The quickest way to get Instagram dark mode is to switch on dark mode in your phone’s settings. Instagram follows that setting on most iPhones and Android phones. Some versions of the app also have their own switch, and the website has one under the “More” menu.
This guide gives you the exact steps for iPhone, Android and computer, then shows how to schedule dark mode, fix it when it does not change, and turn it off again.
Quick Answer: Which Method Should You Use?
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings, tap Display & Brightness and choose Dark.
- Android phone: open Settings, tap Display and switch on Dark theme.
- Inside the Instagram app: if your version has it, look for a Dark mode, Theme or Appearance option in Settings and privacy.
- Computer or mobile browser: log in to Instagram, open the menu, choose Switch appearance and turn on dark mode.
Instagram updates its app often, and menu names can differ between versions, phone brands and regions. If a step does not match what you see, use the section on troubleshooting below.
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What Is Instagram Dark Mode?
Dark mode changes the app’s light background to black or dark grey, and the text to white or light grey. It does not change your photos, Reels or Stories. You can choose it for each device you use, so your phone and your laptop can have different settings.
How to Turn On Dark Mode on iPhone and iPad
On iPhone and iPad, Instagram generally follows the system appearance. You need iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 or later.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Under Appearance, tap Dark.
- Open Instagram. It should now use the dark theme.
This also changes other apps and the iPhone’s own screens. If you want a dark Instagram while keeping the rest of your phone light, check whether your version of the app has its own theme option (see the in-app method below). Not every version does.
How to Turn On Dark Mode on Android
On Android, Instagram generally follows your phone’s dark theme. You need Android 10 or later.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Display.
- Switch on Dark theme. Some phones call it Dark mode or Night mode.
- Open Instagram. It should now use the dark theme.
Menu names vary by brand. On Samsung, Xiaomi, Infinix, Tecno and other phones, the option may sit under Display, Display & brightness or a similar heading. Use the search bar at the top of Settings and type “dark” if you cannot find it.
How to Turn On Dark Mode Inside the Instagram App
Some versions of the Instagram app include their own appearance setting. If yours does, you can use dark mode on Instagram without changing your whole phone. The wording and position of the setting can change between versions, so use this as a guide.
- Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Look for Dark mode, Theme or Appearance, and choose On or Dark.
If you do not see any of these options, your version does not have the setting yet. Use your phone’s system setting instead, and update the app to see whether the option appears.
How to Turn On Dark Mode on a Computer or Mobile Browser
The Instagram website has its own dark mode switch, and the website does not always follow your computer’s setting.
- Go to instagram.com and log in.
- Click More at the bottom left of the screen. On mobile web, tap your profile picture and then the menu icon at the top.
- Choose Switch appearance.
- Turn on Dark mode.
Instagram’s Help Centre says you can turn dark mode on or off separately for each device you use. If you log in on a new browser or device, you may need to switch it on again there.
How to Schedule Dark Mode Automatically
You can set your phone to switch to dark mode at night and back to light in the morning. Instagram will follow the change.
- iPhone: go to Settings, then Display & Brightness. Turn on Automatic, tap Options and choose Sunset to Sunrise or a custom schedule.
- Android: go to Settings, then Display, and open the Dark theme settings. Many phones let you schedule it from sunset to sunrise or at set times.
If Instagram switches between light and dark when you do not expect it, a schedule or an automation on your phone is the most likely cause.
Why Use Dark Mode?
- Comfort in low light. A dark background can feel less harsh when you scroll in a dim room. It does not remove the need for rest or sensible screen brightness.
- Possible battery savings. On phones with OLED screens, dark pixels use less power. The saving is smaller or absent on other screen types.
- Personal preference. Many people simply like how photos and Reels stand out against a dark background.
If you read for long periods in bright light, light mode can be easier to read. Choose the one that suits your eyes and environment.
What to Do If Dark Mode Does Not Work
Try these fixes in order:
- Check your phone’s setting. Confirm dark mode or dark theme is switched on, and that it has not been overridden by a schedule.
- Close and reopen Instagram. Swipe the app away completely, then open it again.
- Update Instagram. Install the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Settings can appear or move after an update.
- Restart your phone. This clears temporary display glitches.
- Turn off battery saver or any theme app. Some power-saving modes and third-party themes interfere with dark mode.
- Log out and log back in. This can fix settings that failed to save.
- Try the browser version. If it works on instagram.com, the problem is with the app, and an update or reinstall may help.
If Instagram looks dark blue instead of black, that is usually a temporary display glitch. Updating the app or restarting your phone normally fixes it.
How to Turn Dark Mode Off Again
Reverse the steps you used. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Display & Brightness, and tap Light. On Android, switch off Dark theme in Display. In the browser, use More, then Switch appearance, and turn dark mode off. If your app has an in-app theme option, choose Light or System default there.
If you did not turn dark mode on yourself, check whether a schedule is active on your phone. Many phones enable dark theme automatically at night.
Tip for Businesses and Creators: Check How Your Profile Looks in Dark Mode
If you run a business or a creator account, many of your visitors will see your profile in dark mode. Take a minute to check:
- Your logo. A black logo on a transparent background can disappear on a dark screen. Use a solid background colour or a version that shows on both.
- Your Highlight covers. Make sure the icons and text are readable on both themes.
- Text in images. Dark text on a transparent graphic is hard to read in dark mode.
- Your bio. Keep the wording clear, and avoid long rows of decorative emojis that clutter the screen.
Open your own profile in both modes before you post a new logo or cover graphic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Instagram have a dark mode?
Yes. Instagram follows your phone’s dark theme on supported iPhones and Android phones, and the website has a Switch appearance option.
Why can’t I find a dark mode option in the Instagram app?
Your version may not include an in-app setting. On many phones, Instagram follows the system appearance, so switch on dark mode in your phone’s Display settings instead.
Which phones support Instagram dark mode?
It works with iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 and later, and with Android 10 and later. Older software may not support it.
Can I use dark mode on Instagram only, and keep my phone in light mode?
Only if your version of the app includes its own theme setting. If it does not, Instagram follows your phone’s appearance.
Does dark mode save battery?
It can on OLED screens. On other screen types, the difference is small. Screen brightness and usage time usually matter more.
Why did my Instagram switch to dark mode by itself?
Your phone may have a schedule that turns on dark theme at sunset or at a set time. Check your phone’s Display settings.
Is it safe to use apps that promise custom Instagram themes?
Be careful. Third-party apps that ask for your Instagram login can steal your account. Use only the built-in options, and never share your password, email password or two-factor code.
Final Thoughts
For most people, dark mode takes less than a minute to switch on. Use your phone’s Display settings first, check the app’s Settings and privacy menu for a theme option, and use More, then Switch appearance, on the website. If something does not work, update the app and restart your phone.
If you have questions about managing or growing your Instagram profile, you can contact the SociallyFame team at https://sociallyfame.com/contact/