Instagram updates automatically on most phones, but you can also check for updates manually in your device's app store
Instagram releases updates regularly to fix bugs, add features, and patch security issues. On iPhones, updates come through the App Store. On Android phones, they come through Google Play. On computers, Instagram works through a web browser and updates itself without any action from you. If you want to check whether an update is waiting, you can open your app store and search for Instagram — if an "Update" button appears instead of "Open", a new version is ready.
Most people have automatic updates turned on, which means Instagram installs new versions in the background without you noticing. This is the safest approach because you get security fixes as soon as they are released. If you prefer to update manually, you can turn off automatic updates in your device settings and check the app store yourself when you want to.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to Instagram, and tap "Update" if one is available.
- On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Manage apps & device", find Instagram, and tap "Update" if available.
- Automatic updates are on by default for most people and will install new Instagram versions without you taking any action.
- Instagram on a web browser updates itself automatically — you do not need to do anything.
- Updates usually take a few minutes and require enough storage space on your phone, typically 100 MB to 300 MB depending on the version.
How to update Instagram on iPhone
Open the App Store app on your iPhone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see Instagram in your list of apps. If an "Update" button appears next to Instagram, tap it. The update will read and install automatically — you do not need to do anything else while it runs.
If you see an "Open" button instead of "Update", you already have the latest version. The entire process usually takes two to five minutes depending on your internet speed and how large the update is.
How to update Instagram on Android
Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Manage apps & device". Tap the "Manage" tab. Scroll through the list until you find Instagram. If an "Update" button appears, tap it. The update will read and install automatically.
If you see "Uninstall" or "Open" instead of "Update", you are already running the latest version. Like iPhone updates, this usually takes a few minutes.
How to turn on automatic updates for Instagram
On iPhone, open Settings, scroll down to App Store, tap "App Updates", and make sure "Automatic" is turned on. This setting applies to all your apps, including Instagram. Once it is on, Instagram will update itself whenever a new version is released, usually overnight when your phone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Settings", tap "Network preferences", and make sure "Auto-update apps" is set to "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only" depending on your preference. If you choose "Over Wi-Fi only", updates will only install when you are connected to Wi-Fi, which saves mobile data.
What happens during an Instagram update
When you tap "Update" or when an automatic update runs, your phone downloads the new version from the app store and installs it. During this time, you can still use Instagram — the app does not lock you out. Once the installation finishes, the next time you open Instagram, you will be running the new version.
Updates are usually small enough that they take only a few minutes on a normal internet connection. If your phone is low on storage space, the update may fail. If that happens, you can delete photos, videos, or other apps to free up space, then try updating again.
Why Instagram updates matter for security and performance
Instagram updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities — weaknesses that hackers could use to access your account or data. Running an outdated version of Instagram leaves you exposed to these known problems. Updates also fix bugs that cause the app to crash, load slowly, or behave unexpectedly.
Meta, the company that owns Instagram, releases security updates as soon as they discover a problem. Turning on automatic updates means you get these fixes without having to remember to check the app store yourself. This is especially important if you use Instagram to log into other apps or websites, because a compromised Instagram account can give someone access to those services too.
What to do if an Instagram update fails
If you tap "Update" and the process stops or shows an error, first check your internet connection. Switch to Wi-Fi if you were using mobile data, or move closer to your router. Then go back to the app store and try updating again.
If the update still fails, restart your phone and try once more. If it fails a third time, check how much storage space your phone has available. Go to Settings on iPhone or Settings on Android and look at storage. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete some photos, videos, or apps, then try the update again. If the problem continues, you can uninstall Instagram and reinstall it from the app store, which will give you the latest version.
Instagram updates on computers and tablets
If you use Instagram on a web browser — by going to instagram.com — you do not need to do anything. The website updates itself automatically every time you load it. You are always running the latest version when you visit.
On iPad, Instagram works like it does on iPhone. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, find Instagram, and tap "Update" if one is available. The process is identical to updating on an iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update Instagram right away?
You do not have to update when ready, but security updates should not wait long. If the update fixes a vulnerability that hackers are actively exploiting, using an old version puts your account at risk. Feature updates that just add new buttons or filters can wait a few days without harm.
Will updating Instagram delete my photos or messages?
No. Updates only change the app code, not your data. Your photos, messages, followers, and account information stay exactly as they are. The update process does not touch any of your content.
Why does Instagram keep asking me to update?
If you have automatic updates turned off, Instagram may show a notification reminding you that a new version is available. This is Instagram's way of encouraging you to stay current. You can dismiss the notification, but turning on automatic updates will stop the reminders and keep you find without extra effort.
Can I use Instagram while it is updating?
Yes. On most phones, you can continue using Instagram while an update installs in the background. The app will not lock you out. Once the installation finishes, the next time you open Instagram, you will have the new version.
What if my phone does not have enough storage for the update?
Delete some photos, videos, or other apps to free up at least 500 MB of space. You can back up your photos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud before deleting them. Once you have space available, go back to the app store and try the update again.