Seeing “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram can be confusing. It could be a temporary glitch, an issue with your account settings, or a sign that the user restricted access to their story.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind this message and explore some troubleshooting steps to help you access the content you’re interested in.
Why You View “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram?
The Story Was Removed
This message can indicate that the user who posted the story deleted it before you could view it. Sometimes, Instagram detects a new story but the specific one is permanently deleted, even the user who posted it can’t access it anymore.
The Story Has Ended
Likewise, “This Story is Unavailable” appears when the story expires after 24 hours. Instagram allows stories to stay up for 24 hours, after which they vanish. Sometimes, this error occurs when stories expire and vanish.
The Story Is Concealed from You
Yes, sometimes if the user hides the story from you after uploading it, you may encounter a “Not Available” error. Instagram allows users to set privacy settings to restrict who can view their stories.
If you’re not included in the selected group, you’ll see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message. To confirm if this is the case, check the user’s profile for any vanished story highlights that you used to see. If they’re gone, it means they’ve hidden their content from you.
The User Changed to a Private Account
Another reason for seeing the “This Story Is Unavailable” message is if the user who posted the story switched their Instagram account to “Private.” In a private account, only approved followers can view stories.
If you’re not one of these approved followers, you’ll see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message when trying to view their content.
They’ve Blocked You
If the user has blocked you, you’ll see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message when trying to access their story. Being blocked means the user has limited your access to their profile and stories, preventing you from viewing their content.
The Story Was Removed by Instagram
Occasionally, Instagram might remove a story for violating its rules. In such cases, users trying to view the deleted story will see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message. Instagram does this to ensure a safe and respectful platform for users.
Weak Internet Connection
Sometimes, problems with your internet connection can cause the “This Story Is Unavailable” message.
If your internet is slow, unreliable, or having problems, it may prevent Instagram from loading stories correctly. In such situations, fixing your internet connection should solve the issue.
Issues with Instagram
Like any app, Instagram can have technical problems sometimes. These problems can affect different features, like showing stories.
If you see the “This Story Is Unavailable” message and think it’s because of a problem, it’s best to wait and try again later. Instagram usually fixes these issues quickly with updates or fixes.
How to Solve the “This Story Is Unavailable” Issue
If you see the “This Story Is Unavailable” error on Instagram, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to fix it:
Delete Instagram’s Cache
As time passes, Instagram 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:
For Users of Android
- Go to your phone’s “Settings.”
- Scroll down and choose “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find and click on “Instagram.”
- Select “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
For Users of iPhone
- 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 icon located at the bottom right.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right to access the “Settings” option.
- 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 you keep getting 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 there’s an update available, tap on “update” to install it.
Once the update is installed, check if the error persists. This method usually fixes the problem with older versions of Instagram.
Reload Your Instagram Feed
This is a quick and easy way to fix the error. Just scroll to the top of your Instagram feed in the app, then swipe down to refresh the content.
After refreshing your feed, try opening the user’s story again. Is it still unavailable?
Conclusion
Seeing “This Story Is Unavailable” on Instagram can be disappointing, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a guide on why it happens and how to fix it!
Sometimes, the story simply disappears because the user deleted it or it expired. In such cases, you just need to wait for Instagram to recognize the absence of the story.
Another reason could be that the user blocked you or set their account to private, preventing you from viewing their stories.
If it’s not user-related, the error might be due to 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 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 cache, or technical issues can also cause it.
Can you recover a deleted story?
No, once deleted, a story is gone forever. Even the user who posted it can’t recover it.
What does it mean when a story has expired?
Stories last for 24 hours from posting. When this time ends, the story expires and can’t be viewed anymore.
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, indicating you’ve been hidden.
What should I do for Instagram glitches?
Close and reopen the app or refresh the feed. Updating the app may also help fix glitches.
Can I still view a story if the user goes private?
No, unless you’re an approved follower. Follow them and wait for approval to view their story.
What if none of the fixes work?
Contact Instagram support or wait for an app update to fix the issue.
