Are you getting a “We couldn’t connect to Instagram” error?
Here’s the second part of the error message, “Make sure you’re connected to the internet and try again”.
If you are, you won’t be able to log in to Instagram.
The connection error typically happens on Instagram PC.
In some cases, it can occur on the Instagram app.
In this guide, you’ll learn why can’t you connect to Instagram and how to fix “We couldn’t connect to Instagram”.
Why can’t I connect to Instagram?
You can’t connect to Instagram either because it’s down or your internet connection is weak.
The error message typically happens on Instagram PC.
It’s usually a temporary error that will eventually go away by itself.
The trend data for it implies that it happens once in a while.
The most prominent spike was in December 2015 when Instagram users were experiencing a login issue.
It also happened multiple times in the following years.
Even though your internet connection is fine, you might not be able to log in to Instagram.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are a few methods that you can try to fix the connection error.
How to fix “We couldn’t connect to Instagram”
To fix “We couldn’t connect to Instagram”, you need to connect to a free VPN.
You can also try using a different internet connection or wait it out.
The error message can mean that your IP address has been temporarily blocked by Instagram.
The temporary ban can be caused by a mistake.
If that’s the case, you need to connect to a VPN to lift the block.
If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network.
You can also switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and vice-versa if you’re using a mobile device.
However, if Instagram is down, there’s nothing you can do to fix the connection error except wait it out.
1. Use a VPN
The first method is to connect to a VPN on Chrome.
To begin with, open Chrome and navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
Once you’re there, search for “Touch VPN” and click on “Add to Chrome”.
Touch VPN is a one-click-to-connect VPN with unlimited bandwidth.
You can surf the web anonymously, securely, and freely.
You can connect to multiple servers including Sweden, United Kingdom, Denmark, and more.
After you’ve added Touch VPN to Chrome, pin the extension, click on it, and click on “Connect”.
You’ll then be automatically connected to the best VPN.
By connecting to a VPN, your IP address will be masked, which can fix the “We couldn’t connect to Instagram” error.
Now, close the Instagram website, re-open it, and try logging into your Instagram account again.
This time, you shouldn’t get a connection error.
2. Use a different internet connection
In some cases, your IP address may be blocked by Instagram.
Instead of connecting to a VPN, you can try using a different internet connection.
If you’re using a PC and you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you need to try to connect to another Wi-Fi network.
On the other hand, if you’re using a mobile device, you can try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data and vice-versa.
If you’re using a new iPhone, swipe down from the right corner of your screen and tap on the Wi-Fi icon to enable or disable it.
Make sure to force close the Instagram app before you try logging in to your account again.
By doing this, the IP address block will be lifted and you should be able to connect to Instagram.
3. If Instagram is down, wait it out
A common reason for the “We couldn’t connect to Instagram” error message is that Instagram is down.
If that’s the case, you need to wait for some time before trying to log in.
There are a few ways to check if Instagram is down.
The first way is to go to https://downdetector.com/status/instagram/.
Once you’re there, you need to check if there’s a spike in the graph.
If there is, Instagram is most likely down and you have to wait for it to be back up.
Check the graph again after some time to see if the spike has died down.
If it did, you can try logging into your account again.
Another way to check if Instagram is down is to go to Twitter and search for “Instagram down”.
If there are a lot of tweets about it, it means that Instagram is most likely down.
When Instagram is down, it can take a few hours for the engineering team to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Connection issues on Instagram are not surprising.
This is because Instagram has been down multiple times throughout the years.
If you’re experiencing a connection issue on Instagram, it might not be caused by your end.
Instead, it might be caused by Instagram’s end.
If you’re using a mobile device, make sure that you have the latest version of the app.
According to Instagram’s Help Center, you should try restarting your mobile device, checking your internet connection, and uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram.
You can report a bug on the app by navigating to your profile > Menu > Settings > Help > Report a problem (that is, if you’re able to log into the app).
