Are you wondering why are Instagram links not working? If you are, then you have come to the right place.
In today’s digital world, Instagram has become an important part of everyone’s daily life. It is a social media platform that not only helps us connect with our friends and followers but is also very important for businesses and influencers as it helps them connect with their targeted audience.
Many business pages and influencers divert their audience to an external website or product page by placing a link in their Instagram bio. This helps them to sell their products and services to their audience. The audience gets the benefit that they get to buy products and services from a trusted place.
Both benefit from this, but the problem arises when these links do not work. This is an issue that many Instagram users are facing, so if you are also facing the issue of Instagram links not working then don’t worry.
Here we will tell you some reasons why your Instagram links are not working and will give you the solution to fix this problem so that your Instagram links can work again.
What’s the Deal with Instagram Links Not Working?
The Infamous “Link in Bio”
The easiest way to share links on Instagram is through an Instagram bio. Instagram allows any user to share links to their website or any external sources on their Instagram bio. That’s why many users are taking advantage of this and directing their audience to their external content so that they can get traffic there too.
But sometimes users may have to face the problem of links not working in their Instagram bio. Here we will tell you some reasons why the Instagram link is not working in the bio.
Link Length Limits
The first reason why your Instagram bio link may not be working is that Instagram restricts the length of the links you can use in your bio. While adding a link to your Instagram bio, you have to remember that the length of your link should not exceed. If the length of your link exceeds then your link might not work.
Incorrect URL Formatting
Another reason why your Instagram bio link is not working is because of a Typing error. If there is a small typing mistake or any word is missing in the URL of your link, your link will not work. In order to avoid such problems you have to make sure that while you’re adding the link to your Instagram bio be careful not to make any typing mistakes.
Link Censorship
Instagram controls what kind of link you’re adding to your Instagram bio. Instagram doesn’t like certain URLs. If you’re adding certain URLs that Instagram doesn’t like then he doesn’t hesitate to disable them.
While adding a link to your Instagram bio, keep in mind that you should not add any link that Instagram may not like. Instagram may block or restrict links to websites known for spamming, phishing, or other malicious activities, in an effort to protect its users from harmful content.
“Swipe Up” Stories Dilemma
Instagram allows you to add links to your Instagram story. You might have seen many creators and influencers use the swipe-up feature on their Instagram stories when they promote something and ask their audience to swipe up.
After which their audience follows that link and goes to the page they are promoting. However, it is quite common to see some issues here too. So, here are some reasons why Instagram links not working in stories.
Follower Threshold
The first reason your links not working in the story is because Instagram doesn’t allow everyone to use the Swipe feature. If you want to use the swipe feature on your Instagram story, then you need to meet certain criteria such as having a certain number of followers on your Instagram account or having a verified account, if you think you are meeting all these criteria then you can add swipe up feature to your Instagram story.
Temporary Content
The second reason why your Instagram Story links are not working is because of the lifespan of your Instagram Story. Your Instagram story disappears after 24 hours, which means that the lifespan of your Instagram is only 24 hours. If your story links are not working then it probably means that the life span of your story is over, and your story has expired.
Bug Trouble
Instagram bugs are another reason why your Instagram story links are not working. Despite Instagram being such a big platform, it isn’t immune to bugs, some bugs are still seen on Instagram, and sometimes, they can affect the functionality of the “Swipe Up” feature.
“Link Not Available” Error: What’s the Deal?
It often happens to people on Instagram that they try to open a link and they get to see the error message of a link not available. Are you also facing this error message? If yes then you are not alone! This problem will make you wonder why your Instagram links are not working. Let us know the reasons behind this.
Deleted or Disabled Account
If you are getting an error message of Link Not Available after tapping on a link, then perhaps the user who posted the link has deleted or disabled his account. So this is not the fault of Instagram, this is the fault of the user who deleted or disabled his account.
Inappropriate or Violating Content
Instagram has some rules and guidelines and if a link leads to inappropriate or violating content then it can be disabled by Instagram. If you’re trying to open such a link on Instagram and it gives you an error message then perhaps that link has been disabled by Instagram because of inappropriate and violating content. It’s their way of maintaining a safe and clean platform.
Geographical Restrictions
Sometimes, links may not work because they are only intended for specific geographical locations. So, if you’re trying to open a link that is only for a specific geographical location and if your location doesn’t match with that link then the link might not work.
The Mobile App Blues: Why Instagram Links Not Working on Your Phone
Have you noticed that some link is working perfectly fine on your computer and if you open that link on your phone then that link stops working. Do you know why this happens? If not, then here we will tell you about the reasons why Instagram links not working on your phone.
Outdated App
The most common reason you are having trouble opening links on your mobile is that you are using an outdated version of the Instagram app. Instagram keeps updating its app continuously. If you want to use Instagram without any interruption, then you should keep your app up to date. Using an older version of an Instagram app can cause many issues including your link not working properly.
Cache and Cookies
You might know that the Instagram app stores cache files in the background so that the app loads faster. Some of these cache files can sometimes cause app issues due to which you may have to face problems like links not working on your phone.
Poor Network Connection
Instagram completely relies on the internet so it is very important that you have a stable internet connection to use Instagram without any interruption. If you are trying to open a link on Instagram and you don’t have a strong WiFi or data connection then your Instagram links might not work.
Instagram’s Unannounced Updates: The Hidden Link Disrupters
Instagram keeps updating its app continuously to improve its security and user experience. Sometimes these updates may affect link functionality. Here we will tell you why your Instagram links are not working due to these updates.
Unoptimized Third-Party Apps
Instagram updates can make third-party apps useless which provide the facility of sharing links. It may take some time for these third-party apps to become compatible with Instagram again. So if you are trying to open a link that is from a third-party app then maybe that link will not work.
New Security Protocols
The new Instagram update may implement stricter security protocols to fight spam and malicious links on the platform. These security protocols may temporarily affect the functionality of spammy links on Instagram. Therefore if you are opening a link on Instagram that is spammy then that link may not work due to the new Instagram update.
User Privacy Concerns
Instagram keeps changing its privacy settings, which also affects how links work. For instance, it can restrict certain actions to protect user’s data, which also includes the problem of links not working. So if you are facing the problem of links not working on Instagram, then privacy concerns can also be the reason behind this issue.
Solutions: Fixing the Instagram Links Not Working Mystery
Alright, we have dissected your Instagram link not working problem. Now what’s the solution? How can you get your Instagram links back on track? Worry not! Here we have given you a list of solutions to fix this issue.
Solutions for “Link in Bio” Issues
Shorten Your Links
Instagram doesn’t allow you to add lengthy links in your Instagram bio. If you try to add longer links in your Instagram bio, they will not work. If you want the links in your Instagram bio to work properly, then you need to add a short URL to your Instagram bio so that it can work better. You can also use link shorteners to shorten your long URLs and make them Instagram-friendly.
Double-Check Your URL
As we know, if we make even the slightest typing mistake while adding a link to our Instagram bio, our link will not work. So to avoid this dilemma, before adding the URL to your Instagram bio, you have to check your URL twice and make sure there is no typing mistake in your URL. After checking the URL twice, you can save your URL in your bio.
Respect Community Guidelines
Instagram does not promote abusive and inappropriate content on its platform. If it detects any link or activity that is against the community guidelines, Instagram immediately disables it. Therefore, If your linked content does not follow Instagram’s community guidelines, Instagram will disable it at some point. To avoid such issues you have to make sure that your linked content adheres to Instagram’s community guidelines.
Solutions for “Swipe Up” Stories Dilemma
Boost Your Follower Count
The swipe-up feature of the Instagram story is not for everyone. You cannot use the swipe-up feature on your Instagram story until you have a followers base. If you want to share the link through your Instagram story, there is only one way and it is via the swipe-up feature. To use the swipe-up feature, you have to focus on growing your follower count on Instagram.
Add New Stories
Your story on Instagram does not last more than 24 hours. If you have shared any link on your story then it will also disappear after 24 hours and it might not work after that. There is only one solution to this problem you have to keep your Stories fresh by adding new ones with links to ensure they stay functional.
Report Bugs
If you have tried all these solutions and you’re still encountering persistent issues with your swipe-up feature then you should report this issue to Instagram’s help center. They will understand your issue and will tell you the possible fixes.
Solutions for “Link Not Available” Error
Contact the User
If you are seeing an error message of a link not available in someone’s post, then it is neither your fault nor the fault of the platform. You cannot fix this issue from your end, nor will Instagram do, the only way is you have to try contacting the user to resolve the issue.
Use a VPN
Instagram Restrictions won’t let you open links that aren’t for your geographic location. If you are trying to open a link that is not for your geographical location then that link might not work. To avoid geographical location issues you should use a VPN, it helps you change your location, by using a VPN you can even access a link which not for your location.
Solutions for Mobile App Blues
Update the App
If you are facing the problem of Instagram links not working on your phone then Instagram updates could also be the reason behind this issue.
To fix this issue you have to check whether your Instagram app is updated or not, if not then you have to update your Instagram app. To update your Instagram app on Android and iPhone, you have to follow the instructions given below.
Update Instagram App On Android:
To update your Instagram app on Android phones, you have to Go to the Google Play Store and Tap on Menu > then you have to Tap on My apps & games > If there is an update available for Instagram, Tap on Update.
Update Instagram App On iPhone:
To update the Instagram app on your iPhone, you have to Go to the App Store and Tap Updates > If there is an update available for Instagram, Tap on Update.
Clear Cache and Cookies
Instagram automatically stores cache files in the background. If you visit someone’s profile a second time, Instagram will not load that information again, it will directly pull that information from the cache files and present it to you.
But sometimes these cache files contribute a lot to your links not working issue. To fix your link not working issue you need to clear these cache files. Here we have given you some steps that you can follow to clear the cache files of your Instagram app.
Clear Cache Files On Android:
Turn On your phone and Go to Settings > and then you have to Tap on Apps & notifications > Here you’ll find the list of apps available on your phone, you have to find the Instagram app and Tap it > Now you have to Tap Storage & cache > then Tap on Clear cache to clear all the cache files of your Instagram app.
Clear Cache Files On iPhone:
Open your iPhone and Go to Settings > and then Tap on General > Next, Tap on iPhone Storage > Now you have to wait for all apps to load once the list appears find Instagram App and then Swipe it to left > Now you have to options Offload App and Delete App, to clear the cache files of the Instagram app you have to Tap on the Offload App. This will clear the Instagram app cache without deleting the app itself.
Check Your Connection
Instagram is all about the Internet, you can’t fully enjoy Instagram if you don’t have a stable internet connection. Due to the lack of a stable internet connection, you may sometimes face the problem of the link not working.
This often happens when people are using a public WiFi connection. If you want to avoid such issues then you should use your cellular data. Cellular data is your personal data which can also increase the speed of your Instagram app and things load faster along with links.
Solutions for Instagram’s Unannounced Updates
Wait for Third-Party Apps
Sometimes third-party links do not work due to new Instagram updates. If Instagram has released any update and your links are not working then you have to wait for some time till these third-party apps do not announce their new update.
Stay Informed
The new Instagram update makes changes to its app to prevent spamming and inappropriate content making a more enjoyable environment for every user. Sometimes these changes may affect the functionality of links on Instagram. To tackle this situation you have to keep an eye on Instagram’s official announcements for any new updates or changes to the platform.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings
If you are a new user on Instagram then you might be deprived of Instagram’s privacy settings. Sometimes privacy settings can be the reason behind Instagram links not working. If Instagram’s privacy settings are causing issues, consider making the necessary adjustments to your account settings.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put clickable links in Instagram captions or comments?
No, you cannot put clickable links in your captions and comments on Instagram. Users have to copy the link and paste it manually on their browser.
How do I get the Swipe-Up feature for Instagram Stories?
If you want to use the Swipe up feature on your Instagram story, you must have a high follower count on Instagram or your Instagram account must be verified.
Why do Instagram links not work on my mobile phone but work on my computer?
If Instagram links are working fine on your computer but not working properly on your mobile then you should check whether your Instagram app is updated or not. If not then you will have to update your Instagram app, after that you should remove Instagram’s cache files, and ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
Final Verdict
On this page, we have solved the mystery of why are Instagram links not working. Here we have given all the solutions to solve your problem. So, whether you’re dealing with “link in bio” problems, “swipe up” story dilemmas, “link not available” errors, mobile app blues, or Instagram’s unannounced updates these solutions will get your links working again.
You can also take a look at our Latest Tech News where you will find more amazing content.
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