Facebook and Instagram users across multiple countries are experiencing widespread disruptions on Friday, with thousands reporting problems accessing the Meta-owned platforms.
The issues began around 4.30pm Doha time, according to outage-tracking website Downdetector, which recorded a sharp rise in complaints.
Users reported that Facebook and Instagram feeds were either not loading or failing to refresh, while some also encountered login issues and difficulties accessing certain features. Reports emerged from several countries indicating the disruption was not limited to a specific region.
Many affected users turned to X and other platforms to check whether others were experiencing similar problems. While some said the websites remained accessible, others reported that the mobile apps were unable to load new content or refresh timelines.
The varying impact suggested the issue may be linked to Meta’s backend systems rather than individual internet connections or devices.
The outage also appeared to affect Facebook Messenger for some users, extending the disruption across Meta’s ecosystem of apps.
Meta has not yet issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage or when services would return to normal. Downdetector showed more than 100,000 reports related to Facebook alone, highlighting the scale of the disruption, while complaints about Instagram continued to fluctuate as more users reported issues.
Current reports suggest the problem is likely on Meta’s side, leaving affected users with little option but to wait for Meta to identify the issue and restore services. More details are expected once the company provides an update or functionality begins returning across its platforms.
---
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Qatar Living - the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Qatar.
Follow Qatar Living for daily updates:
Instagram - @qatarliving
X - @qatarliving
Facebook - Qatar Living
YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
