Using Instagram filters, you can add faux eyelashes, and makeup, or change your hair color with just a few taps. They are fun and take your photos and videos to the next level. But what if they decide for a day off and leave you unfiltered? Unless you want to participate in that #wokeuplikethis and #nofiltertoday trend, you need to know what happened to Instagram filters and why they are not working. Well answer your query and fix them in this article.
Instagram Filters Not Working
One of the most intriguing features of Instagram is its extensive range of filters. But sometimes these become unavailable for users which can be quite frustrating. Luckily, this is temporary and can be resolved by using any of the troubleshooting methods mentioned in the article. But firstly let’s go through the reasons and see what might have happened to the Instagram filters.
- Your internet connection is slow.
- Instagram is facing temporary server downtime.
- You have not given the required location permissions.
- You need to update the Instagram app.
- You have not cleared cache files.
Method 1: Troubleshoot Internet Connection
Instagram does not allow users to save filters for offline use. Therefore, you need a good and speedy internet connection to ensure that the filters can load and work properly. Follow our guide How to Boost Internet Speed on Your Android Phone to ensure that everything remains smooth and unbothered.
Method 2: Wait for Server Uptime
It is quite common for apps like Instagram to undergo server downtime for maintenance issues. In this case, you will be unable to access basic features like sending someone a text on the app, calling them, or using filters. Check for the server status on Downdetector. If the website states that there is indeed something wrong, wait for a few hours and try again later.
Method 3: Restart Instagram App
Another method that can help you in this situation is restarting the Instagram app on your device.
1. Launch Instagram on your device and exit it.
2. Remove it from the background running apps.
Also Read: How to View Instagram Stories without Anyone Knowing
Method 4: Give Location Permissions
Interestingly, many Instagram filters also depend on a specific location. Not every filter is available for your account and you might see an error like this filter is not supported in your country or region. This can also happen if your Instagram does not have the required location permissions.
Note: Smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any on your device. These steps were performed on Motorola Edge 30, as shown in the illustrations below.
1. Open Settings and tap on Apps.
2. Select Instagram from the list.
3. Tap on Permissions.
4. Next, tap on Location permission and choose Allow only while using the app.
Also Read: Top 20 Best Free Instagram Post Planner Apps
Method 5: Clear App Cache
Like other apps, Instagram stores its frequently accessed data as cache files. These files prevent apps from using more data and help in performing better. However, they can also cause them to slow down.
1. Open Settings on your device and tap on Apps.
2. Select Instagram and tap on Storage & cache.
3. Now, tap on Clear cache.
Now open Instagram to check if the filters are working or not.
Method 6: Update Instagram
An older version of the app can make it incompatible with your device. This can further cause frequent lagging which ultimately results in the app crashing or features not working. Update Instagram from Google Play Store.
If the Update option is unavailable, no new updates are available for your app.
Also Read: How to Fix Instagram Story Views Not Showing
Method 7: Use VPN
As mentioned earlier, your current location plays a significant role in determining the availability of Instagram filters. It is possible that your region does not support the filter that you are trying to use. In this case, you can use a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions and use any server out there.
1. Open Google Play Store and search Proton VPN.
2. Tap on Install.
3. Open Proton VPN on your device.
4. Tap on any server option from the list of available servers to connect.
Method 8: Contact Instagram Help Centre
If none of the above-mentioned methods helped you, then you can contact the Instagram help center. Here you will get answers to different issues within the app.
Recommended: 15 Best Instagram Alternatives for Photographers
The world of social media is constantly evolving, and it is pretty common for users to experience occasional glitches within apps. Such issues are temporary and can be easily resolved. We hope by reading our guide, you now know how to fix Instagram filters not working. Let us know if you have any further queries or suggestions in the comments.
