10 Fixes for Instagram Black Screen on Android and iPhone

In the age of social media apps, Instagram is a name we’re all familiar with. However, like any other app, Instagram also has its fair share of ups and downs. So, don’t be alarmed if you open Instagram and suddenly find a black screen instead. We’ve got your back. Here’re 10 ways to help you fix the Instagram black screen issue on your Android and iPhone.

The Instagram black screen issue might happen for the entire app or different app features. You can get a black screen when using Instagram Live or accessing your DMs. This could be due to a temporary app glitch or a corrupt app cache. Here’s how to fix this.

1. Check if Instagram Is Down

Before we begin troubleshooting, it might be worth checking if the Instagram app is working as expected. App downtime can often cause problems and can also be one of the reasons why Instagram goes black when using the app.

To do this, head over to Downdetector’s Instagram status page and check for any reported outages. If not, move on to the fixes.

2. Disable Dark Mode

While enabling Dark Mode on Instagram can help you reduce the strain on your eyes, there have been times when it has caused the Instagram app to black out completely. In this case, you can disable Dark Mode on your Instagram Android and iOS app. Here’s how.

On Android

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon.

Step 2: Here, tap on the hamburger icon.

Step 3: Tap on ‘Settings and privacy’.

Step 4: Then, scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

Step 5: From the options, tap on Dark mode.

Step 6: Select Off.

This will turn off Dark Mode only for your Instagram Android app.

On iPhone

Note: Since the Instagram iOS app does not have native options for turning on Dark Mode, you must use your device’s Settings menu.

Step 1: Open your iPhone’s Settings.

Step 2: Now, scroll down and tap on ‘Display & Brightness’.

Step 3: Ensure the Light option is selected.

This will turn on Light Mode for all your apps, including Instagram. Now, open the Instagram iOS app and check if the issue has been resolved.

3. Disable Full Keyboard Access on iPhone

Using an external keyboard to control and use your iPhone allows you to use general keyboard shortcuts on your iOS device. And while it is a good Accessibility setting, it might also cause issues with certain applications, like Instagram. To fix this, you can disable Full Keyboard Access from your iPhone’s Settings menu.

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Accessibility.

Step 2: Here, tap on Keyboards.

Step 3: Tap on ‘Full Keyboard Access’.

Step 4: Ensure the ‘Full Keyboard Access’ toggle is turned off.

Now, open Instagram again and check if you’re still getting a black screen. This should probably fix the issue for you.

4. Force Close and Restart Instagram

Apps might suffer from temporary glitches or bugs if you have several background apps open, you’re often switching between apps, you have just updated the app, etc.

To resolve these issues, you can close the app from running in the background. Then, restart all app functions by opening it again. Follow the below steps to do it.

On Android

Step 1: Either tap on the Recent icon or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: Once the background apps appear, hold and clear the Instagram app by swiping it up.

On iPhone

Step 1: Depending on your device, either double-press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold.

Step 2: Now, swipe up on the Instagram app and clear it from your screen.

Now, open the Instagram app again. If you’re still getting a black screen on Instagram Live or on your Feed in general, move on to the next fix.

5. Check Your Internet Connection

An unstable or weak internet connection can be one of the prime reasons why your Instagram app is not working properly. To check whether this is the case, run a speed test to ascertain your internet speed.

If the results are subpar, consider switching to a Wi-Fi connection if you haven’t already. Or, if available, turn on 5G and see if the Instagram app is working as expected.

6. Unrestrict Instagram on Android

If your Instagram Android app has been set to a battery profile that prioritizes battery saving, it might end up restricting app functions. This, in turn, might lead to the Instagram app showing a black screen.

To ensure this does not happen, open the Settings menu on your Android device and unrestrict the Instagram app’s profile. Here’s how.

Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Apps.

Step 2: Now, scroll down and tap on Instagram.

Step 3: Tap on Battery.

Step 4: Here, select Unrestricted.

This will ensure your Android device no longer restricts the Instagram app’s functions.

7. Turn off Low Power Mode for iPhone

Similar to Android, iPhone also has Low Power Mode, which might end up restricting certain features of the Instagram iOS app. To ensure this is not the case, open the Settings menu and turn off Low Power Mode. Follow the below steps to do it.

Note: This will turn off Low Power Mode systemwide for your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2: Here, tap on Battery.

Step 3: Now, turn off the Low Power Mode toggle.

Once done, restart the Instagram app and see if it works properly. If certain content is still blacked out, move on to the next troubleshooting method.

8. Clear Instagram Cache on Android

Just like every other app, Instagram also uses the app’s cache to ensure quick and smooth functions. However, this can end up backfiring if this cache gets too big or corrupted. This is also one of the reasons why it is recommended to clear app caches from time to time.

While you can clear the app cache on your Android device using the Settings menu, you might have to get creative when using an iPhone.

For more details, check our detailed guide on how to clear the cache on Instagram.

9. Reinstall Instagram

If you’ve gone through all the above fixes and still face issues like Instagram going completely black or black screen on Instagram Live or Feed, uninstalling and reinstalling the Instagram app might do the trick. This way, all your old app data and settings will be deleted, and, in its stead, a fresh copy of the app will be installed. Follow the below steps to do it.

On Android

Step 1: Long-press on the Instagram app icon to get menu options.

Step 2: Tap on Uninstall.

Step 3: Here, select OK to confirm.

Step 4: Once uninstalled, go to Google Play Store to reinstall the app.

Download Instagram on Android

Now, sign in again and check if Instagram is working as expected.

On iPhone

Step 1: Long-press on the Instagram app.

Step 2: Here, tap on Delete App.

Step 3: Finally, select Delete to confirm. Now, wait for the app to uninstall.

Step 4: Then, go to App Store and reinstall the Instagram iOS app.

Download Instagram on iPhone

Open the app again, finish the sign-in process, and check if the black screen issue on Instagram persists.

10. Contact Instagram Support

Instagram also has a support section where users can report their issues, send suggestions, report other users, etc. This can be particularly helpful if you’re still unable to figure out why your Instagram is still black. To do this, you can either shake your phone or use Instagram’s Settings to report the issue.

For more details, check our explainer on how to contact Instagram support.

Bonus: Switch to Instagram Alternatives

Till the time you’re unable to use your Instagram Android or iOS app, you can always use some other ways to get access to your account. To do this, either open Instagram on any web browser or use the Instagram Lite app on your Android device.

Open Instagram on Web Browser

Get Instagram Lite for Android

FAQs for Fixing Black Screen on Instagram

Get Your Instagram Working Again

We hope this article helped you fix the Instagram black screen issue on your Android or iOS device. Additionally, if you have been facing issues using Dark Mode on Instagram, you can also check our guide on fixing Instagram’s Dark Mode not working.