Instagram is always coming out with updates to continually improve the social media experience. One of the newer features they have introduced is Instagram Reels. Users can scroll for hours enjoying the short-form videos that are curated by the algorithm.
The problem is that sometimes, after an update, Reels will be missing from the Instagram app. If you’re experiencing this problem, the good news is that it’s typically easy to troubleshoot the issue. Throughout this article, we’re going to talk about why Reels aren’t showing up, and how to fix it.
Check if the App Is Updated
First, you should make sure that your Instagram app is up to date. Reels may not show up if you’re running an older version of the app that predates the Reels update, or isn’t compatible with recent updates.
Update Instagram
- Find the App Store: Go to the app store on your device which will be Google Play on Android or App Store on iOS.
- Search for Instagram: Type Instagram into the search bar.
- Check for Update: You should be able to see if there is an update available.
- Update the App: If there is an update available, download it and install it so you have the most up to date version of Instagram.
Restart Instagram
If updating the app doesn’t make Reels show up in your app, sometimes all you need to do is a simple restart.
How to Restart Instagram
- Close the App: Close your Instagram app, not just minimizing it. Make sure it’s completely closed.
- Reopen Instagram: Simply reopen the Instagram app. This can usually refresh the app’s settings and restore missing features.
Reinstall Instagram
If updating and restarting the app doesn’t work, you can try reinstalling the app.
How to Install Instagram
- Delete Instagram: First, delete Instagram from your device. You’ll need to make sure it’s deleted and not just removed from your home screen.
- Reinstall: Next, you’ll need to go to the app store to reinstall the app. This will usually give you a fresh install of the latest version if you were having trouble updating it.
Check Account Restrictions
Instagram may also have access to certain features based on the user’s account settings or activities.
How to Check Account Restrictions
- Switch Accounts: If you have access to more than one Instagram account, try switching to a different account to see if you can see Reels there. This can help you figure out if the issue is specific to one account or not.
- Review Community Guidelines: Make sure your account has not violated Instagram’s community guidelines. This can sometimes restrict your features.
Explore Regional Availability
Typically, Instagram rolls out features at different times across the globe. This means that Reels may not be available yet in your region. If you’re traveling, you could be in an area where Reels are unavailable. What you can do is check if they are supported in that area.
Contact Instagram Support
If you can’t find a reason why Reels isn’t showing up, it’s time to contact Instagram support. It could be an app-wide problem that they don’t know about, and you’d be doing them a favor.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating to see Reels disappear from your Instagram app. Following these steps should help you troubleshoot the problem. If all else fails, contact support.
