Have you ever noticed the Instagram app lagging while you’re browsing in it? Despite modern smartphones having powerful processors, Instagram can still be slow to load photos, videos, and stories. Luckily, you don’t need to put up with such sluggish behavior. If Instagram is lagging on your iPhone 18 Pro Max, just use these tricks to fix it.
1. Close and Restart Instagram
Sometimes the simplest solutions are all you need. If Instagram is lagging on your iPhone 18 Pro Max, just close and reopen it. You can close an app by swiping up from the bottom edge, pausing in the center of the screen, then sliding the relevant app off the top of the screen.
2. Restart Your Phone
If restarting Instagram didn’t help, try restarting your phone instead. Although it sounds simple, restarting your device can fix all manner of problems, including when apps are lagging.
Simultaneously press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the Power Off slider. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
3. Test Your Internet Connection
You can’t use Instagram offline; it needs an internet connection to load photos or videos. That means Instagram might be lagging on your smartphone because your internet connection is too slow. To test this, try loading another data-heavy app, like YouTube, to see how well it works on your internet connection.
If your connection is slow, try switching to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
4. Update the Instagram App
Not every error is on you; it’s entirely possible that Instagram is lagging due to a bug from Instagram’s side. This can happen from time to time, but Meta (who owns Instagram) are going to be pretty quick at releasing a new update to fix any problems. So all you need to do is check for new updates and install them when they’re available.
The easiest way to update an app on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max is to open the Apple App Store and search for the relevant app to see if it says Update instead of Open. So, search for Instagram, and tap Update if you see that option.
Be Prepared for the Future of Instagram
Apps are only going to get more powerful and resource intensive over time. If Instagram is still lagging on your phone after following all these tips, it’s worth considering whether you need to upgrade your phone. That may not be essential—if you’re able to put up with slow apps—but it’s worth at least considering your options.
