Can You Get Instagram on an Apple Watch?

The Lens app delivers a wrist-based Instagram experience

By
Rob LeFebvre
Rob LeFebvre
Rob LeFebvre
Associate Editorial Director, News
  • UCLA
  • California State University, Northridge

Rob LeFebvre is the Associate Editorial Director, News for Lifewire. He has been a technology writer for more than 12 years with articles appearing in 148Apps, Cult of Mac, Engadget, and more.

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Updated on February 7, 2021
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Pair the iOS device and Apple Watch. Next, download the Lens for Watch app on your iOS device. 
  • On the Lens app: Tap Login to Instagram > enter your Instagram log in information. On the Watch: Tap Lens on the Apps screen.
  • Lens for Watch allows you to comment on posts, view videos, search for users, etc. You can't upload a post, however.

In this article, you will learn how to use the Lens for Watch third-party app to bring Instagram scrolling, liking, commenting, searching, and more right to your wrist. The Lens for Watch app requires an iPhone or iPad iOS 12.0 or later, and a watchOS 4.0 or later.

Instagram Explore feed on Apple Watch via Lens
Lifewire / Rob LeFebvre

How to Get Instagram on Your Apple Watch

Make sure you've already paired your iPhone to your Apple Watch before downloading Lens for Watch. Lens for Watch has a free version, but some features are available only with its $1.99 Pro version.

  1. Download and install Lens for Watch on your iOS device, and then select Open to launch the app.

    Download and install Lens for Watch on your iOS device, and then select Open to launch the app.

    If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password.

  2. Tap Login to Instagram.

  3. Enter your Instagram login info and select Log In. You'll be taken to the Lens account screen.

    Log into Instagram via Lens to access Instagram on your Apple Watch

  4. Return to your Apple Watch and tap Lens from the apps screen to launch the application.

    Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to access the Apps screen.

    Apple Watch with Lens app highlighted

  5. Tap Home to see and scroll through your home feed.

  6. To like a post, tap the heart.

  7. To read a post's comments, tap the speech bubble.

    From the home feed, tap the heart to like a post or tap speech bubble to read comments

    At any time, navigate to the previous screen by tapping the arrow in the top left of the screen.

  8. To make a comment, tap the speech bubble, scroll down, and tap Add a Comment. You'll go to a screen with your comment options.

    To make a comment, tap the speech bubble, scroll down, and tap Add a Comment. You'll be taken to a screen with your comment options.

    Adding comments is a Lens Pro feature, so you'll need to upgrade to do this.

  9. Tap FlickType Keyboard to add a watch keyboard and type your comment. When finished, tap Done, and then tap Comment to add your comment.

    Tap FlickType Keyboard to add a watch keyboard and type your comment. When finished, tap Done, and then tap Comment to add your comment.

  10. Tap the microphone to add your comment with your voice, or tap the smiley face to add an emoji.

    Tap the microphone to add your comment with your voice, or tap the smiley face to add an emoji.

  11. Tap Stories to see the Instagram stories of people you follow.

    Tap Stories to see the Instagram stories of people you follow.

    You'll need to upgrade to Lens Pro to access Stories. Upgrade via your iPhone for $1.99.

  12. Tap Activity to see your account activity, such as any new followers, comment mentions, and tags.

    Tap Activity to see your account activity, such as any new followers, comment mentions, and tags.

  13. Tap Explore to go to Instagram's Explore page and see recommended posts based on your interests.

    Tap Explore to go to Instagram's Explore page and see recommended posts based on your interests.

    You'll need to upgrade to Lens Pro to access Explore. Upgrade via your iPhone for $1.99.

  14. Tap Messages to read direct messages.

    Tap Messages to read direct messages.

  15. Tap Profile to go to your profile page.

    Tap Profile to go to your profile page.

  16. Tap Search to search for a user, subject, or hashtag. Use the microphone or keyboard to enter your search term.

    Tap Search to search for a user, subject, or hashtag. Use the microphone or keyboard to enter your search term.

    Tap Tips to add a tip for the Lens developers, and tap Clear Cache anytime you want to reset the app.

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