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How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Instagram?

Is your Instagram app in dark mode? Many users open the app to find dark mode already on. Fortunately, turning it off is easy on both Android and iOS. This guide will show you how to switch back to light mode and explain why dark mode gets enabled automatically.

  • Author: Shine
  • Update: Apr 30, 2025

How to turn off dark mode on Instagram for iPhone

Fortunately, disabling Instagram's dark mode is straightforward on both iOS and Android devices. That said, the process is somewhat more cumbersome when using an iOS device.

Here's a step by step how-to for iOS users:

Sadly for iOS users, Instagram's dark mode configurations are linked to the iPhone's device settings. It's not possible to have light mode on your phone while Instagram is in dark mode, or the other way around. This implies that if you're using an iPhone, you can't disable dark mode directly within the Instagram app.

Rather, you must access your iPhone's device settings.

To start, open the main device settings on your iPhone. Next, proceed to the Display & Brightness section.

How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Instagram?

Next, choose the "Light" option from the choices listed under "Appearance".

How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Instagram?

Doing this will activate light mode across all applicable apps and interfaces on your iPhone. You can now close the Instagram app, open it again, and browse the lighter - themed feed. Below is an illustration of both Light and Dark Mode:

How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Instagram?

How to turn off dark mode on Instagram for Android users

Here's a detailed, step - by - step guide for Android users:

The process is far more straightforward for Android users. Unlike iOS, Android's light and dark mode settings are configured on a per - app basis. This means you can easily make the necessary changes directly within the Instagram app.

First, tap on your Instagram profile photo. Then, select the hamburger menu icon. In this menu, you'll find the "Settings" option. Tap on it, and then look for "Set Theme".

How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Instagram?

Tap on "Light" to change it from "System default" and override Instagram's new default dark mode. Once you've done this, you should see an immediate switch.

Why turn on Instagram dark mode

There are several reasons in favor of keeping Instagram's dark mode enabled.

Dark mode has the benefit of reducing eye fatigue, making it an ideal choice for browsing Instagram at night, particularly when used in conjunction with your phone's built - in night mode. Bright light can disrupt the body's production of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

Another advantage of using dark mode is its potential to extend your phone's battery life. The brightness settings of your phone's display significantly impact battery consumption. If you're looking to conserve battery power, enabling dark mode across your entire device, rather than just on Instagram, might be a wise decision.

For iPhone users, there are two options for using dark mode: you can manually turn it on, or you can activate the automatic setting, which adjusts the mode according to the ambient light levels.

Why does Instagram automatically enable dark mode

Instagram has yet to issue an official statement regarding the new dark mode setting. Additionally, the social media platform hasn't been particularly responsive on Twitter to users expressing dissatisfaction.

Nevertheless, back in May, Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, did hint at some forthcoming changes to the Instagram Home feed.

Based on his update, the content would become "more immersive" and occupy a larger portion of the screen. He noted that in one experiment, photos and videos were enlarged to claim more screen real estate.

Whether the new Instagram Dark Mode is part of this enhanced "immersive" experience remains uncertain. Instagram frequently conducts app tests, and it's plausible that this particular change could be removed in the next update. Only time will reveal the outcome.

Instagram is also implementing other modifications, like giving precedence to suggested posts. The silver lining is that users have the option to disable suggested posts!

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