Who helps you turn life’s lemons into lemonade? Often, it’s our best friends—the ones who stand by us, cheering us on and offering support. Instagram’s Close Friends feature now lets you celebrate these bonds privately. Instead of broadcasting every fun or intimate moment to all 1,000 followers, you can create a select list to share only with your closest friends.
While the Instagram Account Close Friends feature has gained popularity, it raises some questions. One common frustration is that some users wonder why they can’t access the feature. Let’s explore the reasons behind this.
Why Doesn’t My Instagram Account Have Close Friends?
Instagram’s Close Friends feature lets you share personal moments with a select group without any setup—it’s automatically available in your app. To build your Close Friends list, add people directly.
Here’s how:
- Open Instagram on your phone and log in.
- Tap Your Story at the top left of the screen.
- In the upper right corner, tap the Gear icon.
- On the next page, select Story.
- Navigate to the Close Friends tab and tap the (number) people option.
- Choose friends for your list by scrolling or using the search bar to find names.
- Tap Done to save.
Tip: Instagram doesn’t notify anyone about updates to your Close Friends list, which is visible only to you—so feel free to make changes anytime!
If you can’t access this feature, your app may lack the Close Friends option. Let’s explore why that might happen and how to fix it.
Read More: If I Mute Someone’s Story on Instagram, Can They Still See Mine?
Your Instagram needs an update.
Instagram launched its Close Friends feature in 2018, eight years after the app’s initial release. At first, some users couldn’t see it since it was still being tested. Eventually, with updates, the feature became available to all users.
If you still don’t see Close Friends on Instagram, a quick update may resolve the issue. Although it’s unlikely your app hasn’t been updated for years, it’s worth a try.
Here’s how:
- Open the Google Play Store or App Store on your device.
- Search for Instagram.
- If an Update option appears, tap it to install the latest version.
Once updated, open Instagram to check for the Close Friends feature.
Have you tried to log off Instagram?
Logging out of Instagram temporarily can often help resolve minor issues, giving your account a chance to reset. After a few minutes, log back in to see if the Close Friends feature is available again. If it’s still missing, try the additional methods below.
It’s high time you reinstall the app.
If the Close Friends feature is missing, reinstalling Instagram could help. When apps act up, reinstalling often resolves minor glitches. Here’s how to try it with Instagram:
Go to your phone’s menu, press and hold the Instagram app icon, then tap Uninstall to confirm.
Alternatively, open the Google Play Store or App Store, search for Instagram, and select Uninstall.
Once deleted, reinstall Instagram from the app store by searching for it and selecting Install. This fresh start may restore your Close Friends list.
Is your Instagram server causing the issue?
Instagram servers are known to go down unexpectedly, sometimes halting features like Reels and navigation. When #Instagramdown trends on Twitter, it’s usually a sign that the app has crashed globally.
In this case, there’s no immediate fix. Wait until Instagram’s servers are back online to access your Close Friends list again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see the Close Friends feature on my Instagram account?
If you don’t see the Close Friends feature, it may be due to an outdated app version, server issues, or account restrictions. Updating the app or logging out and back in might resolve the issue.
How can I enable the Close Friends feature?
You don’t need to enable it manually. The feature should appear automatically once you update Instagram to the latest version.
What should I do if updating doesn’t bring back Close Friends?
Try reinstalling the app. Delete Instagram, then download it again from your app store. This can reset app functions and possibly restore Close Friends.
Can a server outage affect the Close Friends feature?
Yes, during server downtime, some features may be temporarily unavailable. If you suspect an outage, check platforms like Twitter for updates.
Does Instagram notify users when they’re added to Close Friends?
No, Instagram doesn’t notify people when they’re added or removed from your Close Friends list. Only you can view the list.
Can I see someone else’s Close Friends list?
No, Close Friends lists are private, and only the list creator can see or edit it.
Conclusion
The absence of the Close Friends feature on your Instagram account can be attributed to several factors, including outdated app versions, temporary server issues, or account restrictions. Ensure your app is updated, log out and back in, or even reinstall Instagram to often resolve the issue.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that Close Friends lists are private and not visible to anyone else, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to your shared moments. If the feature is still missing, checking for broader server outages can provide clarity. With a few troubleshooting steps, you can enjoy the benefits of sharing personal moments with your closest friends on Instagram.