How to Fix: Couldn't Load Image, Tap to Retry -Instagram

Written by Tijana Kargovska Social Media / Instagram

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Even though Instagram is highly functional most of the time, bugs and errors are bound to happen on any platform that has such a big number of daily users.

Besides the one you’re currently experiencing, the ‘Couldn’t load image, tap to retry’ one, there are tons of smaller bugs that happen every day.

However, since Instagram is among the top 3 most used apps, their developers are constantly on the edge to keep the platform up and running at all times.

Hence, issues that occur on Instagram are almost always solved instantly, with a few exceptions when Instagram was down for up to a few hours.

What about the ‘Couldn’t Load Image’ error? Is it fixable, and if so, how do you fix it?

If you’re left wondering about any of these questions, you’re in the right place.

Fortunately, the issue is fixable, and the process is quite simple too. Therefore, keep reading and dive into the answers in the article below.

Why am I getting the error?

Even though there might be several possible reasons why you’re receiving this error, the most common one is an issue with the connection, both from your end, or from Instagram’s end.

If the platform is down, there’s a high possibility for you to be receiving this error. As a matter of fact, when Instagram was down back in 2021, every user worldwide was unable to use Instagram’s service, and this was what was showing up on all posts on users’ feeds.

Hence, if Instagram is down, there’s not much you can do about it, besides waiting for them to fix whatever error they encountered.

On the other hand, there’s a possibility for you to be experiencing an issue with your connection, both mobile data and Wi-Fi. Whatever the reason, there are several possible fixes if the issue is on your end.

How do I fix the ‘Couldn’t Load Image’ error?

As we mentioned, there are several different actions you can take in order to ultimately fix the issue you’re having.

  1. Switching the network

Switching the network is the first thing you should try. In case there’s any issue either with the mobile data or your Wi-Fi, which might consequently make Instagram unable to load images on your feed.

Hence, try switching your data with your Wi-Fi or vice versa, and open the Instagram app to check if that has fixed the issue.

Additionally, if you’re using Wi-Fi at the moment, the network may have set parental controls, which can also cause Instagram to not load the images.

  1. Using a VPN

You can try using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to try and see if this fixes the issue you keep receiving.

Activating VPN can help solve the Instagram error at least temporarily, until you finally find out what was causing the issue in the first place.

VPN connections fix the network issues you are experiencing, therefore it’s worth giving it a shot.

There are plenty of free VPNs both on the App Store and the Google Play Store, meaning both iPhone users and Android users can try this fix.

  1. Clearing cache memory

One of the best possible fixes out there, when you’re experiencing issues such as this one, is clearing the app’s cache memory.

The cache memory can be considered as ‘trash’, and no important data is ever stored here. Therefore, you can delete this memory, without needing to worry about what might get lost after doing so.

Both iOS and Android users can do this by going to their phone settings, opening all apps, and under the Instagram app, click on ‘Clear Cache’.

Additionally, deleting the app completely and reinstalling it will give the app a fresh start, and might fix your error.

Bear in mind, however, this will log you out of the app, so make sure you know your login credentials.

  1. Instagram being down

There are plenty of jokes on the Internet about Instagram being down once a year, every year.

Hence, there’s a high possibility there’s an issue with Instagram’s servers, which is causing the app to crash, and you not seeing loaded images on Instagram.

The best way to make sure this is not the case so you can cross it out, is by googling ‘Is Instagram down?’ and opening one of the first results that pop up, or checking Twitter.

If that’s the case, there’s not much you can do, besides waiting until their servers are back up and running.

Bonus: Learn how to fix the ‘Sorry we couldn't complete your request' error message on Instagram.