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How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Playing or Showing

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Instagram reels are a way to share valuable content with your followers. However, the same platform does not initiate the short video-making concept on its end. As they first analyzed the TikTok theme and design, they further moved on to introduce a short video-making feature called Reels. Although TikTok promotes the short video culture.

But theĀ InstagramĀ reels have added various exciting features that make reels somewhere on top of TikTok. Unfortunately, as with every program, Instagram reels also have some glitches and errors, due to which the creators are disappointed. For that purpose, we analyzed the whole matter and prepared an article that shares your Instagram reels that are not playing or showing.

What are Instagram reels and how did they originate?

In the Introductory Paragraph, we state that TikTok is the founder theme of the short video-making ideology, where users can make short videos along with various exciting effects. But you know that TikTok is banned in most countries. As a result, most TikTok users have shifted towards Instagram reels.

Moreover, this reel feature was working decently from the initial stage, but various Instagram users and creators saw a Deadpool for them. When they tried to make any reels, they did not find any reel icons on Instagram. Following this, almost all the users (Android and iOS both) are disappointed and looking for ways to fix this glitch. On that note, we have analyzed and mentioned some fixes below:

Note: It does not matter if you are facing this error on an Android device or an iOS device. The below-given fixes are universally applicable to both of these genres.

Try logging out and re-logging in

If you are facing that, the reel option is not showing on Instagram. That means there is surely some glitch that does not permit the reel feature to be seen. For that purpose, you can try to get a fresh start on your Instagram account. Meanwhile, try logging out and then logging back into your account. It can probably help you stay far away from this glitch. However, if you don’t know where to log out, then take reference to the below steps.

  1. Simply tap on your profile icon, which appears in the bottom corner.
  2. Next, tap on the hamburger menu.
  3. Now, tap on Settings.
  4. Under Settings, scroll down and tap on Logout.
  5. Afterward, log in with your credentials.
  6. That’s it.

Clear Instagram’s cache files.

It is the most common reason that becomes a hindrance to any app running properly. And, here, if Instagram is not showing the real option, that means there would be some internal distraction for the app. In that case, you need to clear out the cache files for the Instagram app. However, if you don’t know about it, then follow the below steps.

  1. Firstly, navigate to your device settings.
  2. Scroll down and locate Application Management.
  3. Then, tap on Application Management.
  4. Now locate the Instagram app and tap on it.
  5. Afterward, tap on the Clear Cache option.
  6. That’s it.

Uninstall and reinstall Instagram.

Sometimes, when your Instagram app is installed on your device, some corrupted files are also included with that installation. As a result, whenever you use that app, it shows some glitches, like the here is a reel feature not showing. So, in that case, we recommend you uninstall that existing Instagram app and reinstall it on your device. If you don’t know about this recommendation, then follow the below-given steps.

  1. Simply head to your device settings.
  2. Scroll down to Apps & Notifications.
  3. Next, locate and choose Instagram.
  4. Then, tap the Uninstall button.
  5. Open the Google Play Store.
  6. Now, search for Instagram.
  7. Next, tap on the Install button.
  8. That’s it.

Update your Instagram app.

If your Instagram app is not updated to its latest version, then, it might be possible that you could not take complete advantage of the Instagram app. Also, it indicates that the reel option not showing could be the cause of an outdated Instagram app. In that case, we recommend you update your Instagram app. If you don’t know where to update, then check out the below steps.

  1. Firstly, navigate to the Google Play Store.
  2. Then search for the Instagram app.
  3. Next, tap on the Update option.
  4. As a result, it started updating to the latest version.
  5. That’s it.

Update your device’s software.

The foremost program responsible for real features not working is outdated system software. As your device is running outdated software, you will benefit from all its functionality. Following this, it is possible that your Instagram app will not coordinate with your device’s processing, and Instagram Reels will not work. So, in that case, we recommend you update your device software to the latest version. Also, you can take the help of the below-mentioned steps.

  1. Firstly, navigate to your device settings.
  2. Scroll down to System Update.
  3. Then, tap on Check for Updates.
  4. As a result, it automatically searches for new updates and asks you to download them (if any are found).
  5. Now, allow permission to download.
  6. Following this, you will automatically download and install the new update.
  7. That’s it.

Report to the Instagram Support Page

After applying the above-given fixes, if you are still getting the same error, that means there is some serious problem. So, in that case, you have only the option to report on the Instagram Support Page. However, if you don’t know where and how to report, then follow the below-given steps.

  1. Firstly, log into your Instagram app.
  2. Then, tap on your profile icon, which will appear at the bottom.
  3. Now, tap on the hamburger menu.
  4. Next, scroll down and tap on Settings.
  5. Under the Settings tab, tap on the Help option.
  6. Afterward, tap on the Report a problem prompt.
  7. Now, enter your specific problem.
  8. Then, tap on the Submit option.
  9. That’s it.

After reporting to the Instagram help page, you need to wait for an official response, which is normally replied to within 3 to 5 business days. But it was confirmed that after reporting to this page, you will surely get solutions to your certain problems with Instagram.

Conclusively, these are the most proven fixes that were found to be working for the real non-working error. However, if none of them work, then reporting for help will surely fix your certain issue. However if any user has any doubts about the given fixes, you can easily ask them in the below-given section.