Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, attracting millions of users who spend a lot of time on it. Viewing stories of friends and family is an important part of staying updated with them on Instagram.

Sometimes, the โ€œThis story is unavailableโ€ error becomes frustrating, and it becomes more irritating with time. This article has mentioned the best and most effective methods to help you solve this problem permanently.

We have provided step-by-step guidance for each method to help you solve this problem. Without any further delay, letโ€™s start investigating the best ways to fix the โ€œThis story is unavailableโ€ error on Instagram.

What Does This Story Is Unavailable Error Means on Instagram?

If you are facing the โ€œThis story is unavailableโ€ error while viewing a story on Instagram, there could be many reasons behind this error. We have mentioned some of the most common reasons that can lead to this error.

  • Check your internet connection because low or unstable internet can cause this problem.
  • The story might have expired because it is only available for 24 hours. If someone tags you in a story and you open it after 24 hours, you may see a story is an unavailable error.
  • if youโ€™re trying to view a story of someone youโ€™re not following, you may get this message.
  • Sometimes, Instagramโ€™s servers can be down, which can also cause this problem.
  • The story may be for specific people; in that case, you will not be able to see that story.
  • Instagram itself may have removed the story for violating guidelines.
  • This can sometimes happen due to an Instagram bug or glitch.

How to Fix This Story is Unavailable Error on Instagram?

Here are the best methods to resolve the โ€œthis story is unavailableโ€ error on Instagram. Make sure you follow each step correctly to solve this problem.

1. Refresh the Feed

If you have been using Instagram for a long time without refreshing it, then this could be one of the reasons why you are facing this error.

Instagram sometimes shows posts that have expired or have been deleted by the user. You should refresh your feed to check if the story is still available.

You can access the feed by tapping and holding anywhere on the screen, scrolling down, and waiting for it to refresh properly. If the same story is still present, you can click on it to view it.

Refresh the feed

2. Restart the Instagram App

Sometimes, this is caused by a bug or glitch that can be resolved by restarting the Instagram app.

You just need to close the Instagram app from the recent apps list and then click on the Instagram icon to reopen it. Check if you can see the story. If it doesnโ€™t work, you can try another method.

3. Log out and Log in Instagram Account

Logging out and Back in to the Instagram app will refresh the session and clear the cache, which may help resolve the โ€œThis story is unavailableโ€ error. To do this, follow the below steps.

  1. Open the Instagram app and click on the Profile icon at the bottom right of the screen.
    Open the Instagram app and click on the Profile icon
  2. Click on the Hamburger icon and tap on the option Settings and Privacy.
    Click On Instagram settings
  3. Scroll down till the end and tap on the Log Out option. Then, click on Log Out again to confirm.
    Log Out Instagram account

Now login to your Instagram account and check if you can see the story.

4. Force Stop Instagram App

If the log-out and log-in methods do not work, you can try force-stopping the Instagram app. Force-stopping the Instagram app will solve the freezing or crashing problem, clear the appโ€™s cache, and start the app fresh.

  1. Press the Instagram app icon and select App info.
    select App info
  2. Click on the Force Stop option.
    Click on Force stop

After successfully force-stopping the Instagram app, reopen Instagram and check if you can now see the story.

5. Check From an Alternate Account

If you have another account, try logging in with that account to see if you can see the story. Sometimes, the story is unavailable, and an error can happen on specific accounts due to a bug. In such cases, trying with your alternate account may work until the issue with your main account is resolved.

6. Clear the Instagram Cache and Data

As we know, the App stores cache files to help us access them faster. However, sometimes it may store messed up files that cause problems with the app. Clearing the cache and data may fix the โ€œStory is unavailableโ€ error.

  1. Long-press the Instagram icon and click on App Info.
  2. Click on the Clear Data option and choose Clear cache and Clear data individually.
    Click on the Clear Data option and choose Clear cache and Clear data

7. Update Instagram App

If you use an older version of Instagram, you may face this error. Updates often come with improvements, and older versions may be missing some features or may restrict some processes. It is always recommended that your apps be updated to provide a better user experience.

  1. Go to the Google Play Store and search for Instagram.
  2. If you see an Update button next to the Instagram icon, click on it.
    Update instagram

8. Reinstall the Instagram App

If no update is available, uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app. This method can resolve this error because sometimes, due to bugs, Instagram may not run properly on the phone. Reinstalling the app may provide a fresh installation and solve the problem.

  1. Go to Google Play Store and search for Instagram. Then, click on the Uninstall button.
    Click on Uninstall button
  2. Now click on the Install button.
    Click on Install button

9. Use Third-Party Apps

If you want to see stories on Instagram, you can go with third-party websites that allow you to view stories from public accounts.ย  All you have to do is type the username of the person whose Instagram story you want to view, and it will show their story with a download link.

However, using third-party apps is not recommended due to security concerns. Similarly, using this type of website is not recommended by us because there is risk involved. So use them only at your own risk.

Visit Website

10. Report the Issue to Instagram

If nothing happens, even after trying all the methods, you can contact the Instagram team. Just report the problem to Instagram, and once they find out about it, theyโ€™ll surely fix it with an update. For those unsure how to report, please follow the steps below.

  1. Go to your Instagram and shake your phone until you see a pop-up window.
  2. Click on the Report a Problem button.
    Click on the Report a Problem button
  3. Tap on the Include and Continue option.
    Tap on the Include and Continue option
  4. lastly, explain the problem in detail and attach screenshots if possible then click on send.
    explain the problem in detail

Conclusion

These are the best ways to resolve the โ€˜This story is unavailableโ€™ error. I hope you have successfully resolved your issue and are now able to view stories. If you are still facing the issue, then just wait for the response from the Instagram team, as this is the best and last solution.

Please share this article with someone who needs it, and if you have any feedback for us, feel free to leave a comment below.