Instagram offers two built-in themes: Light Mode and Dark Mode

Instagram's theme setting controls whether your app displays a light background with dark text or a dark background with light text. You can switch between Light Mode and Dark Mode in your phone's settings, and Instagram will follow that choice. On most phones, you also have the option to set Instagram to match your device's automatic schedule — so it switches to Dark Mode at sunset and back to Light Mode at sunrise, without you having to change it manually.

The theme you choose affects only how the app looks on your screen. It does not change any of your posts, messages, or how other people see your account. The setting is stored on your device, so if you use Instagram on multiple phones or tablets, each one can have a different theme.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram's theme follows your phone's system settings by default, so changing your phone's theme will change Instagram's theme automatically.
  • You can also set Instagram to use Dark Mode or Light Mode independently of your phone's settings if you prefer.
  • The steps to change your theme differ slightly between iPhones and Android phones.
  • Instagram also offers a "Use Device Settings" option that syncs your theme to your phone's automatic light-to-dark schedule.

How to change Instagram's theme on an iPhone

Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Theme. You will see three options: Light, Dark, and Use Device Settings. Tap whichever you prefer.

If you choose Use Device Settings, Instagram will match whatever theme your iPhone is currently using. If your iPhone is set to switch themes automatically based on the time of day, Instagram will do the same. If you choose Light or Dark directly, Instagram will stay in that theme regardless of your phone's settings.

How to change Instagram's theme on Android

Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Theme. You will see the same three options: Light, Dark, and Use Device Settings. Tap the one you want.

The Android steps are identical to iPhone. If you select Use Device Settings, Instagram will follow your Android phone's theme preference. Many Android phones allow you to schedule automatic theme switching in their display settings, and Instagram will respect that schedule once you choose Use Device Settings.

What "Use Device Settings" means

When you tap Use Device Settings, Instagram stops making its own theme choice and instead copies whatever your phone is doing. This is useful if your phone is already set to switch between Light and Dark Mode on a schedule — for example, switching to Dark Mode at 8 p.m. and back to Light Mode at 7 a.m.

If you later change your phone's theme setting, Instagram will change automatically the next time you open it. You do not have to go back into Instagram's settings. This option keeps everything in sync without extra steps.

Choosing between Light Mode and Dark Mode

Light Mode uses a white or light gray background with dark text. It is easier to read in bright sunlight and uses less battery on phones with older screens. Dark Mode uses a dark background with light text. It is easier on the eyes in low light and uses less battery on phones with OLED screens (most newer iPhones and high-end Android phones).

Neither mode is objectively better — it depends on your lighting conditions and personal preference. Many people use Use Device Settings so they get Light Mode during the day and Dark Mode at night without thinking about it. If you spend most of your time indoors or prefer one look over the other, choosing Light or Dark directly makes sense.

Troubleshooting theme changes that do not stick

If you change your theme but Instagram keeps reverting to the other one, the most common cause is that Use Device Settings is still selected. Check your theme setting again and make sure you chose Light or Dark explicitly, not Use Device Settings.

If the theme still does not stick after you select Light or Dark directly, 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 recent apps menu. Then open Instagram again and check whether the theme has changed. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing Instagram's theme affect how my posts look to other people?

No. Your theme setting only changes what you see on your own screen. Other people see your posts exactly the same way regardless of what theme you are using. The theme is a personal display preference, not a setting that affects your content.

Can I set different themes for Instagram and my phone?

Yes. Instead of choosing Use Device Settings, select Light or Dark directly in Instagram's theme menu. Instagram will then stay in that theme even if your phone switches to a different one. This is useful if you prefer Dark Mode on your phone but Light Mode in Instagram, or vice versa.

Will Instagram switch themes automatically if I choose "Use Device Settings"?

Only if your phone is set to switch themes automatically. If your phone is set to a single theme (Light or Dark), Instagram will stay in that theme even with Use Device Settings selected. Check your phone's display or theme settings to set up automatic switching based on time of day.

What if I do not see a Theme option in Settings?

Make sure you are running the latest version of Instagram. Open your phone's app store (App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android), search for Instagram, and tap Update if an update is available. Older versions of Instagram may not have the theme setting. After updating, go back to Settings and privacy > Settings and scroll down to find Theme.