Over 164 million users in the United States log into Instagram every month. But lately, hordes of them are encountering an annoying problem – the Instagram black screen.
As a social media expert who has helped dozens of clients fix this issue, I‘ve created this comprehensive troubleshooting guide.
Here, you‘ll learn:
- The top causes of Instagram black screen and how to diagnose them
- Proven step-by-step solutions to resolve it on iOS and Android
- Expert tips to prevent the black screen problem in the future
Let‘s get right into it.
Why Am I Getting a Black Screen on Instagram?
Before you can fix the issue, it‘s important to understand the root causes of the Instagram black screen of death. From my experience, here are the most common reasons and how to identify them:
1. Buggy App Update
Like any app, Instagram is regularly updated with new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
However, based on user reports, certain app updates end up introducing new bugs that didn‘t exist before.
The Instagram black screen is one such frustrating bug that has reappeared after updates in 2020, 2022, and continues to show up for users randomly.
For instance, the Android update 247.0 and iOS updates 199.1.0.25.100 and 201.1.0.15.110 in 2022 were specifically pinned by users for the black screen problem.
2. Enabled Full Keyboard Access (iOS)
Surprisingly, simply enabling Full Keyboard Access under Accessibility settings is enough to trigger black screen for many iPhone users.
This appears to be an Instagram bug on iOS devices, likely related to how the app interacts with Apple‘s keyboard APIs.
In my experience, disabling Full Keyboard Access instantly fixes the issue for affected iOS users. It’s one of the first things I advise clients to check on iPhones.
3. Instagram Server Outage
When Instagram‘s servers are down or experiencing an outage, it results in a black screen for everyone globally.
According to Downdetector.com, in 2022 alone Instagram faced over 50 major outages just in the US.
The largest one on October 31, 2022 impacted over 425,000 users. These outages are usually resolved within 1-2 hours.
4. Blocked IP Address
In some rare cases, users may see the black screen because Instagram blocked their IP address. This can happen if you violate their terms of use, use prohibited third-party apps, send spam/abuse or use automation software and proxies excessively.
Switching to a new IP address via VPN or different Wifi network typically resolves it.
5. Corrupted App Cache/Data
From my troubleshooting experience, clearing app cache and data to force a fresh re-build is one of the most effective solutions for Instagram black screen.
Corrupt cache and data files can build up over time as you use Instagram, slowing it down and eventually causing issues like black screens.
6. Outdated Instagram Version
I always advise users to keep apps updated to the latest stable versions. Outdated app installs are more prone to bugs and performance issues.
Not updating Instagram for long periods can increase likelihood of problems, including the black screen. Manual updates instantly bring you to the newest stable version.
Now that you know the likely culprits, let‘s explore step-by-step solutions to kick the black screen and get your Instagram working again.
How to Fix Instagram Black Screen on iOS and Android
Based on my social media consulting experience, here are the most effective troubleshooting tips and techniques to resolve Instagram black screen of death on both iOS and Android devices:
1. Turn Off Full Keyboard Access on iPhone
As mentioned earlier, enabling Full Keyboard Access in iOS Accessibility settings seems to trigger Instagram black screens for many users.
To disable:
- Open Settings app > Accessibility
- Select Keyboards
- Choose Full Keyboard Access
- Turn the switch OFF
This instantly resolves the issue caused by the iOS accessibility setting clash.
Be sure to force quit and relaunch Instagram after turning it off.
2. Update Instagram to the Latest Version
I always recommend users install app updates as soon as they become available.
Updating to the newest version fixes bugs, improves performance, and most importantly, prevents issues like black screens.
On iOS:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon in the top right
- Scroll down to see pending updates and tap Update next to Instagram
On Android:
- Open the Play Store
- Tap the hamburger menu > My apps & games
- Select Update next to Instagram if an update is available
If no update is shown, your app is already up-to-date.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
Based on my experience, a clean reinstallation often acts as a hard reset, fixing problems like black screen.
It clears out any corrupt cache/data files and gives you a fresh install.
On iOS:
- Press and hold the Instagram icon until the apps jiggle
- Tap the X icon on the top left to delete it
- Open the App Store, search for Instagram and tap Get to reinstall
On Android:
- Press and hold Instagram app icon
- Drag it to the Uninstall option and confirm
- Open Play Store, search for Instagram, and tap Install
Logging in to your account on the freshly installed app generally resolves any black screen issues.
4. Restart Your iPhone or Android
An easy first step is to restart your device. It clears out any glitches and memory leaks causing black screens.
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iPhone – Hold power button > Slide to power off. After 30 seconds, hold power again to restart.
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Android – Hold power button, tap Restart when prompted.
Once restarted, open Instagram and check if the issue is fixed.
5. Log Out and Log In Again
Logging out completely ends your active Instagram session. Logging back in refreshes it, potentially resolving any black screens.
- Tap your profile pic
- Tap the 3 line menu button
- Scroll down and select Log Out
- Force quit the app and relaunch it
- Log in to your account again
This refresh of your Instagram access sometimes does the trick.
6. Clear Cache and App Data
Based on my tech support insights, clearing app cache and data is one of the most effective solutions for Instagram black screen bug.
Here are the steps for both iOS and Android:
On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Instagram
- Tap on the Clear Cache button
- Exit Settings and relaunch Instagram
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram
- Tap Storage
- Tap Clear Cache followed by Clear Data buttons
- Restart the app and check for black screens
Wiping corrupt Instagram cache/data forces the app to rebuild fresh files, fixing issues.
7. Try Different Wifi or Mobile Data
As an additional troubleshooting step, use different internet connections to rule out problems with your current network.
Turn off Wifi and use cellular data, or switch to another Wifi network like a friend‘s hotspot.
This changes your IP address. If Instagram loads fine, an IP block could have been the issue. Consider using a VPN app going forward.
8. Check Instagram Server Status
Before spending time fixing your end, I always advise users to check https://downdetector.com/status/instagram/ to see if Instagram is down.
Global outages lead to widespread black screens and access issues. As per Downdetector data, Instagram faced over 50 major outages just in 2022 in the US.
You can also search "Instagram down" on Twitter to check real-time user complaints. If its down, just wait it out until Instagram resolves their servers.
9. Contact Instagram Support
If the black screen persists despite your best efforts, reach out to Instagram support directly:
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In-app – Tap Menu > Settings > Help > Contact Us to get in-app support
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Online – Visit help.instagram.com, click Need More Help and request a callback
Explain your troubleshooting steps and they can investigate issues with your account. Their technical team can review debug logs and identify any underlying problems.
Why Does My Instagram Keep Showing Black Screen?
If Instagram was working fine previously and now suddenly has the black screen, here are some potential reasons:
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Buggy app update – Problematic app updates often introduce new bugs like black screens. Update Instagram or do a clean reinstall to fix it.
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Server outage – During downtime, everyone faces black screens and login issues. Just wait for Instagram to resolve their servers.
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Blocked IP – Your Instagram access from the current mobile/Wifi IP could be blocked. Use a VPN app or different Wifi network.
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Banned account – In rare cases, accounts get banned for violations. banned accounts cannot be accessed. Try appealing if you think its an error.
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Full keyboard access (iOS) – This iPhone setting triggers black screen for some users. Simply turn off in Settings.
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Jailbroken iPhone – Modified iOS devices can face issues like black screens.
Expert Tips to Avoid Instagram Black Screens
Here are some pro tips to avoid dealing with this headache in the future:
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Stay updated – Always keep Instagram updated to avoid bugs in old versions.
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Turn off Full Keyboard Access on iPhone – This setting is known to cause conflicts.
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Clear cache regularly – Helps avoid buildup of corrupt files over time.
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Use reliable internet – Maintain a stable connection as much as possible while using Instagram.
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Don‘t use modded apps – Unauthorized mods can lead to restrictions. Stick to official Instagram.
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Follow Terms of Use – Violations can cause account and IP blocks leading to black screen.
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Use new account if blocked – If your old account was blocked, consider starting fresh.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide gives you a better grasp of what‘s causing Instagram black screen and how to resolve it quickly. Most times, it boils down to a buggy app update or incompatible device settings.
Follow the step-by-step troubleshooting instructions for your iPhone, Android or tablet. Clearing cache, updating the app, and reinstalling Instagram are highly effective solutions in my experience.
Stay vigilant about app updates, avoid risky 3rd party apps, and don‘t violate terms to prevent future issues. With these tips, you can say goodbye to annoying Instagram black screens for good!
