7 Best Ways to Fix Instagram “Could Not Open Photo”

If while watching stories you experience Instagram “could not open photo” error, it is mostly because of the internet problem. So, this can easily be resolved by stabilizing your mobile internet. However, for more relevant workarounds, continue reading the article.

Here, we have covered a bunch of specific solutions to fix this issue both on Android and iOS devices. But before getting started, you must have a quick look at the causes of the problem in order to understand its source and fix it accordingly.

Let’s get started….

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Why is Instagram Unable to Load Image?

Instagram may sometimes encounter issues that prevent images from loading properly. Here are some possible reasons why Instagram may be unable to load images:

  • Poor Internet connection: A weak or unstable Internet connection can lead to difficulties in opening images on Instagram.
  • App-related issues: Sometimes, Instagram app bugs or glitches can prevent images from opening or loading.
  • Server problem: Instagram’s servers may experience temporary problems or outages, which can result in image-loading issues.
  • Cache and data-related problems: Over time, the cache and data stored by the Instagram app can become corrupted, leading to issues with image loading.
  • Content restrictions or privacy settings: If Instagram is unable to load specific images or content, it’s possible that the user who uploaded the content has set privacy restrictions or you yourself have set restriction settings that prevent you from opening it.

How To Fix Instagram Could Not Open Photo Problem?

Solution 1: Stabilize Internet Connection

Instagram requires more than normal bandwidth to load or open images. So, ensure to have a stabilized or strong internet to view images.

You can check the internet speed through SpeedTest. In case found slow, troubleshoot the internet problem with the following instructions:

  • Switch to WiFi in case using cellular data or vice versa.
  • Enable & disable Airplane mode on your phone.
  • Place the source device within the client device range.
  • Prefer using a wired connection instead of a wireless connection.

Also Read: Instagram Stories Repeating Problem

Solution 2: Check for Server Outage

Server outage or downtime can also prevent Instagram from opening an image. Therefore, check for server-related problems on Downdetector or Instagram’s official Twitter page.

If it’s a server issue, you’ll need to wait until Instagram resolves it.

Solution 3: Relaunch the Instagram App

Sometimes, due to the app’s internal bugs or issues, Instagram could not open photo. So, here we suggest you relaunch the app once to check if it resolves the problem.

Steps to be followed (Android Users)

  • Long tap the Instagram icon on your Home screen.
  • Select App info and click on Force stop.
  • Tap on Force stop again to close it.

fix Instagram not loading pictures

  • Now, relaunch the app again and try opening the image to check if the problem is resolved.

iOS Users:

  • Drag up the Home screen from bottom to middle.
  • Now, swipe up or left the Instagram app preview to close.

fix Instagram not loading pictures

  • Lastly, relaunch Instagram on your iPhone.

Solution 4: Clear Instagram Cache & Data

Clearing app cache and data can help you fix Instagram not loading pictures. Also, we suggest you clear the cache and data regularly to avoid such problems in the near future.

Here are the steps to follow: (Android Users)

  • Head to Settings on your phone.
  • Then, go to the Application section and select Instagram.
  • Next, choose the Storage usage option.

Instagram unable to load image

  • Lastly, click on Clear cache & Clear data options.

Instagram unable to load image

Also Read: Instagram Music Not Working

Solution 5: Turn Off “Use Less Mobile Data” on Instagram

Enabled “Use Less Mobile Data” option on Instagram may compress the images, leading to lower quality or potential issues with opening certain photos.

So, by turning it off, Instagram will no longer limit the data usage for media content, and it will load images.

Follow the below instructions:

  • Open the Instagram app on your device.
  • Tap on your Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

could not open photo Instagram

  • On your profile page, tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon).
  • Scroll down and select Settings>Account.

could not open photo Instagram

  • Under the Account settings, choose the Data Usage option.
  • Now, toggle off the “Use less mobile data” option.

could not open photo Instagram

Solution 6: Reinstall Instagram App

Reinstalling the Instagram app can be an effective solution for resolving various issues, including the “could not open photo” error. Also, with reinstallation, you can have the latest version of the app that includes bug patches to fix such uncertain issues.

Below are the steps to do so: (Android Users)

  • On your Home screen, hold the Instagram icon.
  • Select Uninstall option and click on Uninstall again to confirm.

fix Instagram not loading pictures

  • Now, visit the Play Store app and install the latest Instagram app version.

fix Instagram not loading pictures

iOS Users:

  • Press and hold the Instagram app icon on your Home screen.
  • Tap on the “x”  option.
  • Then, click on the Delete App>Delete.

could not open photo Instagram

  • Go to the App Store, search for Instagram app’s latest version, and reinstall it.
  • Launch Instagram and check if the error is resolved.

Also Read: Instagram Keeps Crashing On Android

Solution 7: Seek Help from Instagram Support

Lastly, if the above solutions are unable to fix the problem, try contacting Instagram Help. Below are the steps to report a problem through the Instagram app:

  • Tap on the Profile icon on Instagram.
  • Click on the Menu icon and choose Settings.

could not open photo Instagram

  • Go to the Help section and select Report a Problem option.

could not open photo Instagram

  • Click on the Report a problem again and type the detailed issue on the box as instructed.
  • Once mentioned, hit the Submit button and wait for the response.

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Note: It is recommended to download and use the software on your PC or laptop only.


Final Verdict

So, this is all about Instagram could not open photo problem. Now, try the above-mentioned solutions and fix the issue to view images on Instagram.

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