Under normal circumstances, your Instagram app should be able to install updates automatically without the need to go through the manual process, or at least you should be prompted whenever updates are available so that you can install them easily.
You shouldn’t face any problems when installing new updates on Instagram because it’s a straightforward process, but still, some users have reported having problems while installing updates.
When you’re trying to install the updates, you end up waiting for minutes or some hours but yet no updates were not installed, or the app will show the progress of the update and then just abandon the process.
In some cases, error codes are displayed, an example of the error message is; “The error reads: Can’t update App Instagram can’t be updated.
Try again and if the problem continues get help troubleshooting (Error code: 924).”The code displayed will likely change anytime you attempt to install the updates and fail.
The problem of Instagram update failure isn’t a big problem because it can be fixed easily using a few steps, but before outlining the fixes, let’s share the reasons why the Instagram app won’t update to a newer version.
Why Won’t My Instagram Update To The New Version?
Updates aren’t available or already installed
Maybe you just heard about the new update released and you attempted to install the updates but failed, you visited the App Store or Play Store but no updates available.
The main reason is that the updates are already installed automatically without you realizing it. By default, the Instagram app should install updates automatically unless you change them.
The moment new updates are released you’ll be notified to install them if that’s how you choose, but they can be installed without you knowing if the option is left to download and install updates automatically.
On another note it’s possible that the updates you’re searching for aren’t available, that’s to say the update doesn’t actually exist.
Instagram never released such updates and hence you won’t be able to find any updates on the app. You just want to make sure that the update is officially released from Instagram.
Slow internet connection
Based on my experience, installing updates for most apps including Instagram requires a faster internet connection than when installing a new app. Even if your internet connection is working, you have to make sure that it’s fast and you can check the speed to confirm this.
Just search in Google “Speed Test”, a button at the top of the results will be displayed, clicking on it will show you the speed of your internet connection.
Another possible problem is that your internet connection can be interrupted while you’re in the process of Installing the Instagram updates.
It has all happened to us that at some point our internet connection stopped working while we’re in the middle of executing some tasks. Once the network gets interrupted before you’re able to install your Instagram updates, you’ll end up with app update failure.
Another possible reason for network interruption is when your cellular data finished, that’s to say you don’t have an active mobile data subscription.
This is the case if you’re using mobile data while updating the Instagram app. You need to check and ensure you have an active data plan if you’re using mobile data to connect to the internet.
Your device doesn’t support the updates you’re trying to install
All apps are designed so that they’re compatible with the latest updates released by operating systems. You’ll face the problem of incompatibility when you’re trying to install the latest Instagram app while your operating system isn’t up to date.
You either have to roll back to the previous version of Instagram that’s working for your device or you’ll have to install all the latest updates available for your operating system.
It can also happen that your device has the wrong settings preventing the Instagram app from installing the new updates.
This one is obvious if you just made new changes to your mobile device or an app made the changes without you knowing it.
A lot of apps request permissions and we accept right away without knowing the implications. If new changes are made to your device prior to having the update problems, you have to undo these changes back to normal settings.
Some apps running in the background can block the updates
A lot of apps out there are known to clash, and in most cases, they’ll prevent the Instagram app from executing its tasks like installing new updates or block you from using some of the Instagram features available.
A workaround for this is to close all apps, make sure to close all apps running in the background because they’re the ones that might be causing problems.
Corrupt app
A corrupt Instagram app can lead to many technical problems you can think of, a corrupt app can’t execute its tasks properly.
When the Instagram app is corrupt beyond repair, it won’t be able to install the updates, you may have to reinstall the Instagram app or at least have to recover app files that are infected with malware preventing it to work properly.
Reinstalling the app is the best solution if a corrupt app is a reason why you’re not able to install the updates. It can also be possible that app data and cache are the files infected, if that’s the case, no need to reinstall the app. Clearing app data and cache should take care of the problem.
Play Store isn’t updated
Whether you’re an iOS user or an Android user, you want to make sure that your app store is up to date. Check play store and app store to install updates if they’re available.
They host the update files and if these apps aren’t working properly, you can face problems when installing updates for various apps including Instagram.
These are so far the best possible reasons why your Instagram app can’t install updates to a newer version, Let’s now get into the troubleshooting.
How To Fix Instagram Won’t Update To The Newer Version
Reinstall Instagram
This is the best way to fix the problem of Instagram updates failed, by reinstalling the new app version, you already have all updates installed.
This means you’ll only keep an eye on new updates that will be released in the future. The worry most people have is that they’re going to lose their data, your app data is still on your storage provided you haven’t cleared it.
But I believe using the data from the previous app might end up messing with the new installation.
It’s better to get rid of old data as well so that your app is fresh and new, if you however want to use your old data, you can still do it.
Long tap on Instagram and select “Uninstall”, then you go to Play Store and install a new Instagram setup, you should be able to install the new Instagram app that has all the updates you wanted to install but failed.
Fix network problems
If you find that you’re still not able to reinstall the Instagram app as stated above, chances are your internet connection is very slow. It’s even possible the download is in progress but it’s very slow.
I’ve seen in many cases that some phones are using 2g to connect their mobile device, this is too slow and will take forever before you download anything online. Start by checking network speed, there are hundreds of free online tools to help you check internet speed.
Make sure you’re connected to either 5G, 4G, or 3G before you attempt to install the updates. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure it’s strong as well.
Restart the router if using a Wi-Fi connection to refresh the network settings and give you a chance to restore your network.
Search for the Instagram version you want to upgrade and install the APK file directly
You’re probably aware of APK files, they’re the setup file formats for Android devices that are used to install apps directly without the need to go to the play store, and this way you can download any version of the app released.
Download the APK file for Instagram and tap to open the file, the installation will begin.
If you download a compressed folder you have to extract it before opening the APK file. If you’re still not able to install the Instagram app on your PC, it shows that the version you’re trying to Install isn’t compatible with your PC or there are some settings on your device blocking the installation.
You should try to install some previous versions of Instagram to see if they can be installed, search the APK files for the previous version and see how things work.
Update Play Store
We’ve mentioned that not updating the Play Store app can be the reason why you’re not able to install Instagram to the new version. Update Play Store, or if you’re an iOS user, you should update the App Store. Just launch the app and if updates are available you’ll see a notification.
Set auto-update
If you’re trying to install the Instagram updates from Play Store or App Store, you should check your Instagram settings and ensure that the “Auto-update” feature is set.
This way all available updates will be installed automatically when you connect online. If possible, connect your mobile device to a Wi-Fi network.
Cellular data can be slow especially if you’re not using a 5g or 4g network, all your Instagram updates will be installed after setting up the Auto-update feature provided your internet connection is strong.
Update your operating system
We have talked about incompatibility problems previously, if you still can’t install the updates, it’s a sign your operating system doesn’t support the version of Instagram you’re trying to install on the device.
Your option is either to use an old version of Instagram or go ahead and update your operating system. This applies to both Android and iOS users, new Instagram versions will work properly when they’re installed on the latest versions of OS released.
If you have noticed, the moment a new update is released for operating systems, you’ll find that Instagram releases new updates that make sure the app is compatible.
Reset phone settings
If your device settings are altered the wrong way, you’ll end up having a problem installing updates for apps including Instagram.
You should first undo any recent changes made to your device and if the problem isn’t resolved, you should then reset your phone settings. This action will restore your phone to factory settings and by now the problem of installing Instagram updates should be resolved.
Fix your Instagram app
If you attempt to install updates on a corrupt Instagram app, the app can block the updates due to corrupt Data, Cache, or system files.
If the Instagram app is corrupt, it won’t function properly and won’t allow you to install the updates you’re trying to install. You should clear data and cache; these are files stored within the app folder and they help us use the Instagram app better.
Go to your app settings and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager” depending on the Android version you’re using, it can also be something else, it should be the location where all your apps are located.
You should find Instagram in the list and tap on it. You’ll see the options “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”, tap the buttons to clear each and then attempt to install the updates again, and hopefully your updates will now be installed.
That’s it for this post and so far you’ve learned the steps you need to take if you want to update Instagram to a new version.
I’ll tell you that in most cases, the problem has to do with your internet connection, it’s either slow or no network available. And secondly, you should focus on your device, scan your device for malware and virus, or preferably, you should reset your mobile device to factory settings.