Dark mode on Instagram switches in your phone's display settings or in the app itself
Instagram follows your phone's dark mode setting by default. If your phone is set to dark mode, Instagram will display a dark background with light text. If your phone uses light mode, Instagram will show a light background with dark text. You can also override this and set Instagram to dark mode independently, even if your phone is in light mode — the setting lives in Instagram's own preferences, not in your phone's system settings.
The steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android, and the location of the setting has moved in recent app updates. Both routes take under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's dark mode setting is found in your account menu under Display and Accessibility, not in your phone's system settings.
- You can set Instagram to dark mode, light mode, or "Use Device Setting" — the last option makes Instagram match whatever your phone is using.
- The change takes effect when ready across the entire app, including your feed, stories, messages, and profile.
- Dark mode on Instagram reduces blue light and can make the app easier to use in low light, but does not change how other people see your posts.
How to enable dark mode on iPhone
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines — in the bottom right corner. Tap your username or profile picture at the top of the menu to go to your account settings.
Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Then tap Appearance. You will see three options: Light, Dark, and Use Device Setting. Tap Dark. Instagram will switch to dark mode when ready, and the change will stay even if you close and reopen the app.
If you want Instagram to match your phone's setting instead, tap Use Device Setting. This means if you turn on dark mode in your phone's Settings app, Instagram will switch automatically.
How to enable dark mode on Android
Open Instagram and tap the menu icon — three horizontal lines — in the bottom right. Tap your username at the top of the menu.
Tap Settings and privacy, then Appearance. You will see the same three options: Light, Dark, and Use Device Setting. Tap Dark. The app will switch to dark mode right away.
If you choose Use Device Setting, Instagram will follow whatever dark mode setting your Android phone is using in its system settings.
What dark mode changes and what it does not
Dark mode changes only what you see on your screen. It does not change how your posts, stories, or profile appear to other people. If you post a photo in dark mode, followers will see it exactly as you posted it — dark mode is purely a display preference for your own device.
Dark mode affects your feed, your messages, your profile, stories, reels, and every other part of the Instagram app. The change is consistent across all screens. Some users find dark mode easier on the eyes in dim lighting or at night because it reduces the amount of blue light the screen emits.
How to switch back to light mode
Follow the same steps: Menu icon, your username, Settings and privacy, Appearance. Tap Light instead of Dark. The app will switch when ready.
If you want Instagram to stop following your phone's setting and stay in light mode no matter what, make sure you tap Light and not Use Device Setting. Use Device Setting will make Instagram change whenever you change your phone's dark mode.
Troubleshooting dark mode problems
If dark mode is not working, the most common cause is that you have Use Device Setting selected but your phone's dark mode is turned off. Check your phone's Settings app and turn on dark mode there, or go back to Instagram's Appearance menu and select Dark directly.
If the app still looks light after you select Dark, try closing Instagram completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the app. On Android, swipe up from the bottom or use your back button. Then open Instagram again.
If the problem continues, try logging out and logging back in. Go to Settings and privacy, scroll to the bottom, and tap Log out. Log back in with your username and password, then check Appearance again.
Why Instagram might not have dark mode available
Dark mode requires Instagram version 200 or later. If you have an older version, update the app through your phone's app store. Open the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android, search for Instagram, and tap Update if it is available.
Some phones running very old versions of iOS or Android may not support dark mode in Instagram at all. If your phone is more than five years old and dark mode is not appearing in your Appearance menu, your device may not be compatible with the current version of the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dark mode on Instagram save battery?
On phones with OLED screens, dark mode uses slightly less battery because black pixels require less power than white ones. On phones with LCD screens, the difference is negligible. The battery savings are usually small enough that you should choose dark mode based on what is comfortable for your eyes, not on battery life.
Can I set dark mode for Instagram but light mode for other apps?
Yes. Each app has its own display settings. You can set Instagram to dark mode and leave other apps in light mode by going to each app's settings separately. If you select Use Device Setting in Instagram, it will follow your phone's system setting, but you can still override it by selecting Dark or Light directly in Instagram's Appearance menu.
Will my followers know if I use dark mode?
No. Dark mode is only a setting on your phone. It does not change what anyone else sees when they look at your profile, posts, or stories. Your followers will see your content exactly as you posted it, regardless of what display mode you are using.
What if I want dark mode for Instagram but light mode for my phone?
Go to Instagram's Appearance menu and select Dark. Do not select Use Device Setting. This way, Instagram will stay in dark mode even if your phone is in light mode. You can keep your phone in light mode and Instagram in dark mode independently.