Instagram Reels is a feature that allows users to create and discover short, entertaining videos.

Users can record and edit short multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools.

Reels can be shared with followers on the Feed and, if the account is public, can be discovered from the Reels section.

Users can select audio from the music library or use their own original audio.

Various editing tools like AR effects, timer, countdown, align, and speed control are available.

In some cases, an Instagram Reel might be unavailable when you try to watch it.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix the “This reel is unavailable” error on Instagram when Reels are not working.

Why is an Instagram Reel unavailable?

An Instagram Reel is unavailable because it’s either deleted by the user or taken down by Instagram due to violating the community guidelines.

Otherwise, Instagram is down and you need to wait for it to be back up before you can watch Reels again.

You can check if Reels are down by going to downdetector.com/status/instagram.

You can also search for the issue that you’re facing on Twitter and check the latest/top tweets.

How to fix “This reel is unavailable” on Instagram

To fix “This reel is unavailable” on Instagram, you can try downloading an older version of Instagram (Android) or downloading Instagram Lite (Android).

You can also try updating Instagram, restarting the app, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Fix 1: Download an older version of Instagram (Android only)

1. Delete the Instagram app from your Android device.
2. Go to https://instagram.en.uptodown.com/android/versions.
3. Select an older version of Instagram.
4. Select “Download” to download the APK.
5. Open the Instagram app and try watching a Reel.

Fix 2: Download Instagram Lite (Android only)

1. Open the Google Play Store App.
2. Search for “Instagram Lite”.
3. Download and open Instagram Lite.
4. Log in to Instagram and try watching a Reel.

Fix 3: Troubleshooting methods (Both Android and iOS)

• Restart the app: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen, navigate to the Instagram card, swipe up to close it, and reopen the app.
• Update Instagram: Open the App Store/Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and select “Update”.
• Uninstall and reinstall: Delete the Instagram app and reinstall it from the App Store/Google Play Store.
• Switch your network: If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data (and vice-versa).
• Wait for 24 to 48 hours: If Instagram is down, you need to wait for 24 to 48 hours (+/-) for Reels to work again.

Further reading

How to Fix “The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed” on Instagram

How to Fix “Sorry, this page isn’t available” on Instagram

How to Fix “This version of Instagram is no longer supported”