Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to share their photos and videos with friends and followers. However, one common issue that many Instagram users face is the lack of notifications. Not receiving notifications can be frustrating, as it means you may miss out on important updates, likes, comments, and messages.
In this article, we will explore various methods to fix the Instagram notification not working problem. We will provide step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to ensure that you can receive notifications on your device. Whether you are using an iPhone or an Android phone, these solutions will help you resolve the issue and stay connected with your Instagram community. So, let’s dive in and get your notifications back on track!
Allow Instagram Notifications on Your Device
The first step in fixing the Instagram notification not working problem is to ensure that you have allowed notifications for the Instagram app on your device. This will enable your device to receive and display notifications from Instagram.
For iPhone Users:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Notifications.
- Locate and tap on Instagram in the list of apps.
- Toggle the switch next to Allow Notifications to the on position. The switch will turn green when notifications are enabled.
For Android Users:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on Apps & notifications.
- Find and tap on Instagram in the list of apps.
- Tap on Notifications and toggle the switch next to All Instagram Notifications to the on position. The switch will turn blue and white when notifications are enabled.
By allowing Instagram notifications on your device, you are granting permission for the app to send you notifications when you receive likes, comments, messages, or any other activity on the platform.
Turn On Notifications from the Instagram App
In addition to enabling notifications on your device, you also need to ensure that notifications are turned on within the Instagram app itself. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Instagram app on your device.
- Tap on your profile icon located at the bottom-right of the screen.
- Tap on the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top-right of the screen.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Tap on Notifications.
Within the Notifications settings, you can customize your notification preferences for various types of activities on Instagram. You can choose to receive notifications for posts, stories, comments, likes, and more. Make sure that the relevant notification types are enabled according to your preferences.
Clear Instagram Cache
If you’re still not receiving notifications on Instagram, clearing the app cache may help resolve the issue. The cache is temporary data stored by the app, and clearing it can often fix various app-related problems. Here’s how you can clear the Instagram cache on your device:
For iPhone Users:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll down and select iPhone Storage.
- Locate and tap on Instagram.
- Tap on Offload App to remove the app while keeping its documents and data intact.
Clearing the cache on iPhone will automatically log you out of the Instagram app. You will need to log back in to use the app and receive notifications again.
For Android Users:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Find and tap on Instagram in the list of apps.
- Tap on Storage.
- Select Clear Cache to remove all unnecessary files stored by the app.
Clearing the cache on Android will not log you out of the Instagram app, and you will still be able to use it without needing to log in again.
Check Do Not Disturb or Low Power Mode
Another possible reason for not receiving Instagram notifications is the activation of Do Not Disturb or Low Power Mode on your device. These modes can temporarily disable push notifications, including those from Instagram. Here’s how you can check and disable these modes:
For iPhone Users:
Do Not Disturb Mode:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Do Not Disturb.
- Make sure Do Not Disturb is turned off. If it’s enabled, toggle the switch to the off position.
Low Power Mode:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Battery.
- If Low Power Mode is enabled, turn it off by tapping the switch.
For Android Users:
Do Not Disturb Mode:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel.
- Tap on the Do Not Disturb icon to disable it. The icon may vary depending on your device and Android version.
Low Power Mode:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on Battery or Battery & performance.
- If Low Power Mode is enabled, toggle the switch to turn it off.
Disabling Do Not Disturb or Low Power Mode will allow your device to receive notifications from Instagram and other apps normally.
Check Your Network Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for receiving notifications on Instagram. If your network connection is weak or unstable, it may prevent notifications from being delivered to your device. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure a stable network connection:
- Connect to a reliable and secure Wi-Fi network. Check if other apps and websites are working properly.
- If you’re using mobile data, ensure that you have a strong cellular signal and sufficient data coverage.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router or mobile data connection to refresh the network connection.
- Try loading a webpage or refreshing the Instagram feed to verify if your internet connection is functioning properly.
By ensuring a stable network connection, you can increase the chances of receiving Instagram notifications without any interruptions.
Update or Reinstall the Latest Instagram Version
Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can sometimes lead to notification issues. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and introduce new features. To ensure that you’re using the latest version of Instagram, follow these steps:
For iPhone Users:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile icon at the top-right of the screen.
- Scroll down to the Available Updates section.
- If an update for Instagram is available, tap on the Update button next to it.
For Android Users:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top-left of the screen.
- Select My apps & games from the menu.
- If an update for Instagram is listed under the Updates tab, tap on the Update button next to it.
Updating the Instagram app to the latest version can resolve any compatibility issues and ensure that you receive notifications as intended.
If updating the app doesn’t solve the notification problem, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram on your device. This process can help clear any underlying issues that may be causing the notification problem. Remember to log back in after reinstalling the app to regain access to your Instagram account.
Update Your Device’s Operating System
An outdated operating system on your device can sometimes interfere with app functionality, including push notifications. It’s important to keep your device’s operating system up to date to ensure optimal performance. Here’s how you can update your device’s operating system:
For iPhone Users:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap on Download and Install.
For Android Users:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on Software update or System.
- Select Download and install or Check for updates.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Updating your device’s operating system can provide bug fixes and security enhancements that may help resolve any notification issues on Instagram.
Restart Your Device
If none of the previous solutions have worked so far, restarting your device can often fix minor glitches and refresh the system. Here’s how you can restart your device:
- Press and hold the Power button on your device.
- Depending on your device, you may need to swipe or tap on Restart or Power off.
- After your device has turned off completely, press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.
Restarting your device can help clear temporary files and processes that may be interfering with the proper functioning of Instagram notifications.
Conclusion
Lack of Instagram notifications can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and start receiving notifications again. In this article, we have provided various methods to fix the Instagram notification not working problem. By allowing Instagram notifications on your device, turning on notifications in the app, clearing the app cache, checking for Do Not Disturb or Low Power mode, ensuring a stable network connection, updating the Instagram app and your device’s operating system, and restarting your device, you can increase the chances of receiving notifications seamlessly.
Remember to regularly update your apps and device to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. By following these steps, you can stay connected with your Instagram community and never miss out on important updates, likes, comments, or messages. So, try these solutions and get your Instagram notifications back on track!
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
