What "theme" means on Instagram, and where to find it
Instagram's theme setting controls whether the app displays in light mode (white background, dark text) or dark mode (dark background, light text). On a computer, you change this in your account settings, not in a separate menu. The setting applies to Instagram's web version — the one you use in your browser — and syncs across devices if you're logged into the same account.
Instagram does not offer custom themes or color schemes the way some apps do. You get two choices: light or dark. If you want a different look entirely, you would need to use your computer's operating system settings, which can affect how all websites appear in your browser.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's theme setting on a computer is found in account settings under "Appearance," not in a main menu.
- You can choose between light mode and dark mode; Instagram does not offer custom colors or themes.
- The theme you select on the web version may not match your phone app if you have different settings there.
- If Instagram defaults to a theme you did not choose, your browser may be overriding it based on your computer's system settings.
Steps to change your theme on Instagram's web version
Open Instagram in your web browser and log in. In the top right corner, you will see a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or your profile picture. Click it.
From the menu that appears, select "Settings and privacy." Then click "Appearance." You will see two options: "Light" and "Dark." Select whichever you prefer. The change takes effect when ready, and you will see the background and text colors shift as soon as you click.
If you do not see an "Appearance" option, your browser may be blocking it or you may be using an older version of Instagram's web interface. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache, then log back in.
Why Instagram might ignore your theme choice
If you set Instagram to light mode but it keeps showing dark mode — or vice versa — your computer's operating system is likely overriding it. Windows, macOS, and Linux all have system-wide dark mode settings. Some websites, including Instagram, respect that setting and ignore your in-app choice.
To fix this, go to your computer's system settings. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to "Personalization," then "Colors," and set "Choose your mode" to "Light" or "Dark" depending on what you want. On macOS, open System Preferences, click "General," and choose "Light" or "Dark" under "Appearance." Once you change your system setting, refresh Instagram in your browser.
If you want Instagram to use one theme while the rest of your computer uses another, you may need to use a different browser for Instagram, since not all browsers allow per-website theme overrides.
The difference between Instagram's web version and the app
Instagram's web version (what you use on a computer in your browser) has its own theme setting, separate from the Instagram app on your phone. If you set dark mode on your computer but light mode on your phone, each will stay as you set it. The settings do not sync between devices.
This can be confusing if you switch between your phone and computer throughout the day. You may need to adjust the theme on each device separately if you want them to match.
Using your browser's dark mode instead
If Instagram's built-in theme options are not working or you want more control, most modern browsers have their own dark mode features. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, you can enable dark mode for all websites or for specific sites only.
Keep in mind that browser-level dark mode may not work perfectly with Instagram's design. Some buttons or text might become hard to read, or colors might look off. Instagram's native dark mode is designed specifically for the app, so it usually looks better than the browser's generic dark mode.
What to do if the theme setting is missing or broken
If you cannot find the "Appearance" option in your settings, first check that you are logged in. Instagram only shows this setting to logged-in users. If you are logged in and still do not see it, try these steps in order: refresh the page, clear your browser's cache and cookies, log out and log back in, or try a different browser.
If the setting appears but does not change anything when you click it, your browser may have cached an old version of Instagram's interface. Clear your cache again, or try opening Instagram in a private or incognito window, which does not use cached data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the theme on my computer affect my phone?
No. Instagram's theme setting is separate on each device. If you want the same theme on both, you need to change it in both places. The settings do not sync automatically.
Can I make Instagram use custom colors instead of just light or dark?
Instagram does not offer custom color themes through its own settings. You are limited to light mode and dark mode. If you want a different look, you would need to use your browser's developer tools or a third-party extension, though extensions can sometimes cause Instagram to work incorrectly.
Why does Instagram keep switching back to dark mode even though I chose light?
Your computer's system-wide dark mode setting is likely overriding Instagram's choice. Check your Windows, macOS, or Linux appearance settings and make sure they match what you want Instagram to display. Once you change your system setting, refresh Instagram.
Will changing the theme affect my account or posts?
No. The theme is only how the app looks to you. It does not change anything about your account, posts, followers, or how other people see your profile. It is purely a display preference.
Can I set different themes for different times of day?
Instagram does not have a scheduled theme feature. You would need to change it manually each time. Some browsers and operating systems offer scheduled dark mode (for example, dark mode at sunset), which would affect Instagram if your system setting is overriding the app's choice.