Instagram lets you personalize your app experience in several ways, and one of the most popular is the ability to change theme on Instagram. The theme determines how the app looks on your device — from a bright white interface to a sleek, dark layout. Adjusting it can make your browsing experience more comfortable, especially during nighttime use. Here’s how to change your Instagram theme easily.
Understand Instagram Themes
Instagram offers two main visual modes: Light Mode and Dark Mode.
- Light Mode uses a bright white background, ideal for well-lit environments.
- Dark Mode applies a black or dark gray background, reducing glare and eye strain.
Most users prefer Dark Mode because it’s easier on the eyes, conserves battery life on OLED screens, and gives the app a modern appearance. By default, Instagram follows your system theme, but you can switch manually depending on your device.
Change Theme on Android
If you’re using an Android phone, you can change Instagram’s theme directly within the app:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page by tapping your profile picture at the bottom right.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner.
- Select Settings and privacy.
- Scroll to Accessibility and display (or simply look for Theme, depending on your app version).
- Choose one of the three options:
- Light: switches to a bright white background.
- Dark: changes to a dark background.
- System Default: matches your phone’s current theme.
Once you make a selection, the change takes effect immediately—no need to restart the app.
Change Theme on iPhone
On iPhone, Instagram doesn’t offer an in-app theme toggle. Instead, it adapts automatically to your iPhone’s system appearance:
- Open your iPhone Settings.
- Tap Display & Brightness.
- Under Appearance, select Light or Dark mode.
Instagram will automatically adjust to match your iPhone’s system setting. So, when you enable Dark Mode on your iPhone, the app will also switch to dark automatically.
Change Theme Using System Settings
If you prefer to update your phone’s theme across all apps, you can use system settings instead of the Instagram app:
- On Android: Go to Settings > Display > Dark theme, then toggle it on or off.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness, then choose your preferred appearance.
If your phone supports auto-switch, you can even schedule automatic transitions between Light and Dark modes based on the time of day.
Update the App If You Don’t See the Option
If you can’t find the theme setting, your Instagram app may need an update. Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for Instagram, and tap Update. Updating ensures you have access to the newest features, including theme control.
Benefits of Changing the Theme
Switching between Light and Dark Mode isn’t just cosmetic — it can enhance your comfort and device performance:
- Dark Mode reduces eye strain in low light, saves battery life on OLED displays, and offers a cleaner aesthetic.
- Light Mode provides better visibility under bright lighting.
By learning how to change theme on Instagram, you can tailor your social media experience to match your style, environment, and preferences effortlessly.
