The Instagram service is one of the biggest social media platforms in the world today. There’s a lot of content management and resources poured by parent company, Meta to keep it stable. If you’re reading this, you probably own an Instagram account. Also, coming across this guide can only mean one thing, “an unknown network error has occurred” is the new problem limiting your use of the Instagram app.
This is an issue that is likely to pop up during an attempt to log in to your Instagram social media account. As the error message implies, it’s caused by a network problem, but the specific network error is unknown to users. That’s why we’ll cover what you can do about it in this guide.
How to Fix ‘An Unknown Network Error has Occurred’ Account Sign In Issue on Instagram App for Android or iOS
When you encounter the type of error that doesn’t seem to point you in any direction, it can be frustrating to brainstorm the next step. For this Instagram account authentication problem, we’ll go through some reliable fixes that have reportedly helped thousands of users.
Solution #1 – Restart your Smartphone
A simple restart sounds easy, but the type of effect it has on your device in the background is what makes it so effective. A full restart on your device allows it to essentially turn off any complex series of network requests. This also eliminates possible errors that may have risen from them.
- Restart your phone
- Open Instagram and enter your credentials
- See if the error persists
Solution #2 – Clear Instagram App Cache and Cookies Data
When the files stored in an app cache for Instagram is filled up, this error can emerge seemingly out of nowhere.
- Go to the Settings app on your device
- Find the Apps panel in Settings
- Go to Instagram and tap Storage
- Clear cache or Clear data if you don’t mind a quick re-login
- Open the app and see if the error persists
Solution #3 – Check your Internet Connection Service for Issues
Whether you’re on mobile data or WiFi, Instagram can bring up this error. Try switching to Mobile data if you’re on a WiFi connection or vice versa. Changing your connection, then attempting to log in will inform you if the problem is due to your current preferred connection method, saving you some time.
If your network is responsible, consider restarting your router or contacting your ISP for WiFi problems. On a mobile network, consider waiting it out or re-inserting your SIM card. You can also follow the steps below to reset your APN.
Solution #4 – Reset APN or Access Point Names on your Device Settings
As odd as it seems, your APN could be responsible for the turmoil with Instagram. An APN might suddenly stop working with the app, and if none of the earlier fixes have worked so far, it’s worth giving this a shot.
- Go to your Settings app
- Tap Connections or Wireless & Network
- Tap on Mobile Network and go to Access Point Names
- Select the three vertical dots at the top right corner
- Select the Reset to Defaults option and initiate a restart for your device
- Once restarted, login to Instagram to see if the issue persists
When Instagram suddenly starts behaving unnatural, the frustration is definitely one of the most inconvenient. With our suggested solutions, you shouldn’t have a difficult time finding the root of the problem and getting rid of it.
