Wonder how to fix Instagram music not working? You've come to the right place. Great Instagram content isn't just about stunning visuals - it's about the perfect soundtrack too. Instagram Music lets you add just the right song to your stories and reels, with access to thousands of tracks from Meta's Sound Collection. Whether you're setting a mood, sharing a favorite song, or adding energy to your content, music can elevate your posts and help you connect more with your audience. That's why it's so frustrating when you encounter Instagram Music not working. Common issues include:
- Only seeing random songs or unfamiliar artists
- Being unable to search for any music, with search results showing up blank
- Music not playing or being editable when uploading a story
- Saved reel sounds not playing their previews
- …
If you've run into any of these problems, don't worry—you're not alone. Let's explore why Instagram Music might not be working and how you can fix it, so you can keep creating content with the perfect soundtrack.
Why Is Instagram Music Not Working
There are three main reasons why Instagram Music might not be working, and understanding them can help you troubleshoot the issue effectively.
1. Geographical & Account Limitations
Instagram Music isn't available in all regions, so if you're located in a country where the feature hasn't been rolled out, you may not have access to the full music library or might encounter only limited features. Additionally, the type of account you have can play a role. For instance, business accounts often face restrictions due to copyright issues, which can limit the availability of popular songs.
2. App-Related Issues
IApp-Related Issues are another common source of problems with Instagram Music. These can range from temporary glitches or bugs in the app to more persistent issues caused by outdated versions of Instagram. The app's music library is regularly updated, which can sometimes lead to temporary disruptions in service. Server problems on Instagram's end, such as maintenance or unexpected downtime, can also affect the music feature's functionality. It's worth noting that these issues often resolve themselves over time or with an app update.
3. Network and Device Issues.
IA poor or unstable internet connection can prevent music from loading properly or cause interruptions in playback. The age and model of your device can also impact your ability to use Instagram Music effectively, as older devices may not be fully compatible with the latest features of the app. Additionally, accumulated cache and data on your device can sometimes interfere with the app's proper functioning, including its music features.
How to Fix Instagram Music Not Working
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1. Check Your Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons for Instagram Music not working is an unstable or weak internet connection. Thus, before trying other fixes, make sure your device is connected to a strong and reliable network.
2. Close or Use VPN
As said, Instagram Music might not be available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions. Using or disabling a VPN can help with this issue:
- If you're using a VPN, then disabling the VPN and see if the issue resolves itself.
- If Instagram Music isn't available in your region, you can try using a reliable VPN to connect to a different region where the feature is supported.
After trying either of these options, restart the Instagram app and check if the Music feature is working again.
3. Switch Instagram Account Types
If you're encountering issues with the Instagram music feature while using a business account, it could be due to licensing restrictions. To address this, consider switching from a business account to a personal account. Personal accounts typically have fewer restrictions, which may help resolve the issue and allow you to enjoy the music feature on Instagram without error. Here's how:
Step 1. Go to your profile tab. Choose Settings and select Accoun.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap Switch to Professional/Creator Account.
Step 3. Follow the same process to switch back to a personal account.
Step 4. If you've tried everything above and you're still having issues with Instagram Music not working, you may have to wait for the problem to be resolved on Instagram's end.
4. Update Instagram App
If you're experiencing issues with Instagram music not working, one of the simplest fixes is to ensure your app is updated to the latest version. Instagram frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements, which can help resolve various problems, including music playback issues. Here's how:
For iOS users:
Step 1. Open the App Store.
Step 2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
Step 3. Scroll down to see if Instagram is listed under available updates. If it is, tap Update.
For Android users:
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select My apps & games.
Step 3. Find Instagram in the list and tap Update if it's available.
5. Clear Instagram Data and Cache
The cache can sometimes store outdated or corrupted data, which might interfere with the music feature. Thus, if you're having trouble with Instagram music not working, clearing the app cache can often help resolve this issue. Here's how:
For iOS users:
iOS doesn't have a direct cache clearing option like Android, but you can free up space by uninstalling and reinstalling the app:
Step 1. Press and hold the Instagram app icon until the menu appears.
Step 2. Tap Remove App, then confirm by selecting Delete App.
Step 3. Go to the App Store, search for Instagram, and reinstall it.
For Android users:
Step 1. Open Settings on your device.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Apps (or Applications).
Step 3. Find and select Instagram from the list.
Step 4. Tap on Storage. Select Clear Cache. (You can also choose Clear Data, but note that this will log you out and remove other app data.)
6. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Sometimes, signing out and back in can help fix the error of Instagram music not working. This simple step can refresh your settings and eliminate many temporary glitches that may cause the Instagram story music not working or other issues. Here's how:
Step 1. Open the Instagram app on your device.
Step 2. Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Step 3. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner.
Step 4. Select Settings at the bottom of the menu.
Step 5. Scroll down and tap Log Out.
Step 6. Once logged out, wait a moment, then tap Log In and enter your credentials to sign back in.
7. Reinstall Instagram
If you've tried everything above and Instagram still isn't working, uninstalling and reinstalling the app should be your next move. Occasionally, an app's files can become corrupted during an update, so a fresh install will fix most issues with an app that aren't related to connectivity.
Step 1. Open the App Store or Play Store and search for Instagram.
Step 2. Select Instagram and Uninstall under the available options.
Step 3. Confirm and then click Install to reinstall it.
Step 4. Sign back in and confirm that Instagram is working.
8. Use Another Device
Sometimes, the problem may be specific to the device you are using, and switching to a different device can help troubleshoot the issue. Log in to your Instagram account on another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and see if the music feature works correctly there.
9. Report Your Problem to the Instagram Help Center
If you're still experiencing issues with the Instagram music feature not working, reporting the problem to the Instagram Help Center can be a helpful step. This allows Instagram to be aware of the issue and may lead to a resolution. Here's how:
Step 1. Open the Instagram app on your device.
Step 2. Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Step 3. Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner. Select Settings.
Step 4. Scroll down and tap on Help. Choose Report a Problem.
Step 5. Follow the prompts to describe the issue with the music feature and submit your report.