How to Fix Instagram Live Not Working Issues

While our dear product manager Ethan Collins was about to reach the Go Live button on Instagram, something went wrong. A new error message popped up, telling him he couldn't go live on Instagram. If you are in the same boat, the live button can even disappear all of a sudden, without any notification.

Never mind, technique hiccups can happen to any application. Now, follow us to fix pesky Instagram Live not working issues, and get back to the world of livestreaming. Here is what you will learn:

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Why Instagram Live Issues Occur

We understand you are desperately to go back to Instagram Live, but there are tons of reasons why you can't go live on Instagram. Knowing the reasons behind can lead you to the right solution faster. Check the following reasons out!

No matter what issues you are encountering, it is always a smart move to update the Instagram app. Instagram updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Also, the newest Instagram version ensures you a smooth access to Instagram Live.

Your phone must meet the Instagram app’s requirements. Specifically, Android devices should run Android 4.1 or above and iOS devices need to run 6.0 and above.

Also, your Internet connection plays a crucial role in the quality and stability of Instagram Live, as well as your access to it.

When you find that you can’t Live stream on Instagram, do check if Instagram has permission to access your phone’s camera.

Instagram has millions of users. From time to time, the busy server may be temporarily down. Most of the time, Instagram may share some posts on its official account.

According to the Instagram policies, any post that violates the community guidelines may lead to severe issues, including not being able to start a live broadcast, posting comments, etc.

8 Ways to Fix Instagram Live Not Working Issues

After understanding why you encounter Instagram Live not working issues, you can easily figure out which one is the right solution for you.

Solution 1. Restarting Your Phone

Your phone may be running several applications at the same time and one application might affect another. Close all apps that are running at the background, restart your phone and you can start Instagram Live again.

Solution 2. Poor Internet Connection

If you suspect that Instagram Live not working because of the unstable Internet, no need to get a professional speed tester. Run another live streaming application such as TikTok and see if it works well.

Solution 3. Update Your Instagram

Updating your Instagram app is necessary, no matter if your Instagram live issue is caused by an older version of Instagram. The latest version of Instagram makes sure you get the newest features, and prevents other Instagram technique issues.

To get the latest version of Instagram, all you need to do is access App Store or Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and hit Update.

Update Instagram App

Solution 4. Offload Instagram App

Tedious app caches were generated every time you use the application and may cause all sorts of problems, including Instagram Live not working problem. It is suggested to clear Instagram caches on regular basis.

This is how you clear Instagram cache on iPhone. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram. There you can see a button called Offload App. Click on it, all caches will be removed. As for Android users, the detailed steps should be similar.

Offload Instagram App

Solution 5. Make Sure Instagram Has Access to Camera

The phone camera is what you rely on to live streaming on Instagram. If Instagram doesn’t have access to camera, you can’t go live streaming.

To check if Instagram has access to Camera, you need go to Settings > Instagram. Tap on it, and see if Camera is enabled.

Enable Access to Camera

Solution 6. Use VPN

Instagram's live streaming feature is generally available worldwide, but due to local regulations or government policies, Instagram Live features are restricted or blocked in some regions like North Korea, some middle eastern countries. You can change your IP with a legal and reliable VPN service.

Solution 7. Switch to Another Account

If you have posted anything that violates the Instagram guidelines, you might fail to access certain features for several days or permanently. Under this circumstance, you can wait for several days, or switch to another account.

According to the official announcement, you have to reach 1000 followers to be able to do live stream on Instagram. However, that's not accurate. A brand new account, without any followers, can also be used to livestream as well.

Solution 8. Report to Instagram Help Center

If everything fails, we suggest you report your issue to Instagram Help Center.

Go to the app’s settings > Help > Report a Problem. Then provide a screenshot of the issue, enter textual description. Click Send. Wait for Instagram Team’s response.

Report Instagram Live Not Working Issue

FAQs About Instagram Live Not Working Issues

1. Why is my Instagram Live video blurry or pixelated?

The poor internet connection is often the main reason for low-quality live video. Make sure you're connected to a stable WIFI network with good speed. Also, check if your camera lens is clean.

2. Why isn't my audience getting notifications for my Instagram live?

If your followers are not receiving notifications, they might have turned off live video notifications, or Instagram's algorithm might not be pushing your content due to low engagement.

3. Why is the Instagram live audio not working?

If your audio isn't working, you need to go to the Settings > Instagram, and see if Instagram has access to microphone. Moreover, you should also confirm no bluetooth device is interfering.

Elena /

Member of PearlMountain Limited. Has a mania for video editing. Love to share photo/video shooting tips and ideas.