How to Turn on Dark Mode on Instagram

It can be so relaxing in the evening scrolling through Instagram and catching up on all the stories from your friends, family, and interests.

Below, I will go over the steps to change your app to Instagram dark mode on both iOS and Android as well from your desktop app.

Many Android users wanting to turn dark mode on their Instagram app should complete the following steps:

1. Step 1

   Tap on your Instagram profile picture on the bottom right of your screen.

2. Step 2

   Tap the triple bar in the top right corner of your screen.

3. Step 3

   Tap Settings on the bottom of your screen.

4. Step 4

   

   Scroll down to “Theme” and tap it.

5. Step 5

   

   Tap “Dark.”

Some phones also allow you to tap “system default” in your Instagram theme settings. If you do this, your light/dark mode will switch to whatever your phone settings are at. This is nice if you have your light/dark modes set on a timer to change throughout the day so you don’t have to manually turn it on and off every time you need it changed.

Change to Instagram Dark Mode in Android’s Device Settings

On some Androids, you may need to enable Instagram Dark Mode through the Android device settings. To do this, complete the following:

1. Step 1

   Open the Android device settings on your phone and scroll down until you can tap the “Display” option.

2. Step 2

   Find the “Dark Theme” setting and toggle it to “on” within the settings app. This should turn on dark mode settings for several apps (not just Instagram) 0on your phone, allowing you to enjoy Instagram at a darker appearance.

If you prefer to view the Instagram app in a dark theme from your iPhone or iPad, complete the following steps:

1. Step 1

   

   In your iPhone’s device settings, tap on the “Display & Brightness” option.

2. Step 2

   

   In the appearance section, click the image of the dark theme on your phone. At this point, you should be able to view the Instagram app in dark mode. There isn’t currently a way that you can use Instagram dark mode from within the app. You will have to do it through the iPhone device settings. Fortunately, this simple step should activate dark mode on several apps at once.

Unfortunately, to turn on dark mode for Instagram on the desktop, you will need a third-party app. I recommend using Night Eye.

1. Step 1

   

   Install the “Night Eye” extension to whatever web browser you prefer. I recommend Google Chrome for using Instagram. 

2. Step 2

   Go to your Instagram Page.

3. Step 3

   

   Click the extension button in the top right corner of your screen. It should look like a puzzle piece.

4. Step 4

   

   Click on the Night eye extension.

5. Step 5

   

   Click dark.

When you install Night Eye, it may automatically turn your Instagram and all your browser sites and apps to dark mode. It’s easy to switch back and forth between dark and light by clicking on the Night Eye extension.