Instagram is one of the largest social media networks today. Almost 1 billion people use the platform daily. Each person uses a different computer system to access their Instagram profile. That means people will have different experiences when using the platform, and some may encounter errors.
A common error reported by many Instagram users across the globe is the unknown network error. But what does unknown network error mean on Instagram?
An unknown network error can occur anytime. For example, it can occur while trying to log in, uploading a photo or video, or liking a page. But what causes the Instagram network error? Several factors can explain why you are getting this problem. Some of these include:
- A slow internet connection
- You are using a VPN
- Instagram is down
You can fix the unknown network error has occurred on Instagram in several ways. These include:
1. Restart your device
Restarting your device might sound simple. But with computer systems, that is all it takes to fix bad connections and errors. If you are using a phone, power it off, wait for 30 seconds, and then power it on. Next, open the app and try again.
2. Switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi
If the step above did not work, consider switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below for Android devices.
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Connections or Wireless and Networks
- Turn mobile data off and Wi-Fi on
When done, open the app and try logging in.
3. Turn Airplane Mode on then off
When you turn Airplane Mode on, it will turn off your device’s data connection. Often, the setting disables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and other communications. So, when you turn off, it will allow your phone to establish a new connection and refresh or start everything anew.
Go to your smartphone’s settings, locate Airplane Mode, and then turn on the option. You should wait for a few seconds before turning it off. Once done, open the app and try again.
4. Restart your router
If you are getting the error while using a wireless network, consider restarting your router to fix the problem. Here is how to do it:
- Unplug your router from its electrical outlet
- Wait for 60 seconds
- Plug it back
- Wait for all the lights to switch on
Once switched on, open the app and log in to see any changes.
5. Turn VPN off
If you are using a VPN, Instagram will detect that you are accessing your account from an unknown location. For that reason, you will get a network error when trying to log in or use the platform to communicate. The best fix is to deactivate your VPN and try again.
Fixed ‘unknown network error has occurred?’
Whenever you get an Instagram error message ‘unknown network error has occurred,’ the culprit is mostly your Internet connection. You need to fix your internet and try again. Also, check whether your device has the correct date and time. Another option is to clear the app cache and check for updates. But if Instagram servers are down, you will have to wait until they fix the problem.
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