The simplest way to save an Instagram photo
On Instagram's mobile app, open the photo you want to save, tap the bookmark icon in the bottom right corner of the post, and the image is saved to your Saved collection. You can view all your saved photos later by going to your profile, tapping the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and selecting Saved. This method stores the photo within Instagram itself, not as a file on your device.
If you want the actual image file on your phone or computer instead, the process depends on whether you own the photo or are saving someone else's post. Instagram does not offer a built-in download button for photos you do not own, so you will need a workaround.
For photos you posted yourself, you can download them directly from your own profile. Tap the three dots above your post, select Download, and the full-resolution image saves to your phone's camera roll or computer's downloads folder. This option only appears on your own posts.
Key Takeaways
- The bookmark icon saves photos within Instagram for later viewing, but does not create a file on your device.
- You can download your own photos directly from your profile by tapping the three dots and selecting Download.
- Saving someone else's photo requires a third-party tool or screenshot, since Instagram blocks direct downloads of other people's posts.
- Screenshots capture what you see on screen but may include the username, timestamp, and other interface elements depending on your device.
- Third-party download sites work by pasting the Instagram post URL, but you should only use them for photos you have permission to save.
Downloading your own photos from Instagram
When you want to keep a copy of a photo you posted, Instagram makes this straightforward. Open your profile, find the post, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post, and tap Download. On a computer, the same menu appears when you hover over your post. The image downloads in its original resolution to your device's default download location.
This works for photos, carousel posts (multiple images), and Reels you uploaded. The downloaded file is a standard image file — JPEG or PNG depending on what you originally posted — that you can edit, share, or store however you want.
Taking a screenshot as an alternative
A screenshot captures whatever is currently on your screen, including the Instagram interface. On iPhone, press the side button and volume up button at the same time. On Android, press the power button and volume down button together. On a computer, use Print Screen (Windows) or Command-Shift-3 (Mac).
Screenshots work for any photo, but they include the username, timestamp, like count, and comment section along with the image itself. If you only want the photo without these elements, a third-party download tool is a better option. Screenshots also capture at your screen's resolution, which may be lower than the original photo's resolution.
Using a third-party download tool
Several websites let you download photos from Instagram by pasting the post URL. Sites like Instadownloader, Downloadgram, and igram.io work similarly: you copy the link to an Instagram post, paste it into the website's search box, and click Download. The site retrieves the image and offers it as a file download.
These tools work for photos posted by other people, which Instagram's app does not allow you to download directly. However, you should only use them to save photos you have permission to save — downloading someone else's photo without consent may violate their copyright or the platform's terms of service.
Be cautious with third-party sites: some display ads, may request personal information, or could expose your device to malware. Stick to well-known tools and never enter your Instagram password into any third-party website.
Saving photos on a computer
On a desktop or laptop, right-click directly on an Instagram photo and select Save Image As (or Download Image on some browsers). Choose where you want to save the file and click Save. The image downloads to your computer as a standard file.
This method works in most web browsers when you visit Instagram.com. If right-click does not work, you can also use your browser's developer tools: right-click the photo, select Inspect or Inspect Element, find the image URL in the code, copy it, and paste it into a new browser tab, then right-click and save from there.
Understanding Instagram's download restrictions
Instagram intentionally does not provide a download button for other people's photos. This is a deliberate design choice to protect creators' work and prevent unauthorized copying. The platform's terms of service state that you should not save or share content without permission.
Even though technical workarounds exist, using them on someone else's photo without permission is not recommended. If you want to repost someone's photo, ask them first or use Instagram's official Share to Stories or Share as a Post feature, which credits the original creator.
Downloading Instagram Stories and Reels
Stories disappear after 24 hours, but you can save your own Stories before they vanish. Tap the three dots on your Story and select Save Story. Your Stories save to a folder on your phone that only you can see.
For Reels, the download process is the same as for photos: tap the three dots on a Reel you posted and select Download. If you want to save someone else's Reel, use a third-party tool or screenshot, following the same cautions as with photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download someone else's Instagram photo without them knowing?
Technically yes, but Instagram does not notify users when their photos are saved using the bookmark feature. However, if you use a third-party download tool or take a screenshot, the original poster will not receive a notification. That said, downloading someone's photo without permission may violate their copyright, so you should ask first.
Will the photo quality be lower if I download it?
Instagram compresses photos when you upload them, so the downloaded version is already compressed compared to the original file you took. Downloading your own photos preserves Instagram's version at full resolution. Screenshots and third-party tools may reduce quality further depending on your screen resolution and the tool used.
What if the download button does not appear on my post?
The download option only appears on posts you created yourself. If you are trying to download someone else's post, use a screenshot or third-party tool instead. If the button is missing from your own post, try logging out and back in, or update your Instagram app to the latest version.
Is it legal to download someone else's Instagram photo?
Downloading a photo does not automatically make it legal for you to use. The original photographer owns the copyright unless they have given permission or released it under a specific license. Using someone's photo without permission for commercial purposes or republishing it as your own is copyright infringement. Personal use or asking permission first keeps you on the right side of the law.
Can I batch download multiple photos at once?
Instagram does not offer a built-in batch download feature. You can download your own photos one at a time using the three-dot menu. Some third-party tools claim to batch download, but they are less reliable and carry higher security risks. For your own photo library, consider exporting your data through Instagram's Download Your Information feature in Settings, which provides all your posts at once.