These two errors usually come from one of three buckets: network, app cache/session, or account restrictions/login trouble. Instagram’s own troubleshooting suggests basic steps like restarting your device, checking your internet connection, and updating the app.
App Fixes Hub (Complete Guide)
- Restart your phone and confirm your internet is stable (Instagram recommends restart + check connection).
- Update Instagram (Instagram recommends updating if something isn’t working correctly).
- Android: clear Instagram cache (not storage) using Android’s app settings steps.
- iPhone: offload Instagram or reinstall it (Apple shows storage management and offloading options).
- If login fails: use Instagram’s official “I can’t log in” recovery steps.
- Check Instagram Account Status for restrictions.
Step 0: Pick your exact issue
- A) Feed won’t load (you are logged in)
- B) “Sorry, there was a problem with your request” (usually login/session)
- C) App opens but shows blank screens or keeps looping
Use the same fixes below, but follow the order.
A) Instagram feed won’t refresh
Fix 1: Restart the phone (not just the app)
Instagram’s troubleshooting starts with restarting the device and checking your connection.
Fix 2: Switch networks once (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data)
Try one clean test:
- If Wi-Fi fails, try mobile data (USA users can test on Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile)
- If data fails, try Wi-Fi
If it works on one network only, your router or carrier routing is the problem (not Instagram).
Fix 3: Update Instagram
Instagram recommends updating the app when something isn’t working correctly.
Fix 4: Turn off VPN and Private DNS for one test
This doesn’t “bypass” anything. It just removes routing filters that can break feeds.
Fix 5: Android: Clear Instagram cache (safe)
Android’s official cache-clearing steps are: Settings → Apps → select app → Storage → Clear cache.
Then reopen Instagram and check the feed.
Fix 6: Android: If cache doesn’t help, clear storage (strong)
This logs you out and resets app data. Use only if needed.
Fix 7: iPhone: Offload or reinstall Instagram (closest thing to clearing app cache)
iOS doesn’t usually give a “Clear cache” button per app. Apple’s storage tools include offloading apps and managing app storage.
Try:
- Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Instagram → Offload App (or delete) → reinstall
Fix 8: Check Account Status for restrictions
If your feed loads but actions fail (likes, follows, comments) or refresh keeps erroring, check Account Status.
Fix 9: Report the problem inside Instagram
Instagram provides an in-app flow to report technical problems and also suggests updating the app first.
App Installed but Not Showing (Android): Fix
B) “Sorry, there was a problem with your request” (login/session)
Fix 10: Stop retrying for 10–15 minutes, then try once
Repeated login attempts can trigger temporary blocks. One calm retry is better than 20 rapid tries.
Fix 11: Try logging in from a browser (not the app)
If browser login works but the app doesn’t, it’s usually a corrupted app session (go back to cache/offload fixes).
Fix 12: Use Instagram’s official “I can’t log in” flow
Instagram’s Help Center has a dedicated login recovery hub.
If needed, use the official password reset page.
Fix 13: If you lost access to email/phone, use “Try another way”
Instagram provides a recovery path when you lost access to the email/phone linked to the account.
Fix 14: If password reset emails are failing, use Instagram’s guidance
Instagram documents what to do when reset emails aren’t arriving or links don’t work.
Fix 15: Secure your account after you get in
Turn on two-factor authentication. Instagram provides official steps through Accounts Center.
Fix 16: If you suspect hacking, use Instagram’s hacked-account flow
Instagram provides a “hacked” help path and recovery steps.
FAQs
Why does Instagram say “Couldn’t refresh feed” even with internet?
Common causes are unstable connectivity, outdated app builds, corrupted app cache/session, or account restrictions. Instagram’s troubleshooting highlights restart, connection checks, and updating the app.
What does “Sorry, there was a problem with your request” mean?
It’s typically a login/session issue or a temporary block. Use Instagram’s official login help and password reset paths.
How do I check if Instagram restricted my account?
Use Account Status inside Instagram.
What should I do after regaining access?
Enable 2FA using Instagram’s official steps.
Sources
- Instagram Help: Troubleshooting basics (restart, connection, general fixes). (Instagram Help Center)
- Instagram Help: Report a technical problem + update guidance. (Instagram Help Center)
- Instagram Help: “I can’t log in” + password reset. (Instagram Help Center)
- Instagram Help: Account Status + restrictions. (Instagram Help Center)
- Instagram Help: Two-factor authentication + account security. (Instagram Help Center)
- Android.com: Clear app cache steps. (Android)
- Apple Support: Manage iPhone storage and offloading apps. (Apple Support)
