To fix “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” on Instagram, you can either try switching your internet provider, clearing your Instagram cache, or updating the app on the App Store or Play Store.
If you have been using the app and you encounter this error, “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” when trying to view image, this is caused by the internet connection or the Instagram app.
In this article, you’ll learn how to fix “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” on Instagram. And you’ll also know why the error is showing on the Instagram app.
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What To Do When Instagram Image Isn’t Loading?
If you’re experiencing this problem on your iPhone or Android device, you need to first check if other people are seeing this error too.
Most times, the error means that Instagram couldn’t load the image, this mostly occurred when the photo didn’t load before you view them (internet connection problems).
Switch internet connection on your device. If you’re using a Wi-Fi, switch to a cellular network or vice versa.
Sometimes it may just be an Instagram app error, and if it is, you’ll have to wait for Instagram to release an update for the app.
If you’re the only one experiencing this error on Instagram around people, clear the app data if you’re using an Android device, and for iPhone users, offload the app.
After that, you’ll want to update the app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
When Instagram doesn’t allow you to view the image, you can use the web instead.
This will help you know where the problem lies (app, server, or internet problem).
So if you can’t use the app to view images and it keeps saying couldn’t load image, use the Instagram Web.
You can access Instagram from one of the web browsers on your device, mobile, or computer.
To view the image, go to the Instagram app, and then copy the image link that refuses to load.
To copy the image link, on the post > Tap on the three vertical dots > And then tap on Link to copy.
Now, paste the link you just copy to any of your favorite browsers to view it. You’ll be able to view the photo without it displaying the error.
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Why Did I Get The “Couldn’t Load Image. Tap To Retry” Error?
The two major reasons why you get the “Couldn’t Load Image. Tap To Retry” error are because you have a bad network provider, or Instagram is down on your location.
Have you ever received an error message on Instagram when you were trying to view a photo?
Well, the issue it faces when you try to view an image is caused by a poor internet connection, and if your network is not stable you’ll get the error.
If Instagram is down, you will also see this error when you try to view the image on the Instagram app.
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How To Fix “Couldn’t Load Image. Tap To Retry” On Instagram?
Since you know the reason the Instagram photos are not loading, you can now fix it with this guide.
There are many things you should consider when fixing the Instagram images not loading, mostly if it is just one photo.
In all, here’s the fix for the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on Instagram
Fix 1: Wait For The Issue To Be Resolved
If you can’t view images on your Instagram account, this can be an app-wide problem, or just for a specific location.
And since it’s a technical problem, there’s nothing you can do to solve the problem. All you can do is just wait.
If you are experiencing this issue, this could mean that Instagram may be down for that particular region, and you’ll not be able to do anything to fix it.
What you can do is wait for the Instagram team to resolve the issue and release an update for the app.
Fix 2: Switch Internet Provider
Another issue that may be causing the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on Instagram is your internet provider, they maybe experience a break in their network coverage.
The best thing you got to do is to change your cellular network. Switch to another network and check if the Instagram image will load.
You can also change to a Wi-Fi connection if you don’t have another SIM card available on your device.
If you were previously using Wi-Fi as your internet connection, change it to your mobile network.
And it’ll fix the Instagram app from showing the couldn’t load image error.
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Fix 3: Log Out And Login
The most basic thing you can do if you’re seeing an error on your Instagram account is to log out and log in back to your account.
If you sign out of your account and sign in back, it will allow content to reload from the Instagram server instead from the temporary cache.
To sign out of your Instagram account on both Android and iPhone.
Open the app > Tap your profile icon at the bottom-right corner > Tap the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner > Tap on Settings > Scroll down to the bottom and tap Log out.
Wait for a few seconds, and then login back into your account. You’ll be able to see the images load now without error.
Fix 4: Restart Your Device
If you’re seeing the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on your Instagram. You can reboot your phone to fix the problem.
Once you restart your device and open the Instagram app, the problem will be fixed, and you’ll be to view the image.
The Instagram app may just have a minor glitch causing the app to malfunction and not load images as expected.
And restarting your iPhone or your Android device can fix the problem.
You can tap on the power button and tap on the restart option, or you can power it off and wait for a few minutes before turning it on.
On iPhone, you can soft or force restart your device. This will clear glitches and stop running apps in the background.
Fix 5: Clear Instagram App Cache
One of the best ways to fix any issue on apps is to clear the app cache. If you’re using an Android device, and you’re facing a problem you can clear the app cache.
For iPhone users, you can’t directly clear cache on your iPhone app Settings or even from the Instagram app. As Instagram doesn’t support the feature yet.
This feature isn’t available on the device, the only thing you can do here is to offload the app from your phone.
To fix the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on Instagram, you need to clear the Instagram app cache.
For Android Device: Open Android Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info > And then find the Instagram app > Tap on Storage & Cache > Tap on Clear Cache.
You can also access the apps from your Android Storage settings. Open Settings > Storage > Other Apps or Apps > Tap on Instagram > Tap on Storage & Cache > Tap Clear Cache.
Since you can’t directly clear cache on the Instagram app, or from the iPhone Settings, unlike other apps like TikTok. You’ll need to offload the app.
Open the iPhone Settings > And then tap on General > Tap iPhone Storage > Then find the Instagram app and open it > And tap on Offload App button.
After you’ve offloaded the app from your iPhone, you’ll need to reinstall it back from the Apple App Store by tapping on the app icon.
Then check the Instagram app after you’ve cleared the cache to see if you can load image on Instagram without the error.
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Fix 6: Clear Instagram Data On Android
For Android users, clearing app data can make any problem go away without uninstalling the app from your phone.
If you own an Android device, you’re seeing the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error, you can clear Instagram app data and everything including your account will be removed.
You’ll need to sign in back to your account, and then you’ll be able to view the image.
To fix the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on Instagram, you need to clear Instagram app data.
For Android Device: Open Android Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info > And then find the Instagram app > Tap on Storage & Cache > Tap on Clear Storage.
Fix 7: Use A VPN
Since the primary reason why Instagram couldn’t load images is your internet connection and the Instagram server, you might want to do something similar.
If the Instagram server is down on your location, you can use a VPN to change location so that the image can load on your device.
You can use a Virtual Private Network to fix “Couldn’t Load Image Tap to Retry” on Instagram.
Use a free VPN service like Windscripe to change your location, and load the image without any error.
Fix 8: Update Instagram App
If you haven’t updated your app in a long time, updating the app now is a good time to fix the issues.
Your old version of the app may not be working properly, depending on the device you’re using.
To update the Instagram app on your device, go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, once you see an update, click on it to update right away.
This update fix glitches and bug for the previous version of the app, and getting rid of the old app version, will let use the app well.
Fix 9: Uninstall and Reinstall The App
If you’ve tried updating the app and the Instagram app is still not loading images as expected.
You’ll need to delete the app from your device and wait for about ten minutes before reinstalling it.
This can fix “couldn’t load image. Tap to try again.” And you’ll be able to use the app again to see photos on the Instagram feed.
To uninstall the app from your phone.
Tap and hold the Instagram app, and you’ll see the uninstall option at the top, drag and drop and the app will be deleted, for Android.
For iPhone: Tap and hold the Instagram app, and on the small pop-up menu, tap on Delete App. The app will be removed from your device.
Once you’ve deleted the app from your phone, you’ll need to wait for about 3 to 7 minutes, then restart your phone before reinstalling the app.
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Conclusion
Instagram has many errors, from blurry Instagram Stories to couldn’t load image.
If you’re experiencing the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on your Instagram account.
The first thing you should do is to check your internet connection, your data may just have expired or finished.
The error means that Instagram couldn’t load the image because of some network issues.
It may also be caused by the app having a technical issue or a server problem.
To just quickly fix the problem, you can change the network provider, and use Wi-Fi if you’re still not getting a good signal.
With this guide, you can fix the “Couldn’t load image. Tap to retry” error on Instagram.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Instagram say can’t load image?
The reason you can’t load image on Instagram is that you have a network issue. And to load images on Instagram you need a stable internet connection to see the images. If not some of the images will load and others will not.
Why does Instagram keep saying error try again later?
When Instagram keeps showing “Try again later” it means the action can’t be completed. Once you do something inappropriate or carry out your actions too fast, you’ll get the error “Try again later.” This will also show if you use third-party apps.
Why is Instagram unable to load images from the gallery?
If you can’t load images from your gallery it means that you have a slow internet connection. But most times, it is because you haven’t granted permission for Instagram to access your gallery.
Why Does Instagram Reduce Image Quality?
Yes, Instagram reduces your image quality when you upload a photo to the app. If you have a large image, Instagram will also shrink it to fit the screen, and this will reduce the image quality.
Why can’t I send pictures on Instagram?
If you can’t see pictures on Instagram, it means that you have a poor internet connection or a technical issue with the app. You may also have run out of data, or Instagram is down.
Why is my Instagram not loading?
Your Instagram isn’t loading because you have a poor internet connection, and you should change your internet provider, or use Wi-Fi. Instagram, not loading can also be caused by a technical issue.
