Instagram On iPad Not Working, Cannot Post Stories? (Fix?)

instagram on ipad very small

Instagram on iPad very small


Instagram on iPad not working properly? You cannot post stories since updating to iPadOS 16? App is displayed very small and can’t be enlarged? Software is crashing every couple of minutes? You’re not the only one.

Instagram On iPad Not Working iPadOS 16

These problem has been initially reported by Karin:

“Instagram is no longer working on my iPad Pro 4th generation. It displays Instagram only very small. It cannot be enlarged. Also not with the new stage manager. I can no longer post stories. I can create them. But the button to post them is missing.”

confirmed by AH (iPad Pro 3, iPadOS 16):

“Lot of problems on instagram. I can not find post option to post my Story on instagram now. And the app is crashing every 3 to 4 mins on minute work.”

Are you also experiencing the same? We couldn’t replicate these issues on iPad (7th gen). If you’re experiencing the same please share it in the comments. Do mention your iPad model.

How To Fix Instagram Issues in iPadOS 16

Instagram on iPad is available via the iPhone app. Meta hasn’t released, to this date, an Instagram app for iPad. However, up to the iPadOS 16 update, the app could be enlarged via a zoom-in button available in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

That doesn’t seem to be available anymore. More the resolution mismatch is causing the Post Stories button not to show up, thus making it impossible for users to post a new story.

The solution could be provided by Meta, with an app update for Instagram that corrects this problem or by an upcoming iPadOS 16 software update. So, check the App Store (direct link) for a new version.

(Update, November 17)

Temporary Fix For Unable To Post Instagram Story On iPad

Brian informed us that he was able to post story in Instagram while running iPadOS 16 after tweaking the Display Zoom setting. Here is how to:
larger text size ipados 16

  • Open Settings and go for Display & Brightness.
  • Tap on Text Size.
  • Use the knob to text a larger text size.
  • Return to Instagram and try to post a story. Does the Post Story option show up now?
  • Fact: Even bigger text is available in Settings -> Accessibility -> Display & Text Size -> Larger Text (Larger Accessibility Sizes).

(Update, January 7)
King Cobra has provided a similar troubleshooting routine:

  • 1. Go for Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Display Zoom -> Select “Larger Text”.
  • 2. Story post button should show up now because Instagram screen size is bigger.
  • 3. To make font and home screen look normal, decrease font size and turn off “Use large home icon”. This way home screen and icons will look like they are on a standard mode.

Workaround for Instagram Issues On iPad

An option is to access your Instagram account via Safari.

However, the web version also comes with a few shortcomings:
– Instagram stories cannot be created in the web version.
– Comments below the post can’t be read.

Workaround 2 for Instagram Post Story Not Available

  • The Post Story button shows up if you select multiple items to be included in a story.
  • Add any other image alongside the main media.
  • After that, delete the extras and keep only the photo or video that you really wanted to post.
  • Thanks Carolina for this tip.

Workaround 3 for Instagram Post Story Missing on iPad

  • 1. Download Meta Business Suite on iPad, from the App Store. (direct link)
    meta business suite download on ipad
  • 2. Log-in with your Facebook account.
  • 3. Confirm that you want to manage your Instagram account too.
  • 4. Allow access to Instagram meessages in inbox.
  • 5. Tap the + icon and choose Story. Create a story and select your Instagram account as source for posting!
    post story on instagram from ipad via meta business suite
  • Does this help? Have you managed to find a better workaround for these Instagram problems on iPad? Do you have other problems to report? Share your feedback in the comments.

    Related: For more iPadOS 16 issues and their available workarounds check our extended review.