Seeing “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram can be confusing and frustrating. It could be a temporary glitch, an issue with your Instagram account settings, or a sign that the user restricted access to their story on Instagram.
This full guide will help you troubleshoot the reasons behind this error message on iPhone and Android devices.
How to Fix “This Story Is Unavailable” Instagram Error
Why You See “This Story Is Unavailable Instagram”
The Story Was Removed
This message can indicate that the Instagram user who posted the story has deleted it before you could see the story. Sometimes, Instagram detects a new story but the specific story is permanently deleted, even the account owner can’t access it anymore.
When you attempt to view a story that has been deleted, you might see this message because the story you’re trying to view is unavailable. story is no longer available on Instagram. Seeing the “This Story Is Unavailable” message could mean the Instagram story has been deleted.
The Story Has Expired
Likewise, “This Story is Unavailable” appears when the story has expired after 24 hours. Instagram stories that the user may encounter as “this story is no longer available.” last for 24 hours, after which they disappear.
Sometimes, this Instagram error occurs when stories expire and vanish, meaning they won’t be available anymore. If you see “This Story Is No Longer Available,” it could mean the story has expired and you won’t be able to view it anymore.
The Story Is Concealed from You
If the user hides the story from you after uploading it, you may encounter the “story is unavailable” error on Instagram. Instagram lets users set privacy settings to restrict who can view their stories. If you’re not included, you’ll see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message.
To confirm, check the user’s Instagram profile for missing story highlights you used to see. If they’re gone, it means they’ve hidden their stories from you.
The User Changed to a Private Account
Another common reason for seeing the “This Story Is Unavailable” message is if the user switched their Instagram account to “Private.” When an account is private, the user may see “this story is unavailable.”, only approved followers can view their Instagram stories.
If you’re not an approved follower, you’ll see “This Story Is Unavailable” when trying to view a story.
They’ve Blocked You
If the person has blocked you, you’ll see “This Story Is Unavailable” when attempting to view the story. Being blocked means the user has limited your access to their profile and stories, preventing you from viewing their content.
You may notice a circle around their profile picture, indicating an unavailable story.
Instagram Removed the Story
Occasionally, Instagram might remove someone’s story. a story if it violates community guidelines or due to copyright issues. In such cases, users trying to see the story will see “This Story Is Unavailable.” Instagram does this to ensure a safe and respectful platform.
Weak Internet Connection
Sometimes, problems with your internet connection can cause the “This Story Is Unavailable” message. If your connection is slow, unreliable, or having problems, it may prevent Instagram from loading, so the user may see “this story is unavailable.” stories correctly.
Fixing your connection should solve the issue.
Issues with Instagram
Like any app, Instagram can have technical problems sometimes. These glitches can affect different features, like showing stories. If you see this error and think it’s because of a glitch, it’s best to wait and try again later. Instagram usually fixes these issues quickly.
Ways to Fix the “This Story Is Unavailable Instagram” Issue
If you see “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to fix it:
Delete Instagram’s Cache
As time passes, the Instagram app stores data that might cause issues. Deleting the app’s cache can refresh it and might fix the error. Here’s how to do it on iPhone and Android:
For Android Users
- Go to your phone’s “Settings.”
- Scroll down and choose “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find and tap on “Instagram.”
- Select “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
For iPhone Users
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Scroll down and select “Instagram.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
Log back into Your Instagram Account
It might seem odd, but sometimes, simply logging out and then logging back into your Instagram account can fix the issue! In many instances, this method works. Let’s see how to do it!
- Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture circle located at the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right corner to access Instagram “Settings.”
- Scroll down to find the “Log Out” option and tap on it.
- Confirm logging out, then log back in with your credentials.
- Check if the problem is solved.
Install the Latest Instagram App
Instagram often crashes if it’s not up to date. So, if Instagram keeps showing errors, the first step is to check for updates. To do this, go to the Google Play Store (on Android) or the App Store (on iPhone) and search for “Instagram.”
If you have the latest version, you won’t see an “update” option. But if an update is available, the user may see a story. available, tap on “update” to install it. Once updated, check if the error persists. This method usually fixes Instagram problems with older app versions.
Reload Your Instagram Feed
This is a quick and easy way to fix the error. Just scroll to the top of your Instagram feed, then swipe down to refresh the content. After refreshing, try opening the user’s story again to see a story. Is it still unavailable?
Conclusion
Seeing “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram can be disappointing, but this guide explains why it happens and how to fix it! Sometimes, the story simply disappears because the Instagram user deleted their story, making the story unavailable on Instagram.
Another reason a user’s story may become unavailable is if it expired. Another reason could also mean that the user blocked you or set their account to private, preventing you from seeing their stories on Instagram. Using the Instagram web version or app can sometimes be disrupted by technical issues.
If it’s not user-related, the error might be due to the story you’re trying to access. Instagram glitches. Simple fixes like logging out and back in or refreshing your feed can often resolve these issues. Always ensure you’re using the latest version of the app to see a story.
Instagram, as updating it can fix the error. Understanding why you see “This Story Is Unavailable” is crucial for a seamless Instagram experience. Now armed with this knowledge, you can confidently address the issue and enjoy uninterrupted browsing on Instagram!
FAQs
What does it mean when you see “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram?
It means you can’t access a user’s stories. There are various reasons for this, like the user deleting their story or it expiring. Glitches, full Instagram cache, or technical issues can also cause it. Updating the app might fix Instagram problems.
Can you recover a deleted story?
No, once deleted, a story is gone forever. Even the user who posted it can’t recover it. If you go to the story link, you’ll likely see “This Story Is Unavailable.”
What does it mean when a story has expired?
Instagram stories have a 24-hour lifespan from posting. When this time ends, the story expires and can’t be viewed anymore. The story disappears and won’t be available.
How can I tell if someone blocked me from viewing their story?
If you’re blocked, you’ll see “This Story Is Unavailable.” Also, check their profile for missing story highlights.
If there’s a circle around their profile picture but you’re unable to view the story, it likely means you’ve been blocked from seeing their stories. They may have blocked you from seeing posts or stories from specific users.
