How to Turn on Dark Mode on Instagram?
Dark mode isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer. It’s sleek, stylish, and easier on the eyes, especially in low-light environments. Whether you’re a night owl scrolling through reels or just someone who prefers a darker aesthetic, enabling dark mode on Instagram can enhance your browsing experience. But here’s the question: how to turn on dark mode on Instagram? That’s exactly what we’re about to break down, step by step.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to enable dark mode on Instagram across different devices, troubleshoot any issues, and maximize the benefits of this feature.
What Is Instagram’s Dark Mode?
Dark mode is a display setting that switches Instagram’s usual bright interface to a darker color scheme. Instead of blinding white backgrounds, you get a sleek black or dark gray theme. This feature is not only visually appealing but also offers practical benefits:
- Reduces Eye Strain – Especially useful when browsing at night.
- Saves Battery Life – On OLED and AMOLED screens, dark mode consumes less power.
- Enhances Aesthetics – Many users find dark mode more visually appealing.
Now, let’s get into the how-to part.
How to Turn on Dark Mode on Instagram (Step-by-Step)
The process of enabling dark mode varies depending on whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, or a desktop. Below are detailed steps for each platform.
On iPhone (iOS 13 and Later)
- Open the Settings App on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.
- Under “Appearance,” select Dark mode.
- Open Instagram—the app will automatically switch to dark mode.
Alternative Method: You can also enable dark mode from the Control Center:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen.
- Press and hold the brightness slider.
- Tap the Dark Mode icon to toggle it on.
On Android (Android 10 and Later)
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Navigate to Display.
- Tap Dark Mode or Dark Theme (depending on your device model).
- Open Instagram, and the app will reflect the dark theme.
For some Android versions, you may need to enable dark mode within the Instagram app:
- Open Instagram.
- Tap your Profile Icon (bottom right).
- Tap the Menu (☰) in the top right.
- Select Settings > Theme.
- Choose Dark to enable dark mode.
On Desktop (Web Version)
Instagram’s web version doesn’t have a built-in dark mode option, but there’s a workaround:
- Open Instagram.com in a browser.
- If you’re using Google Chrome, install a Dark Mode Extension (like “Dark Reader”).
- Toggle the extension on, and Instagram will appear in dark mode.
What If Instagram Dark Mode Isn’t Working?
Sometimes, dark mode doesn’t activate as expected. Here’s how to fix it:
1. Update Your Instagram App
- Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for Instagram and tap Update if available.
2. Check Your Device’s Dark Mode Setting
- Ensure your phone’s system-wide dark mode is enabled.
3. Restart the Instagram App
- Close and reopen Instagram to refresh the settings.
4. Clear Cache (Android Users Only)
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache and restart the app.
5. Reinstall Instagram
- Uninstall the app and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Should You Use Instagram Dark Mode?
Absolutely! Whether you’re looking to reduce eye strain, save battery, or simply enjoy a sleeker aesthetic, dark mode is a great option. The best part? It’s easy to enable across iOS, Android, and even desktop (with extensions).
If you haven’t tried it yet, follow the steps above and experience Instagram in a whole new way! And if you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips should help you switch seamlessly.
FAQs
1. Does Instagram have a built-in dark mode?
Yes, Instagram automatically adapts to your phone’s system-wide dark mode setting on iOS and Android.
2. Why can’t I find the dark mode option in Instagram?
Ensure your Instagram app is updated, and check if your device supports system-wide dark mode.
3. Does dark mode save battery life?
Yes! On OLED and AMOLED screens, dark mode uses less power compared to light mode.
4. Can I enable dark mode only for Instagram?
Yes, on Android devices, you can manually set Instagram to dark mode without changing your phone’s overall theme.
5. Will Instagram’s dark mode affect my photos and videos?
No, dark mode only changes the interface—it won’t alter your posts or media.
6. Does Instagram web support dark mode?
Not officially, but you can use browser extensions like Dark Reader.
7. Can I schedule dark mode on Instagram?
Yes, if your device supports scheduled dark mode, Instagram will follow your system settings.
8. Will enabling dark mode slow down my Instagram app?
No, dark mode has no impact on app performance.