Instagram Lagging? How to Fix Reels and Video Lag Issues on Android and iOS

"The instagram application is so damn slow at loading everything, for a few days. and yes, I have a high speed internet connection. Is anyone else having the same issue?" - Reddit user.

Is your Instagram lagging, buffering endlessly, or reels that freeze midway? You’re not alone — many users face these lagging issues, even with fast internet connections. Whether you’re scrolling through your feed or sharing stories, a laggy app can be incredibly annoying. The good news? Fixing it is easier than you think! This guide will help you troubleshoot Instagram lagging issues on both Android and iOS devices.

Part 1: Why Is Instagram Lagging?

Instagram lagging can happen for several reasons, including:

• Poor Internet Connection. Weak Wi-Fi or mobile data signals can slow down Instagram’s performance.
• Outdated App Version. Running an older version of the app may lead to bugs and performance issues.
• Insufficient Storage Space. Low device storage can impact app performance, causing delays and crashes.
• Background Apps Overload. Too many open apps can consume RAM, making Instagram run slower.
• Cache Build-up. Excess cache files stored by Instagram may lead to lags over time.
• Device Performance Issues. Older phones or devices with limited processing power might struggle to handle Instagram’s latest features.
• Server Problems. Sometimes, Instagram’s servers may face outages, causing performance issues for users.

Part 2: How to Fix Instagram Videos Lagging?

Watching Instagram videos can be annoying when they start lagging or buffering. This issue often leaves users wondering whether poor internet, an outdated app, or phone performance problems cause it. Luckily, there are simple ways to fix Instagram lagging and enjoy videos without interruptions.

Try these methods to fix Instagram video lagging:

Fix 1. Use Repairit Video Repair

When Instagram video is lagging, the problem might not always be with your internet or app but with a corrupted video file. In such cases, Repairit Video Repair is a reliable tool designed to fix damaged or unplayable videos effortlessly. It supports repairing videos affected by lagging, freezing, or playback errors without compromising quality.

One of its standout features is its ability to fix videos in various formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, and more. Additionally, Repairit supports batch processing, enabling you to fix several movies at once. It also provides an advanced repair option for severely corrupted files. With its user-friendly interface, Repairit is perfect for anyone looking to restore smooth video playback in just a few steps.

Here's how to use Repairit Video Repair:

Step 1. Add the damaged Instagram video to the repair list by clicking the +Add button in the Video Repair section.

Step 2. Once the Instagram video has been uploaded, click the Repair button to start the video restoration process.

Note: If you think the file is seriously damaged please use the Advance Repair feature to fix the Instagram video file. After a time, examine the corrected file by clicking the Preview button.

Step 3. If you are happy with how the repaired files look, click store and select a location to store them. However, do not return them to the scene of their injury.

Fix 2. Disable Data Saver Mode on Instagram

Instagram has a built-in data saver mode that prevents videos from loading in advance to save data. While this helps reduce data usage, it can also cause videos to lag on Android and iPhone.

Step 1. Open Instagram. Go to your profile and tap the menu (three horizontal lines) at the top. Select Settings and Privacy.

Step 2. Scroll down to Data Usage and Media Quality and turn off the Data Saver option.

Fix 3. Clear Instagram Cache

A full cache can slow down Instagram and cause videos to lag. Clearing the cache can help improve performance.

Step 1. Long-press the Instagram app icon and then tap App details.

Step 2. Tap Storage and cache.

Step 3. Select Clear cache to delete temporary files.

You can also check out other resources to understand what happens after clearing the cache.

Fix 4. Disable High-Quality Uploads on Instagram

Instagram allows high-quality video uploads, but these can slow down the app, especially during uploads. Turning off this feature may fix the lag.

Step 1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.

Step 2. To access Settings and Privacy, touch the menu (three lines).

Step 3. Go to Data Usage and media quality and turn off the Upload at the highest quality option.

Fix 5. Disable Data Saver Mode on Phone

If your phone’s data saver mode is active, it can limit background data, causing Instagram to lag.

On Android:

Step 1. Navigate to Network and Internet after opening Settings.

Step 2. Tap Data Saver and turn it off.

On iPhone:

Step 1. Open Settings and go to Mobile Services.

Step 2. Select your SIM card and deactivate Low Data Mode.

Fix 6. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram

Reinstalling the app can fix performance issues caused by outdated versions or bugs.

On Android:

Step 1. Tap App details after long-pressing the Instagram symbol.

Step 2. Select Uninstall and confirm.

On iPhone:

Step 1. Tap Remove App after long-pressing the Instagram symbol.

Step 2. Select Delete App.

After uninstalling, download Instagram again from the Google Play Store or App Store, log in, and check if the problem is fixed.

Related Video >>: 5 Methods to Fix No Sound on Instagram Video Issue

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Conclusion

Instagram lagging can be frustrating, but simple issues like outdated apps, cache build-up, or data saver settings often cause it. By following the steps outlined above, you can resolve these problems quickly and enjoy a smoother experience when scrolling through videos and Reels.