Instagram Dark Mode [On Desktop, iOS & Android]

Update 08.10.2019

Instagram dark mode for iOS 13 and Android 10 has finally arrived.

Instagram Dark Mode for Desktop
Instagram Dark Mode for iOS 13
Instagram Dark Mode for Android 10

Update 15.03.2021

Instagram is one of the most popular and fastest growing social media platforms. Originally launched for iOS only, nowadays it is available for Android and Desktop as well. This post will be focused on how to enable sleek dark mode for the desktop version and an okay night mode for the iOS app.

Since the launch of the desktop version, there has been a growing debate whether it is superior to the mobile app. As a dark mode fanatics, we would pick the desktop version anytime, but lets look at the objective pros and cons so that you can decide yourself. We will also show you how to activate Instagram night mode on you desktop and if you are using the iOS app.

Desktop Instagram Pros

Instagram Dark mode is available. Although not built-in, Night Eye enables a stunning dark mode.
You are less likely to like something while stalking a person. You know very well how easy it is to accidentally like an old photo of the person you are stalking.
Bigger images. The avocado toast looks even tastier when you are looking it on bigger screen, doesn’t it?
Less addictive. Have you caught yourself mindlessly scrolling Instagram without actually knowing why you are doing it? It takes 2 seconds to start doing it which allows you to go into zombie mode. Desktop, on the other hand, requires more attention and can help you reduce the zombie mode.

Desktop Instagram Cons

If you are using it at work - people can stalk you
It generally takes more time to scroll
Very complicated upload process
No DMs - although this could be considered as a good thing if you simply enjoy browsing Instagram. However it is a missing feature, so we must put it as a negative thing.

The Verge asked their readers which platform they prefer to use Instagram on. Quite surprisingly nearly half of the readers voted in favour of Desktop.

The Verge Pole results
58% - Mobile app
42% - Desktop version
Total voters - 2544
Source - The Verge

Instagram dark mode for Desktop

Although there is no official built-in dark mode, you can use Night Eye browser extension instead. It is simple to use dark mode extension that enables dark mode on Instagram Desktop and pretty much any website on the internet. It is available for all major browsers and takes literally seconds to get it running.

How to enable Instagram dark mode on desktop: step by step guide:

Install Night Eye for your preferred browser
Open the extension by clicking on the icon that will appear next to the address bar in your browser
Pick a preferred language (English is set as default)
Enjoy

Check out the quick video guide.

Preview of Instagram Normal View and with Dark mode

There are many customisation options such as blue light filter, contrast filter, brightness filter, color changing feature and more. For most people, the default settings are satisfactory enough so at the beginning don’t bother with them. Night Eye will automatically enable dark mode on every website you visit.

For more details on how it works and how to use it - https://nighteye.app/how-to-start/ If you have questions, check out our FAQ https://nighteye.app/help/ or simply message us using the built-in support chat. To do so, open the extension window and at the top right corner you will see the support chat.

Start your 3 months Free Trial and enable a smooth dark mode with Night Eye

Instagram dark mode on iOS 13

Official method

In order to enable a global dark mode that will affect the Instagram app follow those steps:

Open Settings on your device
Go to Display and Brightness
Change the option to "Dark."
Enjoy Dark Mode on Instagram

Unofficial method

In order to enable a global dark mode that will affect the Instagram app follow those steps:

Settings
General
Accessibility
Accessibility Shortcut - It is located at the very bottom of the Accessibility screen
Select Smart Invert Colours

Now you can enabled and disable the iOS dark mode by clicking the home button three times. If you are using iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max or XR - click the new Slide button three times.
Voila, you can enjoy browsing the Instagram app with darker UI. Although it looks pretty good, one thing to consider is that videos come with inverted colors.

Here are few previews to decide wether it worth it for you or not