9 Best Solutions to Fix Instagram Effects and Filters Not Working
Instagram offers a wide range of filters and effects that can add charm and excitement to your photos and stories. But what do you do when these filters suddenly stop working? Users often complain about problems with filters or Instagram not saving stories to camera roll. Don't panic! There are several ways to fix the issue of effects and filters not working on Instagram for both Android and iPhone users.
1. Restart Your Phone
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to restart your phone. This can resolve minor app issues that may be causing problems with filters or effects. Simply switch off your Android phone or iPhone, then turn it back on again.
2. Update the Instagram App
If restarting the app doesn't bring back the filters, try updating the Instagram app. Sometimes, filters or effects may not work due to bugs in the app itself. Updating the app should fix these issues.
To update the Instagram app, open the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone), search for Instagram, and tap on the “Update” button next to the app. After updating, restart your phone, and hopefully, the filters will be back on Instagram.
3. Clear Cache (Android)
If filters and effects aren't working on your Android phone, you can try clearing the cache for the Instagram app. This will remove temporary files without affecting your Instagram data or personal files on your phone.
To clear the cache for the Instagram app, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to Apps, then Instagram.
- Tap on Storage and hit the Clear cache button.
- Restart the phone.
4. Log Out From the App
Another simple fix is to log out from your Instagram account. This has helped many users resolve the issue of filters not working.
To log out from your Instagram account, follow these steps:
- In the Instagram app, tap on the profile picture icon at the bottom-right corner to go to the profile screen.
- Tap on the three-bar icon at the top and select Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Log out.
- Restart the phone, then log in again to your account.
5. Check Location Permission
Many Instagram effects are location-based, so they may not work in certain locations or when there are issues with getting your accurate location. To fix this, check and adjust your location permission settings.
Change Instagram Location Permission on Android
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Go to Apps, then Instagram.
- Tap on Permissions and select Location.
- Choose Don't allow if location is allowed, or select Allow only while using the app if Don't allow was previously selected.
- Restart your Android phone.
Change Instagram Location Permission on iOS
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Instagram, then Location.
- Select Never if While using the app is selected, or choose While using the app if Never is selected.
- Restart your iPhone.
Note: In some cases, Instagram filters may be disabled in certain locations due to facial recognition laws. Using a VPN to connect to the internet on your phone may help in such situations.
6. Grant Face and Hand Effects Permission
In the latest versions of the Instagram app, you may need to grant face and hand effects permission to use Instagram effects properly. If you haven't done so already, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile screen.
- Tap on the three-bar icon and select Settings > Privacy.
- Scroll down and tap on Face and hand effects.
- Enable the toggle next to Allow face and hand effect.
7. Add Filter from Someone Else's Profile
If you're experiencing issues with a particular filter or effect on Instagram, try adding it from someone else's profile.
- Open a story that is using the effect you want to use.
- Tap on the effect name below the username.
- Choose Try it to use it in your Instagram story or Save effect to store it for later use.
Tip: To explore a large collection of Instagram effects, swipe to the far left of the effects section in stories and tap on the magnifying glass icon.
8. Free up Storage Space on Your Phone
Sometimes, Instagram effects may not work properly due to insufficient storage space on your phone. Try freeing up storage space by uninstalling unused apps, clearing trash, and storing photos and videos in cloud services.
9. Re-install the Instagram App
If the above methods don't solve the issue, you can try re-installing the Instagram app. Uninstall the app first and then install it again.
To uninstall the Instagram app on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram. Tap on Uninstall.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap on Instagram, and hit the Delete app button.
Pro Tip: You can also touch and hold the Instagram app icon in the App Drawer (Android) or App Library (iPhone) and select Uninstall.
Now that you've resolved the issue and filters are working again on Instagram, explore the best Instagram filters to enhance your photos and stories. If Instagram filters don't meet your expectations, you can always use Snapchat filters and share the image or video on Instagram. Don't forget to check out the best face swap apps as well!

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