One of the most common complaints from users in Iran is simple: the VPN shows connected, yet Instagram keeps spinning, refuses to load the feed or shows "Couldn't refresh feed". Usually the problem is not the VPN alone but one of a handful of things between the app, the phone and the network. Work through the list below in order.
1. Check that traffic actually passes
A connected icon only means a tunnel was set up. Open instagram.com in your browser with the VPN on. If the website loads but the app does not, the tunnel works and the problem is on the app side. If the website does not load either, the tunnel is not carrying traffic and you should look at the connection first: switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or try another server.
2. Force-stop Instagram after connecting
Instagram keeps connections open in the background. If it started before the VPN, it may keep trying the old, blocked route. Go to Settings → Apps → Instagram → Force stop, then open it again with the VPN already on. This single step fixes a surprising number of cases.
3. Look at Android's Private DNS
Under Settings → Network → Private DNS, a custom DNS provider that is itself blocked can break name lookups even when the VPN is connected. Set it to Automatic or Off and test again.
4. Clear the cache, not your data
Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage → Clear cache removes stale files without logging you out. Avoid "Clear data" unless you know your password and have two-factor access, because you will have to log in again.
5. Expect security checks, not bans
Instagram sees the VPN server's IP address, often in another country or a data centre. It may ask you to confirm your identity or show "Try again later". That is a security check, not a block of your account. Confirm the login and avoid switching servers many times in a short period.
6. One VPN at a time
Android allows only one active VPN. A second VPN or an "accelerator" app can silently take over. Remove or disable other VPN apps and check Settings → Network → VPN.
Where RealGram fits
RealGram's Freedom connection uses VLESS with Reality transport, built into the same app as messaging. Like every VPN, whether it works depends on your network and the server; the steps above apply to it too. You can install it from the official APK.