Instagram Not Loading on Chrome (Here’s Why & How to FIX It!)

Last updated on January 31st, 2023 at 07:57 pm

Recently, I’ve been having trouble loading Instagram on Google Chrome. It would load for about 30 seconds then stop loading.

After several minutes of waiting, I finally had to open Safari to access Instagram.

Instagram Not Loading on Chrome

This was frustrating at the same time annoying because I had to switch back and forth between Chrome and Firefox just to access Instagram.

Just imagine I didn’t have an alternative browser.

If you’re someone like me, then this guide will show you how to resolve this issue more quickly than I did.

In this article, I will walk you through why Instagram isn’t loading on Chrome and how you can solve the issue.

Sounds great? Let’s get started.

 

Why is Instagram Not Loading on Chrome?

There are a couple of reasons why Instagram isn’t loading on Chrome browser. Below are some of the possible reasons:

  • Unhealthy internet connection
  • Chrome cache issue
  • Outdated Chrome browser
  • The Instagram server is down
  • Incompatible Chrome extensions
  • DNS related bug

So you now have an idea of what could be cussing Instagram not to load on Chrome. How then do you fix it?

 

How to Fix Instagram Not Loading on Chrome

Below are the ways to fix the Instagram loading error on Chrome.

 

1. Close & Restart Google Chrome

The first quick that comes to mind when Instagram isn’t loading on Chrome after multiple attempts is to close or terminate the browser and restart it.

Perhaps the fundamental files failed to load in your previous session, which has resulted in Instagram not working on Chrome.

To do this, tap on the close button (X) at the top bar of your Chrome browser and reopen. Proceed to confirm if the issue is resolved.

 

2. Check if Instagram Servers are Down

Is Instagram down

In most instances, Instagram not loading may not always be a result of Chrome not working.

It could be that Instagram servers are down.

You can confirm if Instagram is down by using websites such as P-Supertools server status checker or Downdetector.

Perhaps the Instagram server is down, there’s nothing much that you can do to fix it. You just have to exercise patience for it to be resolved.

In most cases, the Instagram server issues are resolved within an hour.

 

3. Clear Google Chrome Cache

If there’s a corrupt cache or provisional data on your Chrome browser, it can result in the nonoptimal performance of the browser.

The solution would be to clear your Chrome browser in order for Instagram to load again and avoid similar issues in the future.

Below are the steps to follow in order to clear your Chrome cache files.

  • Launch your Google Chrome browser.
  • Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of your screen.

Chrome Settings

  • Select Settings from the drop-down options.
  • Next, click on Privacy and Security from the left menu.

Chrome Privacy and Security

  • Click on Clear browsing data under the Privacy and Security section

Clear chrome cache

  • Proceed to check the boxes next to Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
  • Finally, click on the Clear data button.

 

4. Change DNS Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the file storage of the Internet. They are gotten from ISP when requested.

When you access Instagram and other sites, DNS will search for the IP address from its list of records.

It is your PC that auto-sets the DNS. Hence, when the ISP is unable to connect with the host server of Instagram, it could result in errors.

Note: The procedures for configuring DNS on smartphones and computers are different. Let’s see how to get it done.

 

How to Configure DNS in Chrome on a PC

To configure DNS in Chrome on a PC, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and security > Security.
  3. Next, scroll down to the Advanced section.
  4. Under Advanced, you will locate Use Secure DNS.
  5. It is set to “With your current service provider” by default.
  6. Tap on the “With” option under it.
  7. In the drop-down option, you can select the available list of DNS.
  8. Perhaps you want to select any other, input the custom DNS URL in the text box.

That is how you can change DNS settings to fix Instagram loading errors in Chrome.

 

How to Configure DNS in Chrome on Smartphone

To change the DNS settings in Chrome on your mobile device, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch your Chrome browser on your smartphone.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and security.
  3. Next, scroll down to the Use Secure DNS section.
  4. It is set to “With your current service provider” by default.
  5. Tap on “Choose another provider”  under it.
  6. At this point, you can select from the list in the drop-down menu.
  7. Or, you can decide to enter a custom DNS URL in the text box.

That is it. The Google Chrome browser will use the public DNS servers you have selected.

 

5. Disable or Uninstall Extensions

Chrome extensions make browsing tasks a lot easier.

However, these browser extensions may conflict with the basic functionality of the web browser and cause Instagram not to work on the Chrome browser.

In such a situation, the solution would be to disable all extensions and install them one at a time to find out which extension is interfering with the browser.

Below is how to uninstall chrome extensions from your browser:

  • Launch the Chrome browser and tap on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of your screen.
  • Click More Tools > Extensions.

Chrome extensions

  • Once the list of installed extensions displays, you can toggle off to disable the extension or tap the Remove button to uninstall them from the browser.

uninstall chrome extension

 

6. Use the Chrome Incognito Mode

Incognito mode is a browser setting that allows users to browse the web without leaving any trace.

This can be particularly useful for those who don’t want to be tracked by third-party trackers and advertisers.

However, this can also be really useful when you are having issues with Instagram not working on the Chrome browser.

Chrome incognito mode

To use Chrome incognito mode, follow the steps below:

  • Click on the three-dot menu button
  • From the drop-down options, select the New incognito window.

The shortcut to it would be to press the Ctrl+Shift+N buttons concurrently to open a new incognito window.

 

7. Restore Browser Settings

Perhaps you have tried all the recommended solutions and the issues with Instagram not working on Google Chrome desktop still persist, you can reset to default the chrome browser.

It is important to note that, this method will erase your startup page, new tab, bookmarks, disable all extensions, pinned tans and more.

Proceed if you’re comfortable erasing the aforementioned.

  • Launch the Google Chrome browser and tap on the three-dot menu button.
  • Choose Settings from the displayed options.

Reset Chrome settings

  • From the left menu, click Reset settings.
  • A warning pop-up will display, then proceed to tap the Reset settings button.

Reset Chrome

Go ahead to open Instagram again and confirm if this fixes the Instagram Not Working Issue.

 

8. Update Chrome Browser

It is best practice to keep your browser up to the date.

There might be a bug on the older version of Chrome browser that is preventing Instagram from working.

To update your Chrome browser, simply follow the steps below:

  • Open your Chrome browser.
  • Tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top bar menu.

How to Update Chrome

  • Go to Help
  • Next, tap on About Chrome. This will automatically scan for the latest update. If any, it will request you to install it.

Updating Chrome Browser

 

9. Switch to a Healthy Internet

There are a lot of technical issues that a poor internet connection can cause. One of them is Instagram not working on Google Chrome.

It is best to check your internet connection. There are a couple of internet speed checkers that you can rely on.

One of them is fast.com. It can detect the speed of your internet to know if you’re receiving optimal internet speed.

 

10. Try A Different Browser

The first step I took when I had issues with Instagram not working on my Chrome browser was to use a different browser.

You can try other internet browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Opera, Duckduckgo, Internet Explorer etc.

This can help you fix the issue faster.

 

Instagram Not Working on Chrome Browser FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions on why Instagram is not working on Chrome.

 

Why is my Instagram not working properly on Google Chrome?

There are many reasons why Instagram is not opening in Google Chrome. Below are some of the possible reasons:

  • Unhealthy internet connection
  • Chrome cache issue
  • Outdated Chrome browser
  • The Instagram server is down
  • Incompatible Chrome extensions
  • DNS related bug

 

How can I fix Instagram not opening in Chrome?

There are many ways to fix Instagram not opening in Chrome. Some of them include:

  • Close and restart the Google Chrome browser.
  • Change your DNS settings.
  • Clear the Chrome cache.
  • Use a different browser.
  • Update your Chrome browser.
  • Reset browser settings.
  • Switch to a healthy internet.
  • Use incognito mode.

 

 

Conclusion

Instagram not loading on Chrome can be annoying. Following this guide, you should be able to fix the issue and enjoy Instagram.

Make sure to share this guide with your network to help someone.

 

Also Read:

Harrison Acha is a Digital Marketing Expert, Seasoned Blogger, Facebook Marketing Expert, Writer, SEO Expert, and Digital Content Creator. Have been in the IT industry for more than a decade, and helping both tech and non-tech professionals become more productive and less frustrated with technology. Follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

PrimeGate Digital is a Result Driven Blog that strives to go beyond ‘Conventional Digital Marketing’ through digital innovation and performance marketing. We have experience working with world class brands and products.

 

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