Instagram Reels Not Showing? Here’s How to Fix It in 2025

If Instagram Reels are not showing on your phone, you’re not alone. Many users suddenly lose access to the Reels tab, Reels stop appearing on the feed, or the Reels camera disappears completely.
The good news? This problem is usually easy to fix.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 proven solutions to get Reels working again on both Android and iPhone.

⭐ 1. Restart the Instagram App

This simple step often fixes the issue instantly.
Close the app from recent apps → reopen it → check if Reels appears.

⭐ 2. Update Instagram to the Latest Version

Old app versions may not support new features like Reels.

Steps:

• Open Play Store or App Store
• Search “Instagram”
• Tap Update

Restart the app afterward.

⭐ 3. Clear Instagram Cache (Android Only)

A corrupted cache can hide new features.

Steps:

• Settings → Apps → Instagram
• Storage → Clear Cache

This won’t delete your account.

⭐ 4. Log Out and Log Back In

This resets your account session and often brings the Reels tab back.

⭐ 5. Switch to a Professional Account

Many users immediately see Reels after switching.

How to switch:

• Instagram → Settings → Account
• Choose Switch to Professional Account
• Select “Creator” or “Business”

Re-open Instagram afterward.

⭐ 6. Check if Instagram Is Down

If Instagram’s servers are down, Reels may not load globally.
Search “Instagram down” on Google or check Downdetector.

If it’s a global issue, wait for Instagram to fix it.

⭐ 7. Disable Your VPN

VPNs can block some Instagram features including Reels.
Turn off your VPN → restart the app → check again.

⭐ 8. Reinstall Instagram

If nothing works, uninstalling and reinstalling fixes 90% of issues.

This refreshes all files and removes app glitches.

⭐ 9. Check Your Internet Connection

Reels won’t load if your network is slow or unstable.

Try:

• Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
• Restarting your router
• Turning Airplane mode ON then OFF

⭐ 10. Update Your Phone Software

Outdated phone software can cause compatibility issues.

Install the latest Android/iOS update and reopen Instagram.

⭐ 11. Enable All Required Permissions

Instagram needs access to camera, storage, and network.

Make sure these permissions are ON:

• Camera
• Microphone
• Storage/Photos
• Notifications

⭐ 12. Join the Instagram Beta Program (Android)

Sometimes Reels is released to beta users first.

Steps:

• Open Play Store
• Search “Instagram”
• Scroll → Tap Join Beta
• Update Instagram

Reopen the app.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Most of the time, Reels disappear due to outdated app versions, cache issues, or account glitches.
By following the steps above, you should be able to fix the Instagram Reels not showing issue within minutes.

If your Reels still don’t appear, wait for 24 hours — Instagram may be rolling out features gradually in your region.