How to Fix “Sorry we couldn’t update your profile picture” on Instagram?

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Written by: Alex Popa

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How to Fix “Sorry we couldn’t update your profile picture” on Instagram?

Here’s how to fix the “Sorry we couldn’t update your profile picture” on Instagram:

  1. Try changing your profile picture from your computer browser
  2. Switch between WiFi and Mobile Data on your phone
  3. Update Instagram on your phone

This error has been getting out of hand recently, with more and more people reporting it on social media and forums (this is what happens when Facebook and Zuckerberg buy up all the good apps…).

Disclaimer – these solutions may not solve the issue for you because this is largely an Instagram issue, not a “you” problem.

But it’s worth trying out a few quick solutions. Maybe you won’t have to wait for Instagram to patch things.

In any case, below you’ll find a step-by-step guide on solving this problem, screenshots include, so keep reading!

Also, check out my related guide on how to fix the “Instagram Music No Results Found” Instagram error.

Change Your Profile Picture from a PC Browser

I’ll start things simple – try changing your profile picture on Instagram from a PC browser. For some reason, this solution has been proven quite effective.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on “Profile

Instagram website on a computer where the "Profile" icon is highlighted in red
Instagram website on a computer where the “Profile” icon is highlighted in red

After opening Instagram on your computer, look to your left and find the “Profile” button on the side menu. Click on it to open your profile page.

2. Tap on your profile picture

Instagram on a computer showing the profile page where the profile picture is highlighted in red
Instagram on a computer showing the profile page where the profile picture is highlighted in red

Once you’re on the profile page, find your profile picture on the left side, next to your username, and click on it.

3. Select a new profile picture

Windows Explorer showing the new profile picture, and the "Open" button highlighted
Windows Explorer shows the new profile picture, and the “Open” button highlighted

Now, a Windows Explorer window will open, prompting you to select a new profile picture. Do that and click “Open” in the bottom-right corner of the window.

4. Check out your new profile picture

Instagram profile page showing the new profile picture applied on your account
Instagram profile page showing the new profile picture applied to your account

Now, see if Instagram lets you change the profile picture. It does? Then, well done, you don’t need the rest of the guide

But if it still doesn’t work, then keep reading…

Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data

Perhaps your internet speed is too low, and it’s interfering with some of Instagram’s processes. Switching between WiFi and Mobile Data may solve this problem.

Follow the steps below to do this:

1. Pull down from the top of the screen

Android phone showing an arrow pointing down from the top of the screen, and the message "Pull Down" next to it
Android phone showing an arrow pointing down from the top of the screen and the message “Pull Down” next to it. it

To switch between WiFi and Mobile Data, you’ll have to open the Shortcut Menu (pull down from the top of the screen).

2. Switch between WiFi and Mobile Data

Android Quick Menu showing the Mobile Data and WiFi options highlighted in red
Android Quick Menu showing the Mobile Data and WiFi options highlighted in red

Once you’re inside the Shortcut Menu, locate the WiFi and Mobile Data options and switch between them (they should be at the very top of the menu).

Any changes to your Instagram profile picture? If not, read on!

Update Instagram on Your Phone

I have one last solution for you – update Instagram. If this doesn’t work, and you’ve already tried clearing the cache and reinstalling Instagram, there’s nothing you can do.

Wait for Instagram to come up with a patch, or send them a message and tell them about your problem.

Follow the steps below to update Instagram on your phone:

1. Open the Play Store

Android phone app list showing the Play Store app highlighted
Android phone app list showing the Play Store app highlighted

Begin by opening the Play Store from your app list (see the screenshot above).

2. Search for Instagram

Play Store app where the search bar at the top is highlighted in red
Play Store app where the search bar at the top is highlighted in red

Once you’re on the Play Store, use the search bar at the top to look for Instagram.

3. Update Instagram

Instagram official page on the Play Store where the "Open" button is highlighted in red
Instagram official page on the Play Store where the “Open” button is highlighted in red

After finding Instagram, select it, and you should be taken to the official Play Store page for Instagram.

Once you’re there, you should see the “Update” button in green in the top-right corner. If it’s not there, then there are no updates to install.

If there are, tap “Update” and wait for the updates to finish installing.

Once you’re done, try updating your profile picture again. Does it work, or are you still getting the “Sorry, we couldn’t update your profile picture” error?

If the error is still there, I recommend contacting Instagram and letting them know about it. Wait for a reply and see if they can solve it.

How Can I Report This Problem to Instagram?

Just because the previous solutions didn’t work doesn’t mean I’ll leave you hanging. At least, I should show you how to contact Instagram more quicker:

1. Tap your profile picture

Instagram feed page showing your profile picture highlighted in the bottom-right corner
Instagram feed page showing your profile picture highlighted in the bottom-right cor. ner

We’ll get through this fast. The first step is opening your Instagram profile page. Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to get there.

2. Tap on the Menu icon

Instagram profile page showing the Menu icon highlighted in top-right corner
Instagram profile page showing the Menu icon highlighted in the top-right corner

After opening your profile page, tap on the Menu icon in the top-right corner. This will open a menu at the bottom of the profile page.

3. Select “Settings

Instagram profile page showing a menu at the bottom of the page where the "Settings" option is highlighted in red
The Instagram profile page shows a menu at the bottom of the page where the “Settings” option is highlighted in red

As soon as you open the menu at the bottom of your profile page, choose the “Settings” option and proceed with the guide!

4. Select “Help

Instagram Settings page showing the "Help" option selected
Instagram Settings page showing the “Help” option selected

After opening the Settings page on your Instagram profile, scroll down until you find the “Help” option and select it.

5. Select “Report a problem

Instagram "Help" page where the "Report a problem" option is highlighted in red
Instagram “Help” page where the “Report a problem” option is highlighted in red

After you open the “Help” page, you should see several options, including:

  • Report a problem
  • Account Status
  • Help Center
  • Privacy and security help
  • Support Requests

Select “Report a problem” and you’re nearly there!

6. Select “Report a problem” again

Instagram "Help" page showing the "Report a problem" option highlighted in a notification
Instagram “Help” page showing the “Report a problem” option highlighted in a notification

After you select the “Report a problem” option, Instagram will send a notification asking you to shake your phone when you notice the issue.

Uncheck the “Shake phone to report a problem” option and select “Report a problem” to skip this.

7. Include or don’t include logs

Instagram "Report a problem" page where the "Include and continue" and "Don't include and continue" options are highlighted in red
Instagram “Report a problem” page where the “Include and continue” and “Don’t include and continue” options are highlighted in .red

Nearly there…

On this page, Instagram will ask you if you want to include any logs and diagnostics for your device so that they can better help solve your issue.

I recommend sending them the logs but if you’re not okay with that, select the “Don’t include and continue” button.

8. Explain your issue and select “Send.”

Instagram "Report a problem" page where you can explain your problem, and the "Send" option is highlighted
Instagram “Report a problem” page, where you can explain your problem, and the “Send” option is highlighted.

This is it – on this page, you can explain the problem you’re experiencing and send Instagram a report.

Write something along the lines of “Hey! I currently can’t update my profile picture because I get an error. I tried reinstalling, updating, clearing the cache, and nothing works. Can you help me? Thanks!

You’ll need to wait for Instagram to reply within a few hours or 1-3 business days.

Ahh, and that’s it. Finally right?

Why does Instagram have to make this so complicated? Meh, I guess that’s just how it is.

Trust me, my friends, this is also very annoying for me as well…

And if you have reached this far down in this article, you may as well also check out my guide on fixing the “Confirm it’s You to Login” Insta error.

Did you manage to fix the problem by using my guide? Leave me a comment below!

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Alex Popa

My name is Alex and I have a knack for social media in all its shapes and forms. I’ve dealt with such things for quite some time and I noticed that many people have issues with social media and technicalities.

Unforeseen errors, bugs, and other problems make their use of social media problematic. These things will be discussed amply in the guides on Whizcase.

I'll present the facts as they are, and offer quick and easy solutions for them.

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