The fastest way to update Instagram depends on your device
On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll to Instagram, and tap Update if it appears. On Android, open Google Play, search for Instagram, and tap Update. On a computer, Instagram updates automatically in your web browser — you do not need to do anything. If no update button appears, you already have the latest version.
Instagram releases updates roughly every two to four weeks, though security fixes can come faster. Updates usually happen in the background on phones, but you can force a check manually using the steps above. The app will not delete your photos, messages, or account information when it updates.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users update through the App Store by tapping their profile icon, finding Instagram, and selecting Update.
- Android users update through Google Play by searching for Instagram and tapping Update.
- Computer users do not need to update manually — Instagram refreshes automatically in the web browser.
- You can check for updates anytime, but Instagram also pushes updates automatically to your phone in the background.
- Updating takes a few minutes and requires an internet connection, but does not erase your account or saved content.
Updating Instagram on iPhone
Open the App Store and tap the profile icon (a circle with your photo or initials) in the top right corner. Scroll down the list of apps until you see Instagram. If an Update button appears next to it, tap Update. The app will download and install in the background, and you will see a notification when it finishes.
If you do not see an Update button, Instagram is already current. You can also turn on automatic updates so Instagram installs new versions without you checking. In the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to the top, tap Account Settings, then tap App Updates and choose Automatic.
Updating Instagram on Android
Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Manage apps & device, then the Updates tab. Search for Instagram in the list. If an Update button appears, tap it. The app will download and install, and you will see a notification when it is done.
You can also set Instagram to update automatically. In Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, select Manage apps & device, tap the Manage tab, find Instagram, tap the three dots next to it, and choose Enable auto-update. After that, Instagram will install new versions on its own whenever they become available.
Updating Instagram on a web browser
Instagram in a web browser updates automatically — you do not need to download or install anything. When Instagram releases a new version, your browser loads the updated code the next time you visit instagram.com. You might notice new features or a slightly different layout after a refresh, but this happens without any action on your part.
If you want to force a refresh to see the latest version right away, press Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows or Command+Shift+R on Mac. This clears your browser's cached version and loads the newest one from Instagram's servers.
What happens during an update
Instagram updates usually take two to five minutes to download and install, depending on your internet speed and phone storage. During the update, you can still use other apps, but Instagram itself will be unavailable until the update finishes. Once it completes, you can open Instagram normally and log in as usual.
Updates do not delete your photos, messages, followers, or any other account data. Your login information stays the same, and you will see all your saved content exactly as you left it. The update only changes how the app works behind the scenes or adds new features to the interface.
Troubleshooting update problems
If the Update button does not appear, check that you have a working internet connection and enough storage space on your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage to see how much space is free. On Android, go to Settings, tap Storage, and check the available space. Instagram typically needs at least 100 MB of free space to update.
If an update fails partway through, close the App Store or Google Play completely and try again. If the problem continues, restart your phone and attempt the update once more. On rare occasions, you may need to uninstall Instagram and reinstall it from scratch, which will not affect your account — you will simply log back in with your username and password.
Why Instagram updates matter
Updates fix security issues that could put your account at risk, patch bugs that make the app crash or behave strangely, and add new features like filters, messaging tools, or layout changes. Running an outdated version of Instagram leaves you vulnerable to problems that newer versions have already solved.
Instagram also stops supporting very old versions of the app after a certain point. If you do not update for many months, Instagram may eventually stop working on your device until you install a newer version. Updating regularly keeps the app running smoothly and keeps your account secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Instagram delete my photos or messages?
No. Updates only change the app's code and features. Your photos, messages, followers, and all other account data remain exactly as they were. You will log back in and see everything you saved before the update.
Can I use Instagram while it is updating?
No. Instagram will not open until the update finishes. The process usually takes two to five minutes. You can use other apps on your phone during this time.
What if I do not want to update Instagram?
You can delay an update for a while, but Instagram will eventually stop working on very old versions. Staying current ensures the app runs smoothly and protects your account from security problems. Most updates are small and cause no issues.
Do I need WiFi to update Instagram?
WiFi is not required, but it is faster and does not use your phone's data plan. If you have a mobile data plan with plenty of data, you can update over cellular, though it will be slower. The update typically uses 50 to 150 MB of data.
Why does Instagram keep asking me to update?
If you see repeated update prompts, your phone may not have enough storage space to complete the update, or the download may have failed. Free up space by deleting old photos or apps, restart your phone, and try updating again. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall Instagram.