9 Ways to Fix Instagram Black Screen Or Not Loading

Liam Miller
Sep 28, 2025 / Updated by Liam Miller to Solution

The Instagram black screen problem has been reported by users widely in many scenarios.

  • • The Instagram login screen turns black.
  • • It turns black while watching reels or stories.
  • • During live streaming or IGTV playback.
  • • After the app update or phone OS update.
  • • …

If your Instagram app has been stuck on a black screen with a spinning circle for hours, you can try the following solutions to get it back to working normally.

Why Is My Instagram Showing Black Screen

Here are common reasons for the Instagram blackout issues.

  • • The Instagram app has bugs or corrupted caches.
  • • You haven't updated the Instagram app for a long time. The outdated app version does not sync with the latest features.
  • • Your iPhone or Android runs out of storage space.
  • • Dark mode glitches on some devices.
  • • Unstable Internet connection.
  • • Low RAM issues.
Note

Screen record or screenshot Instagram DMs or messages with a black screen. It is a privacy feature to protect sensitive content, not a bug.

9 Ways to Fix Instagram Black Screen Issues

Try the following ways to fix a black screen on Instagram Story, Reels, and more videos.

1. Restart or Reinstall the Instagram App

Force close the Instagram app and then open it again. If the IG black screen problem still exists, you can uninstall it, re-download the latest version, and then install it.

2. Restart Your Phone

To reboot the iPhone, you can press and hold the "Side" and "Volume Up" buttons. Release the two buttons when the power-off slide shows. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. Later, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo shows.

To restart Android, hold and press the "Power" button. Your phone screen will go black, and then it will restart. However, you need to hold and press the "Volume" and "Power" buttons to force restart some Android devices. Check if the video black screen issue still shows in the Instagram app.

3. Clear Instagram Cache and Data

Clearing temporary cache files can speed up apps. Follow these steps here to clear the cache for Instagram on Android.

  • 1.Open the "Settings" app. Tap the "Apps" settings.
  • 2.Tap on the "Instagram" button from the app list.
  • 3.Tap the "Storage" button under "App info".
  • 4.Now tap the "Clear Cache" button.

As for iPhone users, you need to remove and reinstall the app from the App Store to fix IG black loading screens.

4. Update Instagram

Outdated apps can lead to black screens, crashes, and many other problems. You can open the Google Play Store and App Store to check for new updates for Instagram.

5. Switch to Other Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection

The Instagram live black screen can be caused by a poor Internet connection. You can open YouTube or other video apps to have a test. If yes, you can use other Internet connection methods.

6. Log out and then Log Back in

After logging in, you can close the app first if you encounter an Instagram black screen, you can close the app first. Later, clear the app cache and re-login to the Instagram app.

7. Free Up Storage Space on Your Phone

You can delete large videos, old files, and unused apps. Moreover, you can transfer photos to an external hard drive or a computer for backup. Later, you can delete photos to clear your phone's storage.

8. Turn Off Power Saving Mode

Open the Settings app. iPhone users can tap the "Battery" button and turn off the "Low Power Mode". Android users can tap the "Device Care" or "Battery" button to disable the "Power Saving Mode" or "Battery Saver". Moreover, you can toggle on the "Unrestricted" option in the "Manage battery usage" section. Later, reopen app to check the Instagram video black screen issue.

Turn Off Low Power Mode

9. Disable the Dark Mode

Open the "Settings" app. Tap the "Display & Brightness" (on iPhone) or "Display" (on Android) button. You can select "Light" and toggle off the Dark Theme mode manually.

Turn Off Dark Mode iPhone

Record Instagram Videos for Offline Watching

After solving Instagram black screen on iPhone and Android, you can use AnyRec Screen Recorder to record important Instagram videos for backup. Even though the publisher deleted the video, you can still watch it on your end. Just use it as your 100% working downloader.

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Trim, convert, compress, and merge video recordings.

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  • 1. Open AnyRec Screen Recorder. Set the screen capture area as custom region, full screen, or current browser window.
  • Video Recorder
  • 2. Toggle on the "System Sound" button. Click the "REC" button to record Instagram video with audio.
  • Start Recording Video
  • 3. Click the "Stop" button to finish it. You can preview, edit, and download Instagram videos within this program.
  • Save Video Recording

Conclusion

The Instagram black loading screen problem is annoying. But you can use the above quick fixes to restart, reopen, reinstall, re-login, and adjust device settings to fix Instagram shows black screen. And if you want to download Instagram reels and stories in case of other not working or loading issues, you can use AnyRec Screen Recorder. Free download the program and save your favorite clips now!

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