Fix Instagram 'Challenge Required' (Black Screen Loop)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You open Instagram, and instead of your feed, you see a blank white or black screen. Sometimes you catch a glimpse of a message saying 'Challenge Required' before it crashes. This is a security verification loop. Instagram's AI suspects you are a bot (or you logged in from a strange location) and is trying to load a CAPTCHA test, but the app is failing to display it properly.

Method 1: The Web Browser Bypass

The app is stuck, but the website usually works. You need to clear the security flag via a browser.

Step 1: Open Browser

On your phone (Chrome or Safari), go to instagram.com and log in.

Step 2: Complete the Challenge

The website will correctly load the CAPTCHA or SMS verification code that the app was failing to show. Enter the code.

Step 3: Re-open App

Once you are logged in on the web, close the browser and open the Instagram App. The 'Challenge' flag should be cleared.

Method 2: The Data Connection Toggle

If your WiFi IP address has been flagged for 'spam' behavior (common in dorms or public networks), Instagram blocks the load.

• Close Instagram completely.
• Turn off WiFi.
• Enable Cellular Data.
• Open Instagram. This forces the app to authenticate via your Carrier IP, which is more trusted.

Method 3: Offload App (iPhone) / Clear Data (Android)

If the 'Black Screen' persists, the temporary cache file storing your login token is corrupt.

Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Data.

iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram > Offload App. (Do not delete; offloading keeps your settings but refreshes the code).