How to Fix Instagram Reels Not Showing

Instagram Reels is similar to TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Reel is a short form video that is usually 15 seconds long.

Initially, the Stories feature was not available globally.

It is only available in certain countries such as the United States and Canada.

After a long period of testing—Instagram has released the feature globally.

Despite being released globally, not everyone has a Story option.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix Instagram Stories options that aren’t showing, missing, or not working.

Why isn’t the Instagram Stories option showing?

The Instagram Stories option isn’t showing up because it’s not available in your country yet.

Otherwise, you haven’t given Instagram permission to access your photos, microphone, or camera.

Some users have reported that the Stories option is missing from the app even though they had it before.

Other users have reported that they have this option in one account but not in another.

To fix Instagram Stories not showing issue, you need to give Instagram all permissions.

This includes access to your photos, microphone, and camera.

You can also try downloading an older version of Instagram or updating the app.

Other troubleshooting methods include using a VPN or reinstalling apps.

For iPhones:

For Android:

Note: This only works for Android devices—if you’re using an iPhone, try the methods below instead.

Connect to a VPN: Install a free VPN app and connect to a US/Canada/UK VPN.
Force quit and reopen the app: Swipe up from the center of the screen > swipe up on Instagram > reopen Instagram.
Clear app cache: For Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear cache. For iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram > Offload Apps > Reinstall Apps.
Uninstall and reinstall the app: Remove Instagram from your home screen and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store.