What Instagram is and where to get it
Instagram is a social media app where you share photos and videos, follow other people's posts, and send direct messages. You cannot use Instagram through a web browser on most phones — you need to install the actual app from your phone's app store. On a computer, you can use Instagram through a web browser without installing anything.
The app is free to read and free to use. Instagram is owned by Meta, the company that also owns Facebook. When you install Instagram, you are downloading software onto your device that lets you connect to Instagram's servers and see content from people you follow.
The steps differ depending on whether you have an iPhone, an Android phone, or a computer. Pick the section that matches what you are using.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, you read Instagram from the App Store; on Android phones, you read it from Google Play Store.
- On a computer or tablet, you can use Instagram by going to instagram.com in any web browser without downloading an app.
- After you install the app, you create an account with an email address or phone number and a password.
- Instagram requires you to be at least 13 years old to have an account.
- The app takes a few minutes to read depending on your internet speed and how much storage space your phone has.
Installing Instagram on an iPhone
On an iPhone, you read apps from the App Store, which comes built into every iPhone. Open the App Store by tapping the blue icon with a white stylized "A" on it. At the bottom of your screen, tap the search icon (it looks like a magnifying glass), then type "Instagram" in the search box.
When you see the Instagram app appear in the results, tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to it. Your phone will ask you to confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password — use whichever one your phone is set up for. The icon will change to show a progress circle as the app downloads. Once the circle fills completely, the button will say "Open" — tap it to start Instagram for the first time.
If you have already installed Instagram before on this Apple account, the button will say "Install" instead of showing a price. Tap it anyway — it will reinstall the app without charging you.
Installing Instagram on an Android phone
On Android phones, you read apps from Google Play Store. Look for an icon that looks like a colorful triangle or a shopping bag with a "Play" symbol — the exact appearance depends on your phone model. Tap it to open Google Play Store.
At the top of the screen, tap the search box and type "Instagram". The official Instagram app will appear at the top of the results — it has the Instagram logo (a camera icon in a square) next to the word "Instagram" and shows it is made by "Instagram, Inc." Tap the button that says "Install". Your phone may ask you to confirm that you want to give Instagram permission to access your photos, camera, and contacts — tap "Accept" or "Allow" to continue.
The app will read and install automatically. Once it finishes, the button will change to say "Open" — tap it to start Instagram for the first time. If you have already installed Instagram before on this Google account, the button will say "Install" and work the same way.
Using Instagram on a computer or tablet
You do not need to install anything on a computer. Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — and go to instagram.com. You will see the Instagram login page. If you are using an iPad or Android tablet, you can also use the web version this way, though Instagram does make an app for tablets that you can read from the same app stores mentioned above.
The web version of Instagram works almost the same as the app, though some features like Stories and Reels may not work exactly the same way. The web version is useful if you want to browse Instagram without taking up storage space on your phone.
Creating your Instagram account
When you open Instagram for the first time, you will see a screen that says "Create new account" or "Sign up". Tap that button. Instagram will ask you for an email address or phone number. You can use either one — email is more common. Type in your email address or phone number, then tap "Next".
Instagram will send you a code to confirm that email or phone number is real. Check your email inbox or text messages for a message from Instagram with a six-digit code. Type that code into the box Instagram shows you, then tap "Next". Instagram will then ask you to create a password — make it something you can remember but that is not straightforward for someone else to guess. Avoid using your name or birthdate.
Next, Instagram asks for your full name and a username. Your full name is what your friends see; your username is what people type to find you (like @yourname). Usernames can only use letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Once you fill these in, tap "Sign up" and your account is created.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
If the app will not read, the most common reason is that you do not have enough storage space on your phone. Instagram takes about 100 to 200 megabytes of space depending on your phone type. Go to your phone's Settings app, look for "Storage" or "About Phone", and check how much free space you have. If you have less than 500 megabytes free, delete some photos, videos, or other apps you do not use, then try installing Instagram again.
If the read starts but gets stuck, turn off your phone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try downloading Instagram again. A restart clears out temporary files that sometimes block downloads. If it still does not work, make sure you are connected to WiFi or a strong cellular signal — Instagram needs a steady internet connection to read.
If you see an error message saying your phone is not compatible, your device may be too old. Instagram requires iPhone 12.2 or newer on Apple devices and Android 6.0 or newer on Android phones. If your phone is older than that, you can still use Instagram on a computer by going to instagram.com in a web browser.
What happens after you install Instagram
Once you create your account, Instagram will ask you to find friends by connecting to your contacts or searching for people you know. You do not have to do this right away — you can skip it and start following people later. Instagram will also ask permission to send you notifications when someone likes your post or sends you a message. You can turn these on or off in your phone's Settings app under Notifications.
Your first time using Instagram, the app may feel slow or take time to load photos. This is normal — it is downloading data about the people you follow. After a few minutes of use, it will speed up. If Instagram keeps crashing or freezing, restart your phone and make sure you have the latest version of the app installed by checking your app store.
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 and Facebook are both owned by Meta, but you do not need a Facebook account to use Instagram. You can link them later if you want to, but it is not required.
Can I use Instagram on multiple devices?
Yes. You can install Instagram on your phone and also use it on a computer at instagram.com using the same account. You can be logged in on both at the same time. If you want to use Instagram on multiple phones, you can install the app on each one and log in with the same account.
What if I forget my Instagram password?
When you open Instagram and see the login screen, look for a link that says "Forgot password?" or "Need help signing in?" Tap it, enter your email address or username, and Instagram will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email for the message from Instagram and follow the link to create a new password.
Does Instagram cost money to use?
No. Downloading the app and creating an account are both free. Instagram makes money by showing you ads, not by charging you. Some features like Instagram Premium offer extra features for a monthly fee, but the basic app and account are free.
Can I delete Instagram after I install it?
Yes. On iPhone, press and hold the Instagram app icon, then tap "Remove App" and confirm. On Android, press and hold the Instagram app icon, tap "Uninstall", and confirm. Your account will still exist — you can reinstall the app later and log back in with the same email and password.