Instagram Stops Auto-Refreshing Videos
Morphic Research

Instagram has recently made a significant change to its app by stopping the automatic refresh of videos while users are watching them. This update addresses a common user complaint about the 'rug pull' effect, where videos would suddenly disappear and be replaced by new content as soon as the app was opened. This change is aimed at improving the user experience by allowing viewers to finish watching videos without interruption , .

How to Stop Auto-Refreshing on Instagram

For users who want to manage their Instagram settings further, here are some steps to stop auto-refreshing on both Android and iOS devices:

  1. Disable Background Data Refresh:

    • On iOS: Go to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Background App Refresh'. Find Instagram and toggle off the switch.
    • On Android: Go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Data Usage' > 'Mobile Data Usage'. Select Instagram and turn off 'Allow Background Data Usage' , .
  2. Clear Cache and Data:

    • This can help stop auto-refreshing by clearing stored data that might be causing the issue. Go to 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'Instagram' > 'Clear Cache' and 'Clear Data' .

Visual Insights

Instagram Auto-Refresh Issue The image above illustrates a smartphone screen displaying a profile with a "Couldn't refresh feed" message, highlighting the issue related to Instagram's functionality.

Instagram Settings This image shows the settings menu with options for network and internet connections, which can be adjusted to manage Instagram's data usage and refresh settings.

These changes and tips should help users have a smoother experience on Instagram, allowing them to enjoy content without unexpected interruptions.