Dark mode on Instagram has become one of the most requested features, not only because it reduces eye strain but also because it gives the app a sleek, modern look. Instead of the usual bright white background, Instagram dark mode switches the interface to black while keeping the photos and videos vibrant, making them stand out even more. This can be especially useful at night or in low-light environments, where the softer tones are easier on the eyes. Many users also prefer the aesthetic of dark mode and keep it enabled all day long. Whether you’re an iOS or Android user, learning how to activate Instagram dark mode is simple once you know where to look.
Instagram dark mode is more than just a visual preference—it also helps extend battery life on OLED screens, making it a practical choice for mobile users. Since Instagram integrates with system-wide settings, the method of turning it on can vary slightly depending on your device. iPhone users typically enable dark mode through iOS appearance settings, while Android users have the option to control it directly within Instagram.
Knowing how to toggle Instagram’s dark mode quickly means you can switch between light and dark themes based on your environment. For those who browse late at night, this feature creates a more comfortable viewing experience, while during the day, it adds a stylish edge to your feed. With just a few steps, you can personalize your Instagram look and improve usability at the same time.
How to Enable Instagram Dark Mode
Instagram’s dark mode gives the app a sleek black background that’s easier on the eyes, especially at night. It also makes photos and videos stand out more against the darker interface. The steps to enable dark mode depend on whether you’re using iOS or Android, but the process is simple on both platforms. iPhone users activate dark mode through system settings, while Android users can choose between app-specific or system-wide dark mode. Below, you’ll find a complete guide for each device, including how to turn the feature off if needed.
Dark Mode on iPhone (iOS)
On iPhones, Instagram follows your device’s display settings. This means the app doesn’t have a separate toggle for dark mode and instead adjusts automatically when your phone is set to dark appearance.
Steps to enable dark mode on Instagram for iPhone:
- Make sure your device is running iOS 13 or later (check under Settings > General > About).
- Open Settings on your iPhone and go to Display & Brightness.
- Select Dark to activate dark mode across the system.
- Toggle Automatic if you want your phone (and Instagram) to switch to dark mode at sunset and return to light mode during the day.
- Open Instagram — it will now display in dark mode by default.
To disable dark mode on Instagram for iPhone:
- Go back to Settings > Display & Brightness and choose Light.
- If you no longer want automatic switching, turn off the Automatic option.
Keep in mind that enabling dark mode on iOS applies to the entire device, not just Instagram. This makes it a universal setting for all apps that support dark mode.
Dark Mode on Android
Unlike iOS, Android allows users to choose between enabling dark mode only for Instagram or applying it system-wide. This gives you more flexibility based on your preferences.
Steps to enable dark mode directly in Instagram on Android:
- Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings & Privacy, then scroll down to Accessibility.
- Select Dark Mode.
- Tap On to enable dark mode, or choose System Default if you want Instagram to match your phone’s appearance settings.
Steps to enable dark mode across Android system settings:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Navigate to Display and select Dark Theme (may also appear as Night Mode or Dark Mode depending on the device).
- Turn on the toggle.
- Open Instagram — it will automatically follow the system theme.
To disable dark mode on Instagram for Android:
- If you enabled it directly in the app, return to Accessibility > Dark Mode and tap Off.
- If you used system settings, switch back to Light Theme in your device’s Display menu.
Some Android devices, such as Google Pixel phones, may also switch to dark mode automatically when Battery Saver is activated.
How to Turn on Instagram Dark Mode via the Web
Dark mode on Instagram isn’t limited to the mobile app — you can also enable it directly through a web browser. Whether you’re browsing on a desktop computer or using a mobile browser, the platform provides an easy way to switch between light and dark themes. This feature is especially useful for iOS users who want Instagram in dark mode without applying the same setting across all their apps. Since the option is tied to the browser rather than your Instagram account, you’ll need to adjust the appearance separately on each device you use.
To activate dark mode on Instagram via the web, start by navigating to Instagram in your preferred browser. Once the homepage loads, look for the three-line menu icon at the bottom left of the screen and click it. From the available options, select Switch appearance. A toggle will appear that lets you turn dark mode on instantly. If you later decide to go back to the default look, simply repeat the same steps and switch the toggle off.
How to Turn On Dark Mode for Instagram DMs
Instagram dark mode doesn’t just change the look of your feed — it also transforms the way your direct messages (DMs) appear. Once dark mode is enabled on your device or in the app, your chat background automatically adopts a darker theme, making it easier to read messages in low light while reducing strain on your eyes. Beyond dark mode, Instagram also gives you the ability to customize your DMs with themes, allowing you to personalize the appearance of each chat with different colors, backgrounds, and styles. This means you can have one unique theme for a family group chat, another for a close friend, and even seasonal designs that Instagram occasionally introduces.
Themes not only change the background shade but also adjust the chat bubble colors, giving conversations a more vibrant and personalized touch. Instagram often updates its theme library with temporary options based on holidays, movie promotions, or album releases, so there’s always something fresh to try. While dark mode affects the overall appearance of DMs, themes let you control the exact look and feel of individual conversations, making your messaging experience more engaging and fun.
Step-by-Step: Change DM Themes in Instagram
Open Instagram and access your messages
Launch the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device. Tap the paper airplane icon (or the Messenger-style chat bubble icon on some versions) in the top-right corner to open your Direct Messages inbox.
Select the conversation you want to customize
Scroll through your list of DMs and tap the chat you’d like to update. You can choose either an individual chat or a group conversation — themes work for both.
Open chat details
At the top of the selected conversation, tap the name of the person or the group name. This will open the settings menu for that specific chat.
Tap on “Theme”
From the list of chat customization options, select Theme. This will open a menu showing all available designs, including default colors, gradient options, and seasonal themes.
Choose a Theme
Browse through the available options and tap the one you want to apply. Your background and chat bubbles will instantly change, giving the conversation a new look. If your device is already in dark mode, the background will remain dark, while the selected theme adds a colorful overlay to enhance the design.
Reset to default anytime
If you decide you want to return to the standard look, repeat the steps above and select Default under the “Colors & Gradients” section. This will bring the chat back to its original appearance.
Why Use Dark Mode and Themes in Instagram DMs?
- Eye comfort at night: Dark mode makes long conversations easier to read in low-light settings.
- Personalized chat rooms: Assign different themes to different contacts or groups to keep conversations fun and organized.
- Fresh seasonal updates: Take advantage of limited-time themes released for holidays, events, or pop culture collaborations.
- Better battery life: On OLED devices, darker backgrounds help conserve energy during extended messaging sessions.
Final Verdict
Turning on dark mode for Instagram DMs not only improves readability in low-light environments but also makes your chats look sleek and modern. Combined with Instagram’s customizable themes, you can create a unique look for each conversation, whether it’s with friends, family, or a group. While iOS and Android users both enjoy full access to dark mode and themes, keep in mind that these options are not yet available on Instagram’s web version. With just a few taps, you can transform your direct messages into a more personal and comfortable space — and even refresh them regularly with new seasonal themes as Instagram rolls them out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I turn on dark mode for Instagram DMs?
Dark mode is linked to your device or app settings. Once enabled, your Instagram DMs will automatically appear in dark mode without needing a separate toggle.
Can I set different themes for different chats on Instagram?
Yes. Instagram allows you to apply unique themes to individual chats. You can use one theme for family, another for friends, and even update them whenever seasonal or event-based themes are released.
Why don’t I see the option to change DM themes?
If the theme option isn’t visible, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. DM themes are only available on iOS and Android, not on the Instagram web version.
Does Instagram dark mode save battery life?
Yes. On devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can help reduce battery consumption by displaying fewer bright pixels.
Can I use dark mode on Instagram without affecting other apps?
Android users can turn on dark mode exclusively for Instagram in the app’s settings. iOS users, however, can only enable dark mode at the system level, which applies to all compatible apps.
