How to Turn On Dark Mode on Instagram

Use Instagram's dark mode to save energy and give your eyes a break

By
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Ontario
  • George Brown College
Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 16, 2021

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What to Know

  • iOS: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark. This setting affects all apps.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Display > Dark theme. Other apps will open in dark mode too.
  • Android Instagram app only: Go to your profile. Tap the menu icon > Settings > Theme > Dark.

This article explains how to turn on dark mode for Instagram on iOS and Android smart devices.

How to Turn On Instagram's Dark Mode on iOS

If you find yourself squinting and straining your eyes while looking at Instagram on your device, you might want to turn on dark mode on Instagram. Dark mode applies to all apps, not just Instagram.

Follow these instructions if you're using the Instagram app on an iPhone or iPad.

You should have the latest version of the Instagram app and your device must be updated to iOS 13 or later. Learn how to update your iPhone or your iPad.

  1. Tap your Settings app from the home screen.

  2. Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.

  3. Under Appearance, tap Dark.

    You should notice that the background of your screen goes dark and the text goes light.

    Enabling dark mode from your device's settings means that some other apps will appear dark as well—not just Instagram. If you want to enable dark mode just on Instagram, you'll have to sit tight and wait for this feature to be released on the Instagram app for iOS. It's currently only available for the Android version.

  4. Exit Settings and open the Instagram app.

    It should appear dark with light text.

    The steps to take to turn on Dark mode on iOS.

  5. To turn dark mode off, repeat steps one and two above, then select Light.

    Learn how to schedule dark mode to automatically turn on and off when you want to so you don't have to do it manually every day.

How to Turn On Instagram's Dark Mode on Android

Follow these instructions if you're using the Instagram app on an Android device. Turning dark mode on from your device's settings means that other apps will appear dark, too, in addition to Instagram.

You should have the latest version of the Instagram app and your device must be updated to Android 10. Learn how to update your Android OS.

  1. Access your device's Settings from the home screen (or from the All Apps screen, the Favorites bar, or the Quick Settings).

  2. Tap Display.

  3. Tap the Dark theme button.

    The background of your screen will go dark and the text will go light.

  4. Exit Settings and open the Instagram app.

    It should appear to be in dark mode.

    Steps to turn on Dark mode on Android.

  5. To turn dark mode off, repeat steps one and two above, then tap the Dark mode button to turn it off.

If you only want Instagram to be in dark mode, you can do this from the Android Instagram app by navigating to your profile, tapping the menu icon, tapping Settings, tapping Theme, and selecting Dark.

What Is Dark Mode on Instagram?

Instagram's dark mode is a darkened theme for the app's layout. Instead of a light background with dark text, which you see on the standard light theme, dark mode reverses it by making the background dark and the text light.

Dark mode is ideal for looking at Instagram in dark conditions, such as at night or in low light. It helps to reduce eye strain. You can also increase your screen brightness to as much as 100% in dark mode without draining your device's battery.

Dark mode only affects the background, the text, and some of the layout features (like buttons and icons) on Instagram. It won't alter any colors in the images or videos you see.

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