Have you noticed that, for some reason, you have stopped getting Instagram notifications? Perhaps you follow a series from your favorite influencers or celebrities, and you always rely on your Instagram notifications to alert you when a new post drops. But for some reason, you haven’t been seeing the notifications and you’ve missed the live events.
And now, you have to go and watch it as a playback like other common folks. Ugh!
Well, I am pleased to tell you that I have a solution to your problem. Several solutions, in fact. Let’s dive right in.
Key Points
- Instagram notifications let you know that someone has sent you a friend request, that you have a direct message, or you’ve got new comments on your latest post.
- If you’ve got issues with your Instagram notifications, one likely reason is that your relevant phone settings are switched off.
- You may also have some alert visibility issues because of the misconfiguration of the application.
- Other possible solutions include checking your network, clearing Instagram cache and turning on app refresh.
- You can contact Instagram Support if your problem persists.
Instagram Notifications: An Overview
Instagram notifications belong to a category called Push notifications. They keep you up to date on what’s happening while you aren’t scrolling through the app. From post notifications from people you follow to likes and comments on your posts and stories, Instagram notifications give you a quick summary without having to open the app.
They let you know that someone has sent you a friend request, that there’s a direct message waiting in your inbox, or you’ve got new comments on your latest post.
For example, I have a lot of interests that span across several genres and topics, and I follow several such pages on Instagram. Now, imagine what my day would look like if I didn’t have Instagram notifications to alert me when my favorite posts drop.
You don’t need to imagine, because I’ll tell you all about it and how I got it fixed.
Why Am I Not Getting Instagram Notifications?
This was the very question I asked myself when I noticed I wasn’t receiving notifications on my phone. The issue could be from your Instagram app, your network or even your phone itself, but at that time, I didn’t know that.
Read on to find out how I fixed it:
1. Check your push notification settings
This was where my journey started. If you’ve got issues with your Instagram notifications, one likely reason is that your relevant phone settings are switched off. The first thing I did was head to the notification center on my device and look at the push notification settings on my phone. You should do that too, and make sure all your device settings are turned on.
Check notifications settings on iOS
On an iPhone, you can enable Instagram notifications by following these steps.
- Open the Settings app. Click on Notifications.
- In the Notification Style section, search and tap Instagram.
- Turn on the slider next to Allow Notifications. Once notifications are turned on, the slider will become green.
Apple users can also customize their experience with style options for notifications.
Check notifications settings on Android
Here’s how to activate Instagram notifications on Android:
- Open the Settings app. Select Apps & notifications.
- Search and click on Instagram from the list of applications.
- Tap Notifications, then tap the slider next to All Instagram Notifications. When notifications are turned on, the slider will be blue and white.
If some of your device notification settings are off, change them to ‘on’. It’s that simple. Enable notifications and see if that solves your issues. However, if, like you, all your notifications are on, then it seems like this isn’t what is causing your problem. Let’s explore other solutions.
2. Turn on notifications from the Instagram App
You may have some alert visibility issues because of the misconfiguration of the application. Make sure to turn on notification settings on the Instagram application. To set up Instagram notifications in the application on iOS or Android:
- Open the Instagram application. Click on the profile icon on the bottom-right of the screen.
- Select the (three horizontal lines icon) menu at the top-right of the screen.
- Select Settings> Notifications.
How to enable Instagram notifications
Unfortunately, this wasn’t still the issue for me. My Instagram notifications were on, which meant I had to keep searching for a solution.
3. Turn on Background App Refresh for Instagram
If you have an iPhone, you might know a setting called “App Refresh” can help keep your apps up-to-date with the latest content even if you aren’t surfing. If you didn’t know, now’s as good a time as any to learn about it, like I did.
The latest Android devices now support app refresh. By default, this setting is off, so you’ll need to turn it on in your settings to get Instagram notifications.
Enable Background Data on iPhone
It is recommended to clear the Instagram cache if the issue persists since excessive data stored in the cache memory might be the cause of the notification not working.
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings app & scroll down to the “General section.”
- From there, Select “Background App Refresh”.
- Turn on the apps that you want to keep up-to-date, especially Instagram.
Enable Background Data on Android
- Open Settings, then select Connections and tap on Data usage.
- From the Mobile section, tap Mobile data usage. Find and select Instagram.
- Turn on “background data “.
4. Check Do Not Disturb(DND) mode
DND mode silences all alerts so you can focus on what you’re doing. If you’re still not receiving notifications or expecting a message and don’t see it come in, it might be because you have Do Not Disturb mode turned on.
Disable Do Not Disturb on iPhone
To turn off the Do Not Disturb mode.
- Go to your device’s Settings >Focus > Do Not Disturb.
- Disable the feature. Once DND is turned off, you should start receiving notifications as usual.
You can set a schedule to turn on and off DND at certain times if needed.
Disable Do Not Disturb on Android
To disable Do Not Disturb mode on Android, swipe down the notification panel and tap on the DND shortcut.
In case you were wondering, neither the app refresh nor DnD solved my problem. My notifications were still not coming in, and I was getting a little frustrated at this point, the same as you.
5. Clear the cache data from the Instagram application
Another effective solution if Instagram notifications aren’t working. Simply clear the cache on your phone and then log back into the app. This could fix the glitch with your notification settings.
- Go to your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap on Apps & notifications. Tap on Instagram.
- Tap on Clear cache.
Note: Among the options is one for “Clear storage” and another for “Clear cache.” Be very careful, though, because clearing storage will permanently delete all of the application data, including files and settings. I almost learned that the hard way, and I know someone who knows someone who did.
Also note that if you clear Instagram’s cache on your Apple devices, you have to delete and re-install the application from the app store. You will be automatically logged out. You will need to log in to use Instagram and see notifications again.
6. Log out and back into the Instagram app
If you’re still not getting Instagram notifications, this tip can help resolve the problem. Many times, all you need to do is log out of your account and then log back in. This will often fix the problem and get your notifications working again.
Unfortunately, it didn’t for me. And you can picture my face and how I was feeling at this stage, probably because it’s a mirror of yours.
7. Disable Low Power Mode
Power-saving features conserve battery and reduce background activity by turning off certain features, including push notifications for social applications. So, to ensure you don’t miss any Instagram notifications, turn off Low Power mode.
Turn Off Power-Saving Mode on iPhone
If you want to enable or disable Low Power Mode on your iPhone
- Go to Settings & Click on Battery.
- Tap to turn off the Low Power Mode.
Low power mode will automatically turn off when the iPhone’s battery level reaches 80% or higher.
Turn Off Power-Saving Mode on Android
Each android brand’s name for power-saving functionality differs depending upon its manufacturer. The simplest way to navigate and turn off the power-saving feature is through the drop-down panel.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Check the shortcut option. You can see power saving mode.
- Alternatively, Open settings > search for power saving and turn it off.
8. Check your network connection
One of the potential causes of Instagram notifications not working could be a weak or unsecured internet connection. This can be a problem if you’re using a mobile data connection or your WiFi signal is weak.
Here are a few things you can try if you think this is the problem:
- Make sure you’re connected to a strong WiFi signal.
- Check your internet connection speed.
- Restart your router.
- Update your app.
9. Update or reinstall the latest Instagram version
Notification issues may stem from not having the most up-to-date version of Instagram. In addition to bug fixes, updates may also include new app features.
To remedy this, update the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android. You can check for available updates in the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android.
If updating Instagram doesn’t fix the issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Instagram. On iPhone, press and hold the Instagram icon, then tap Remove App.
On Android, open the Google Play Store app. Tap the profile icon, Manage apps & devices, then Manage. Tap Instagram, then Uninstall.
10. Restart your device
Whether you’re not receiving notifications for new Instagram posts or your device is simply acting up, restarting it can often resolve the problem. By doing so, applications can refresh themselves and start anew, which may fix bugs causing notification problems.
- Press and hold the power button on your Android or iOS devices.
- Select the Restart option located on the pop-up menu, followed by two options: Power off or Restart.
Thankfully, this was what solved my problem. A simple restart. If only I’d known to do it from the very beginning. Now, I make it a habit of restarting my phone at least once a week, just to avoid a repeat of this issue.
However, if this doesn’t fix your Instagram notification problem, there is one last thing to try.
11. Update your device’s Operating System
Most users accidentally disable the automatic update for the operating system without realizing it, which is responsible for Instagram notifications not working as expected. The latest software updates are crucial to fixing bugs, improving the device, and adding supported features.
- Open the Setting application. Tap on General.
- There is an option for “Software Update”.
Check that the device is fully charged, connected to a strong WiFi network, and has enough storage to download the updates.
If you’re still having trouble after trying these things, you can use a third-party application or contact Instagram’s customer support for more help.
Contacting Instagram Support to fix Notifications
Contacting Instagram support is one of the most effective measures you can take when you have Instagram notification issues. The support team can help resolve any problems that prevent notifications from functioning properly. These issues include technical glitches, account-specific problems, or broader system concerns.
Before contacting Instagram Support, you should check out the in-app or online help section for answers to frequently asked questions. Instagram’s help section includes FAQs and in-depth tips covering various subjects, including notifications settings and how to manage them. You can find this information in the Instagram app “Settings” or the Instagram Help Center on the web.
If you are looking for immediate assistance, you can submit support requests. You can access links or prompts in the help center to guide you through reporting a problem or contacting assistance. Additionally, you can explain your concerns by filling out a contact form or emailing.
Instagram’s official social media pages frequently update users and address questions. However, these social media channels may be less responsive than the app or website’s official help channels.
When calling customer service, it is essential to provide specific details. You should document the start time of the issue and previous troubleshooting attempts. If you want quick help from the support team, make sure you’re communicating clearly and concisely.
The response time from Instagram Support can vary, as the platform caters to a massive user base. You should be patient and follow up with their support request if required to have it resolved quickly.
How To Turn Notifications On Or Off For Someone You Follow On Instagram
When you turn on notifications for someone you follow, you’ll get a notification every time that they share a post.
Here’s how to turn notifications on or off:
- Go to their profile.
- Tap
in the top right.
- Tap
next to Posts, Stories or Reels to turn notifications on or off.
- Or tap
next to Goes live and select any notification option.
If you’d like to turn notifications on or off for multiple people, you’ll have to visit each profile and turn them on or off individually. Keep in mind that you may get a push notification when someone you follow shares something for the first time in a while, whether or not you have notifications turned on for that person.
People aren’t notified when you turn notifications on or off for them.
Related Articles
HOW TO WRITE A PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Detailed Guide With Free Templates
Social Media Etiquette: Best Practices
Brand Advertising: Elevating Your Brand Awareness
References
