Instagram Links Not Opening in App? Here’s How to Fix It

Many users have been facing a frustrating issue lately: Instagram links are not opening in the app. Instead of opening directly inside Instagram, links in bios, stories, or even from other apps like Facebook are opening in browsers like Chrome or Firefox. This problem has been reported across multiple devices, including the iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Google Pixel 8, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Fix Instagram Links Not Opening in App? 2025

If you’ve recently upgraded to a new phone and are running into this issue, here are some solutions that have worked for others.

Common Fixes for Instagram Links Not Opening : iPhone / Android

1. Check Instagram’s “Open by Default” Settings

Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Open by Default.
Make sure “Open Supported Links” is enabled.
Scroll down and select Add Link. Turn on all supported web addresses.

Some users noticed that certain options like www.instagram.com kept turning off automatically. If that happens, continue with the next fixes.

2. Reinstall Instagram

Several users solved the issue simply by uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram.

On devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, this reset fixed the link-handling bug immediately.
After reinstalling, links began to open properly within the Instagram app.

3. Adjust Default Apps on Android

On some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the solution was found in default app settings:

Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Opening Links.
Make sure “Open Links in Apps” is toggled on.
Scroll down to Instagram and ensure all supported addresses are toggled on.

4. Disable Meta App Manager Defaults

Search for Meta App Manager in your system settings.
Turn off all default links under this app.
Then go back to Instagram settings and enable all supported links.

This ensures that Instagram itself (not Meta App Manager) handles its links.

Final Thoughts

The issue of Instagram links not opening directly in the app seems to be a bug with Android link handling that affects different models like the Pixel 8, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

The most reliable fix so far has been to uninstall and reinstall Instagram, followed by re-checking “Open by Default” settings.

If you’re still stuck, try disabling Meta App Manager defaults and double-checking default app permissions.

Hopefully, Instagram or Android will roll out a permanent fix soon, but until then, these steps should help you get back to using Instagram links the way they were meant to work.