Instagram app stuck on loading splash screen? Try this potential fix

It seems some Instagram users are facing a puzzling issue when trying to access the app. Over the last day, Android users have taken to Reddit and X amongst other forums with reports of Instagram refusing to load past its startup logo.

I tried to chase down the problem on three devices of my own: a Pixel 8, a Pixel 7a, and an Infinix GT 20 Pro, all running the latest Instagram build. No luck. None of them froze on launch. That tells me this glitch is hitting only some Android setups, not all. If you’re caught in the loop, here’s a simple step that’s working for a surprising number of people: clear your app data.

Before you sigh and groan, know this isn’t the same as clearing cache. Wiping data will log you out and reset the app to its out-of-the-box state. You will need to sign in again and any locally saved drafts will be gone. Back up anything important before you start.

Here’s what you do: open your phone’s Settings app. Find Apps or App Management. Scroll down to Instagram and tap it. Go into Storage or Storage & Cache. Tap Clear Data, then confirm. When you reopen Instagram, you’ll see the login screen. Sign back in and, in most cases, the splash screen should vanish for good.

This simple workaround gave some folks back full access after hours-long waits. Another user, 1Aimless_Arrow, suggested restarting first, but most reports say cache clearing or reboots alone don’t cut it.

Meta hasn’t issued an official fix yet. Reports hint at a server-side slip or a bad update rolling out unevenly. Clearing data gives you a quick workaround while Instagram figures out a proper patch. It’s not ideal, but it beats staring at that static splash screen. Give it a go and you should be back to scrolling in no time.