagram Cache (Android)
Like most Android apps out there, Instagram collects cache in the background to load frequently visited pages quickly. If you are a power Instagram user, you might end up collecting hundreds of MBs cache data in the background. That amount of cache may lead to Instagram lag on Android. You need to clear the Instagram cache from the app info menu. Here’s how. Step 1: Long-press on the Instagram icon and open the app info menu. Step 2: Go to Storage and cache menu. Step 3: Select clear cache from the following menu.
6. Free Up RAM on iPhone and Android
This trick applies to phones with 4GB or low RAM. If you have too many apps and games opened in the background, it might consume all the device’s RAM. In that case, if you try to open Instagram, you might notice lag during general navigation. On iPhone or Android, swipe up from the bottom part and open the multitasking menu. Swipe up and remove apps from the background. Free up device RAM and try to use Instagram again.
7. Update Instagram
Using an outdated Instagram build on iPhone or Android may lead to lag. Instagram regularly updates its mobile apps with bug fixes and new features. You need to go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and update Instagram to the latest version available.
Remove Instagram Lag on iPhone and Android
With no true alternative to Instagram, you are stuck with troubleshooting solutions above to fix the lag. If you primarily use Instagram for direct messages, you can use Thread by Instagram to get the job done.
