In 2025, Instagram is ranked among the most powerful platforms, where billions of users can be connected every day on Instagram and its Reels, Stories, and new AI-based tools. Nevertheless, one of the problems that irritates many users worldwide is that Instagram crashes frequently.
However, when you are scrolling your feed, posting a video or even checking messages, the unpredictable crash of the app is annoying. And so, in case this issue rings a bell with you, you are not alone. This handbook describes all potential causes of Instagram crashes and suggests the most efficient solutions in accordance with the new 2025 updates and device trends.
Common Reasons Why Instagram Keeps Crashing on Android and iPhone
Instagram has been developing very fast, and with the frequent updates, unexpected bugs appear. An outdated version, which cannot be synced with the operating system of your phone, is one of the most frequent causes of apps. With the update of your OS (iOS 18 or Android 15) on your device, older Instagram versions can become unstable.
The other typical reason is the overload of the cache. As time goes by, Instagram caches videos, images, and preferences. At that point, when that cache has grown too large, it starts to slow down the app and cause lag and crashing.
Another severe reason is low storage space. Instagram might not have a smooth run, especially when loading the new Reels or AI filters, and so it will not operate effectively unless your device has a minimum internal memory of 1 GB of free space. Background processes like VPNs or screen recorders might cause interference with the performance of apps as well.
At other times, Instagram servers can be hit by a temporary outage. In 2025, the worldwide launch of AI on Instagram led to repeated crashes for users in a number of areas because of the traffic. So, the problem does not necessarily lie with your phone; sometimes Instagram has technical issues.
Fix 1: Update Instagram to the Latest 2025 Version
An outdated version of Instagram is the leading cause of crashes in 2025. With new updates rolling out every few weeks, older versions often lose compatibility. These versions might not align with new server protocols or AI functions, leading to unexpected shutdowns.
To fix this, open the Play Store or App Store, search for Instagram, and check if an update is available. Install it immediately. Make sure automatic updates are turned on to prevent future issues.
Developers often release performance patches to solve existing bugs. In early 2025, one update reduced app crashes by almost 60% for Android users. By keeping your app up to date, you are not only preventing crashes but also improving security and loading speeds.
Fix 2: Clear Cache and Free Up Storage Space for Smoother Performance
Cache plays a major role in how fast Instagram loads images and videos. However, when cache files exceed 500 MB, they can cause serious lag and frequent app closures. The simplest solution is to clear the cache regularly.
For Android users, open Settings, go to Apps, select Instagram, and tap “Clear Cache.” For iPhone users, you can offload the app from Settings, which removes temporary data but keeps personal files intact.
Also, check your device’s storage space. Delete unused apps, videos, and downloads. Instagram needs at least 2 GB of free space to function properly. Studies in 2025 show that freeing up storage can improve app responsiveness by up to 80%. If you often edit Reels or use AI filters, extra space is crucial for smooth operation.
Fix 3: Reinstall Instagram or Reset App Preferences (Proven 2025 Solution)
If crashes persist, a clean reinstall is often the most effective fix. Sometimes, hidden corrupted files remain even after updates. Uninstall Instagram completely and then reinstall it from the official store. This clears any leftover bugs or code conflicts.
Another option is resetting app preferences. Go to Settings, then Apps, and choose “Reset App Preferences.” This will restore all app settings to default without deleting your data. It helps remove restrictions that might be interfering with Instagram’s normal functioning.
Many users in 2025 reported that reinstalling Instagram eliminated crash issues caused by third-party apps, such as editing tools or battery savers. Always download Instagram only from verified sources to ensure your app copy is safe and authentic.
Advanced Fix: Check Device Compatibility, Background Processes, and Instagram Server Status
The new 2025 capabilities of Instagram, like AI Reels suggestions, 3D story filters, place greater stress on processing power. Phones with available RAM of less than 4 GB can be inefficient in updating these applications, and as a result, the apps will be closed automatically.
The solution to this can be to close all the background applications before utilizing Instagram. Reboot your phone on a daily basis. Never run battery optimization apps that limit the background data in the Instagram application — it may result in the application crashing during uploading and streaming.
In addition, verify whether Instagram is experiencing a downturn. Real-time reports are displayed on websites such as Downdetector or official Meta status pages.
Hospitality outages in several Instagram servers in 2025 were associated with AI model testing and content moderation upgrades. The issue can be solved automatically by waiting a few hours during the downtime.
If none of these steps work, try logging in from another device. If the app runs smoothly there, your primary phone likely needs a system update or factory reset.
How Instagram’s New 2025 Features Are Affecting App Stability
Instagram has introduced multiple AI-powered tools in 2025, including Smart Hashtag Suggestions, Auto Story Enhancements, and Reels Remix 2.0. These features rely heavily on machine learning and consume more system resources.
Older devices, particularly mid-range phones released before 2022, sometimes cannot handle these complex background processes, resulting in lags and crashes. Additionally, the integration of AR filters and 4K Reels has increased GPU load.
If you are using an older device, switch to the Lite version of Instagram. It consumes 40% less data and runs efficiently without compromising essential functions. Meta is also planning a performance optimization update in late 2025 that will make these features smoother for all users.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is a strong application, yet, like other technologies, it requires regular maintenance to work to its full effect. The positive thing is that it is possible to find solutions to most of the crash problems without professional assistance.
The easiest and most efficient habits are making sure that you have an updated version of your app, clearing your cache every week, and freeing up space.
In case you are experiencing crashes, update your system and/or reset your device after a data backup. Also, be patient when Instagram servers are not working; sometimes, it is their fault.
Instagram is expected to keep developing in 2025 with the use of AI and AR. Such developments present it with a formidable challenge of being among the most vibrant social platforms in the world and also pose new performance challenges.
With the above fixes, you can now have a smooth, crash-free Instagram experience, as you can now scroll, post, and connect without disturbances.
FAQs
1. Why does my app keep closing every time I open it?
When an app like Instagram keeps closing every time you open it, it usually means the app is facing a system conflict or memory overload. In 2025, apps have become heavier due to advanced AI features, so even a small glitch in your phone’s operating system or outdated app files can trigger repeated crashes.
The most common cause is corrupted cache data or an outdated version of the app. When old cache files conflict with the app’s latest version, it creates instability, forcing the app to shut down. Another possible reason is insufficient storage or RAM. Instagram and similar apps require a minimum of 2 GB of free space and around 500 MB of active RAM to run properly.
2. What’s wrong with Instagram right now?
If Instagram is crashing, freezing, or not loading properly, it may not always be your device’s fault — sometimes the issue is on Instagram’s side. In 2025, Instagram introduced several new features like AI-powered Reels recommendations, advanced filters, and 4K video uploads, which have increased server activity worldwide.
When Instagram’s servers are under heavy load or undergoing maintenance, users experience app crashes, failed uploads, or login errors. These server issues are often temporary and usually resolve within a few hours. You can confirm if there’s an outage by checking platforms like Downdetector or Meta’s official status page, where users report live issues.
3. How to stop an Instagram glitch?
Stopping an Instagram glitch depends on the type of error you’re facing, but outdated data, connection issues, or corrupted files cause most glitches. To fix them, start with these simple steps:
- Update Instagram: Go to your app store and check for updates. Each new version includes bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Clear Cache: In Android, open Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. For iPhone, offload the app from Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Check Internet Connection: Glitches often appear due to unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data. Switch to a different network or restart your router.
- Restart Your Device: Restarting clears background processes and refreshes system memory.
- Reinstall Instagram: If the glitch continues, uninstall Instagram and reinstall it to remove any damaged files.
4. Why does Instagram freeze all the time?
Instagram freezing constantly is often a sign of performance overload or poor optimization between your device and the app. This can happen if your phone’s hardware struggles to handle the latest features, especially new AI tools and 4K video playback added in 2025.
When Instagram loads multiple high-resolution videos, filters, and animations, it demands more from your phone’s CPU and GPU. If your phone is running many background apps or has limited RAM, Instagram may freeze or lag. Clearing memory and closing unused apps can help free resources.
Another major cause is an overloaded cache and temporary files. When these files exceed a certain limit, they slow down Instagram’s processing speed. Regularly clearing the cache and freeing storage (keeping at least 10% of your phone’s memory free) helps avoid freezing.