Instagram stories are a fantastic way to connect with your followers—whether you’re sharing a quick life update, promoting a project, or giving a shoutout to a friend.
One of the coolest features? The ability to mention other users, letting them repost your story and amplifying your reach. But what happens when the “Add Mentions” option vanishes from your app? If you’ve been scratching your head over this, you’re not alone.
It’s a common frustration, and I’m here to walk you through why it’s happening and how to fix it—step by step, with a sprinkle of insider know-how.
Let’s dive in and get that mentions feature back where it belongs.
Why Is the Add Mentions Option Missing?
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Before we fix the problem, it’s worth understanding why it’s gone AWOL in the first place. Instagram’s interface isn’t static—it evolves with updates, and sometimes those changes throw users for a loop. Here are the most likely culprits:
- Instagram Moved the Button (Again)
Instagram loves tweaking its layout. A while back, you could mention someone by tapping the three dots on a posted story and selecting “Add Mentions.” Now? They’ve shifted it to a more streamlined spot—a little “@” (Mention) icon at the bottom of your story screen after it’s posted. If you’re still hunting for the old method, that could be why you’re stumped. - Your App Needs an Update
Running an outdated version of Instagram is like trying to watch a 4K movie on a flip phone—it just doesn’t work smoothly. New features (or relocated ones) only show up if you’re on the latest version. - A Glitch in the Matrix
Apps aren’t perfect. A temporary bug could be hiding the option, especially after a big update or if your phone’s cache is clogged with old data. - Account Restrictions or Settings
If your account is private or your mention settings are locked down, Instagram might limit who you can tag—or even hide the option altogether. - Regional Rollouts
Instagram often tests features in specific regions before going global. If the mention feature got a facelift, it might not have hit your area yet.
Sounds frustrating, right? Don’t worry—most of these have straightforward fixes. Let’s tackle them one by one.
How to Fix Add Mentions Option Not Showing on Instagram
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. I’ve broken this down into actionable steps based on real-world solutions that have worked for countless users. Let’s get started.
1. Check the New Location First
Instagram’s design team has a habit of playing hide-and-seek with features. As of early 2025, the “Add Mentions” option isn’t tucked away in the three-dot menu anymore. Here’s what to do:
- Post a story (a quick photo or video will do).
- Tap your profile picture to view it.
- Look at the bottom of the screen. See a little “@” icon next to options like “Say Something” or the heart? That’s your new Mention button.
- Tap it, type the username (e.g., @bestfriend123), and hit “Add.”
If you see the “@” and it works, congrats—you’ve just been out of the loop on Instagram’s latest redesign! If it’s still missing, keep reading.
2. Update Your Instagram App
This one’s a no-brainer but often overlooked. An outdated app is the root of many Instagram woes. Here’s how to check:
- iPhone Users: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to see if Instagram has an “Update” button.
- Android Users: Head to the Google Play Store, search “Instagram,” and hit “Update” if it’s available.
Once updated, restart the app and test the Mention feature again. Fun fact: Instagram rolls out over 100 updates a year—small tweaks and big overhauls alike—so staying current is key.
3. Clear the Cache (Android) or Reinstall (iPhone)
Sometimes, the app’s memory gets cluttered with junk data, causing features to misbehave. Think of it like a messy desk—you can’t find anything until you tidy up.
- Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache.
- This won’t delete your account or posts, just the temporary files.
- Check the Mention option again.
- iPhone:
- iOS doesn’t let you clear cache directly, so uninstall and reinstall instead.
- Hold the Instagram icon, tap “Remove App,” then download it fresh from the App Store.
I’ve seen this fix work wonders for friends who thought their app was “broken.” It’s like giving Instagram a clean slate.
4. Mention Before Posting (A Workaround)
If the post-story Mention option is still MIA, try adding mentions before you hit publish. Here’s how:
- Create your story—snap a pic or record a video.
- Tap the text tool (the “Aa” icon).
- Type “@” followed by the username (e.g., @johndoe). Instagram will suggest accounts as you type.
- Post the story.
The username will appear on the story itself, and the tagged person gets a DM notification. It’s not the same as the post-posting “Add Mentions,” but it gets the job done. I use this trick when I’m in a rush—it’s quick and reliable.
5. Check Your Account Settings
Your privacy settings might be throwing a wrench in the works. Let’s double-check:
- Go to your profile > Menu (three lines) > Settings > Privacy > Mentions.
- Make sure it’s set to “Everyone” or “People You Follow” (depending on your preference).
- If it’s on “No One,” you’ve just found the culprit—switch it and test again.
Also, if your account is private, some features behave differently. Switching to public temporarily might reveal the option (though most users shouldn’t need to do this).
6. Look for Server Issues or Regional Delays
Instagram’s servers aren’t infallible. If they’re down—or if a feature update hasn’t reached your region—it could explain the disappearance.
Visit a site like Downdetector.com and search “Instagram” to see if others are reporting outages. If it’s a widespread issue, sit tight; it’ll resolve itself soon.
For regional delays, there’s no quick fix—just patience. Instagram rolled out Stories globally in 2016, but some features took months to hit every country. Mentions tweaks could follow a similar pattern.
7. Contact Instagram Support
If all else fails, it’s time to call in the cavalry. Instagram’s support isn’t always lightning-fast, but they can spot account-specific bugs. Here’s how:
- Profile > Menu > Settings > Help > Report a Problem.
- Describe the issue (“Add Mentions option not showing after posting stories”) and submit.
A friend of mine once had a glitch where none of her story options loaded—support fixed it in a week. Be patient, but persistent.
Real-Life Examples: What Worked for Others
To give you some confidence, here’s what I’ve seen in action:
- Sarah’s Story: Sarah, a small business owner, panicked when she couldn’t mention her collaborators. Turns out, she was on an app version from six months ago. One update later, the “@” icon popped up, and she was back in business.
- Mike’s Glitch: Mike cleared his Android cache after weeks of missing features—not just Mentions, but stickers too. It was like flipping a reset switch.
- Reddit Wisdom: A thread from early 2025 on r/Instagram showed dozens of users discovering the new “@” button after days of confusion. One user even posted a screenshot—proof the change caught many off guard.
These aren’t just theories; they’re fixes that real people swear by.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Headaches
Once you’ve got Mentions back, keep it smooth sailing with these habits:
- Update Regularly: Set your app store to auto-update so you’re never behind.
- Test After Updates: Instagram loves surprises—check your features after each update to spot changes early.
- Backup Workarounds: Master the pre-posting “@” trick as a fallback. It’s a lifesaver when the app acts up.
Related: The Front Cheats and Console Commands
Wrapping It Up: You’ve Got This
Losing the Add Mentions option can feel like Instagram’s playing a cruel joke, but it’s usually a simple fix. Whether it’s a sneaky redesign, an outdated app, or a stubborn glitch, you now have a toolkit to tackle it.
Start with the basics—check the new “@” spot and update your app—then dig deeper if needed. Before you know it, you’ll be tagging friends, collaborators, or that influencer you’ve been dying to connect with.
Instagram’s quirks keep us on our toes, but they’re no match for a little know-how. So, go post that story, mention your crew, and watch the magic happen. Have you run into this issue before? Drop your experience below—I’d love to hear what worked for you!