If Instagram signs you out whenever your phone screen locks, something is interrupting how the app stores your login session. This usually isn’t an account problem — it’s almost always caused by a device setting, background restriction, or corrupted app data.
The quickest fix is to check battery optimization or background app limits first. On many phones, especially Android devices, aggressive power management clears app sessions when the screen turns off.
What’s Actually Happening
Instagram keeps you logged in using temporary authentication data stored locally on your device. When the system decides to shut down or reset the app in the background, that session disappears. When you reopen Instagram, it behaves as if you signed out manually.
This can happen after updates, storage cleanup, security changes, or even system features designed to save battery.
Fix Battery Optimization or Background Restrictions
This is the most common cause.
On Android:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps → Instagram.
- Tap Battery.
- Select Unrestricted or Allow background activity.
- Also check Battery Saver settings and exclude Instagram if possible.
Some brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Samsung add extra background controls. Look for options such as “Auto launch,” “Deep sleep apps,” or “Background limits.” Remove Instagram from those lists.
Check If the App Is Being Automatically Cleared
Phones sometimes remove app data to free memory when the screen turns off.
- Open Settings → Apps → Instagram.
- Tap Storage.
- Make sure options like Auto clear cache or device cleaner apps are not managing it.
If you use a third-party cleaner or security app, temporarily disable it and test again.
Clear Corrupted App Data
After updates, login tokens can break and repeatedly reset.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Instagram.
- Open Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache.
- If the problem continues, choose Clear Data (you’ll need to log in again once).
Open Instagram and sign in normally, then lock the screen and test.
Check Account Security Settings
If Instagram detects unusual login behavior, it may force session resets.
- Open Instagram → Settings and privacy.
- Go to Accounts Center → Password and security.
- Review Where you’re logged in.
- Log out of unknown devices.
Changing your password once can also refresh all sessions safely.
Update or Reinstall Instagram
Older builds occasionally fail to preserve sessions correctly.
- Update Instagram from the Play Store or App Store.
- If already updated, uninstall it.
- Restart your phone.
- Install the app again and log in.
One Practical Tip
If this started right after enabling aggressive battery saver mode, try turning that feature off for a day. Many users notice the logout issue disappears immediately once the system stops suspending background apps.
After adjusting background permissions or refreshing the app data, Instagram should remain logged in even when the screen locks.