How to Download Instagram on Your Phone or Computer

Where to get Instagram and what you need first

Instagram is a free photo and video app owned by Meta. You download it from your phone's app store — the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or Google Play if you have an Android phone. If you use a computer, you can visit Instagram through a web browser instead of downloading anything.

Before you start, make sure your device meets the basic requirements. For iPhones, you need iOS 13.0 or later. For Android phones, you need Android 6.0 or later. Most phones made in the last five years meet these requirements. If your phone is very old, the download may not work, and you'll see an error message saying your device isn't compatible.

You'll also need an internet connection — either Wi-Fi or mobile data — and enough storage space on your phone. Instagram takes up roughly 100 to 200 megabytes of space, depending on your phone type. If you're running low on storage, delete old photos or videos first, or clear your phone's cache.

Key Takeaways

iPhone users download Instagram from the Apple App Store; Android users download from Google Play.
Your phone needs iOS 13.0 or later (iPhone) or Android 6.0 or later (Android) to run Instagram.
The download is free and takes a few minutes on a normal internet connection.
After downloading, you create an account with an email address or phone number, then set a password.
On a computer, you can use Instagram by visiting instagram.com in any web browser without downloading anything.

Downloading Instagram on an iPhone

Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone — it's the blue icon with a white square made of smaller squares. Tap the search tab at the bottom right of the screen, then type "Instagram" in the search box. The official Instagram app will appear at the top of the results, with the Instagram camera logo.

Tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to the app name. Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete whichever one your phone uses. The icon will change to a loading circle while the app downloads, then to "Open" when it's finished. Tap "Open" to launch Instagram for the first time.

If you see a message saying "This app requires iOS 13.0 or later," your phone is too old to run Instagram. You can still use Instagram on a computer by visiting instagram.com instead.

Downloading Instagram on an Android phone

Open Google Play on your Android phone — it's the colorful triangle icon. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and type "Instagram." The official app will show up first, with the Instagram camera logo and a note that it's made by Meta. Tap it to open the app's page.

Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask you to confirm that you want to give Instagram permission to access your photos, camera, and contacts. Tap "Install" again to proceed. The button will change to a loading circle, then to "Open" when the download finishes. Tap "Open" to start the app.

If you see a message saying your device isn't compatible, your phone's Android version is too old. You can still use Instagram on a computer by going to instagram.com in a web browser.

Creating your Instagram account after downloading

When you open Instagram for the first time, you'll see a screen asking you to log in or create a new account. Tap "Create new account." Instagram will ask for your email address or phone number. Enter whichever one you prefer — this is how you'll log back in later.

Next, you'll create a password. Make it something you can remember but that's not easy to guess. Instagram will ask for your full name and a username. Your username is what other people see and use to find you — it can be different from your real name. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces.

After that, Instagram will ask for your birth date and whether you want to add a profile photo. You can skip the photo for now and add one later. Once you finish these steps, your account is ready to use.

Using Instagram on a computer instead of downloading

If your phone is too old or you prefer to use Instagram on a computer, open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — and go to instagram.com. You'll see the Instagram login page. If you already have an account from your phone, enter your username and password. If you're new to Instagram, click "Create an account" and follow the same steps as above.

The computer version of Instagram works the same way as the app, though some features look slightly different. You can post photos, message friends, and browse your feed. The main limitation is that you can't take photos directly from your computer the way you can from your phone — you have to upload files you already have.

What to do if the download fails or won't open

If the download stops or shows an error, first check your internet connection. Switch to Wi-Fi if you're using mobile data, or restart your phone and try again. If the app still won't download, restart your phone completely — turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

If Instagram downloads but won't open, try closing it completely and opening it again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close all apps, then tap Instagram again. On Android, go to Settings, tap Apps, find Instagram, tap "Force Stop," then open Instagram again from your home screen.

If you still see an error about storage space, you need to free up room on your phone. Delete old photos or videos, or go to Settings and clear your app cache. If nothing works and your phone is very old, the app may simply not be compatible with your device — in that case, use instagram.com on a computer instead.

Keeping Instagram updated after you download it

Instagram updates regularly to add features and fix problems. On iPhone, the App Store will show a red number on the Updates tab when a new version is ready. Tap Updates, find Instagram, and tap "Update." On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, tap "Manage apps and device," find Instagram in the list, and tap "Update."

You can also turn on automatic updates so Instagram updates itself without you doing anything. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, tap App Store, and turn on "App Updates." On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, tap Settings, tap "Network preferences," and turn on "Auto-update apps."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account to use Instagram?

No. You can create an Instagram account with just an email address or phone number. Instagram is owned by Meta, which also owns Facebook, but you don't need a Facebook account to sign up for Instagram or use it.

Can I download Instagram on a tablet?

Yes. Tablets use the same app stores as phones — iPad users download from the Apple App Store, and Android tablet users download from Google Play. The process is identical to downloading on a phone.

What if I don't have enough storage space on my phone?

Delete old photos, videos, or apps you don't use anymore. You can also go to Settings and clear your phone's cache, which removes temporary files. If you're still short on space, consider using Instagram on a computer at instagram.com instead.

Is Instagram really free?

Yes, downloading and using Instagram costs nothing. You don't pay to create an account, post photos, or message friends. Instagram makes money from advertisements, not from charging users.

Can I use the same Instagram account on my phone and computer?

Yes. Use the same username and password on both. Your account, photos, and messages will be the same whether you're on your phone or computer.

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