24 June 2025

Why does the Instagram error “Error loading comments” occur?

Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing and engaging with visual content. With millions of posts shared daily, user interaction through likes and comments plays a vital role in maintaining vibrant social engagement. However, users sometimes encounter a frustrating issue: the “Error loading comments” message. This error can arise suddenly and affect the browsing experience, preventing users from reading or participating in comment threads.

Understanding why this issue occurs is essential for both casual users and influencers who rely on uninterrupted interaction. There are several underlying causes for this common Instagram error, ranging from technical bugs to user-side issues.

Common Causes of the “Error Loading Comments” Issue

There are various reasons why someone may see the “Error loading comments” message on Instagram. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Temporary server issues: Instagram occasionally experiences server outages or glitches that can prevent certain features from working properly, including comment loading.
• App version incompatibility: An outdated version of Instagram may not function as intended. Updates usually fix known bugs, and skipping them could lead to comment loading issues.
• Poor internet connection: A weak or unstable network connection may fail to load data such as comments, even if other parts of the app seem to be functioning.
• Account restrictions: If a user’s post violates Instagram’s rules or gets flagged, restricted interaction can occur, including blocked or hidden comments.
• Cache build-up or corrupted data: When app cache becomes bloated or corrupted, it can lead to unexpected errors like failure to load comments.

Troubleshooting the Error

Solving the “Error loading comments” issue depends on identifying the root cause. Here are the most effective solutions that users can try to resolve it:

1. Refresh the page or post: Sometimes, simply swiping down and refreshing the post can quickly reload the comments section without any further issues.
2. Update the Instagram app: Make sure the app is up to date via the App Store or Google Play Store. Developers regularly patch bugs and improve functionality in newer versions.
3. Clear app cache: For Android users, clearing the cache can help dispose of corrupted or outdated data. iOS users might consider reinstalling the app to achieve a similar result.
4. Check internet connection: Change from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) to see if the connectivity issue persists. A more stable connection can often resolve loading problems.
5. Log out and log back in: A simple re-login can reset the app’s session and potentially remove any temporary glitch causing the error.
6. Reinstall the app: If other methods fail, uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram can solve deeper issues caused by buggy updates or corrupted app files.

When is It Instagram’s Fault?

At times, the problem is not on the user’s end. Instagram’s servers might be undergoing maintenance or facing an unexpected outage. In such cases, mass reports often appear on websites like Downdetector, making it easier for users to identify widespread issues. If that happens, waiting it out is usually the only option left and trying to reload every few minutes may eventually succeed.

How to Prevent Future Occurrences

To reduce the chances of encountering the error in the future:

• Always keep the app updated.
• Perform routine cache clearing every few weeks.
• Avoid installing Instagram from third-party sources.
• Make sure to follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines to prevent interaction bans on your content.
• Use a reliable internet connection.

Understanding that the “Error loading comments” message is usually temporary can also help reduce user frustration. While technical glitches can’t always be avoided, most issues can be resolved with simple steps or a bit of patience.

FAQ

• Q: Can the error be caused by someone deleting their comment?
  A: Yes, if a user deletes a comment or their account, it may initially show an error when attempting to load that comment thread.
• Q: Is this issue more common on Android or iOS?
  A: Both platforms can experience this error, though specific device compatibility or cache handling differences may lead to one having more frequent issues depending on updates and system settings.
• Q: Can Instagram shadowbanning affect comments?
  A: Yes, in some cases if a user is shadowbanned by Instagram, their interaction—including comments—may be hidden or not displayed properly to other users.
• Q: Will contacting Instagram Support help?
  A: It’s worth reporting the issue through the app. While individual responses are rare, bulk reports can help draw developer attention to recurring bugs.
• Q: Is VPN usage a factor for this error?
  A: Occasionally, using a VPN may cause regional inconsistencies that interfere with server communication, potentially triggering comment loading errors.