To update Instagram, open the App Store on iPhone or the Google Play Store on Android, tap your profile picture at the top, find Instagram in the list of available updates and tap Update. If Instagram isn't in that list, there's no update waiting for your phone.
It matters more than it sounds. Instagram's own help page says that if something's not working with the app on iOS or Android, its first recommendation is updating to the latest version, and it notes that as of May 2022 some older versions of the app are no longer supported. Here are the exact steps for both phones, plus how to stop having to do it by hand.
Update Instagram on iPhone or iPad
These are Apple's steps for updating an app manually:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap the My Account button or your photo at the top of the screen.
- Tap App Updates.
- Tap Update next to Instagram, or tap Update All to do everything at once.
Apple points out that apps you download from the App Store update automatically by default, so if you've never touched the setting, Instagram is probably updating itself already. The manual route is for when an update seems stuck or you want it right now.
Update Instagram on Android
Google's steps for the Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & device.
- Under Updates available, tap See details.
- Next to Instagram, tap Update. To do all your apps, tap Update all.
Two tips from the same Google page: if an update is available, the Update button also appears on the app's Details page, and to finish some updates you may need to restart your device.
iPhone vs Android at a glance
| iPhone and iPad | Android | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to go | App Store, then your photo or My Account | Google Play Store, then your profile icon |
| Update list | App Updates | Manage apps & device, then Updates available |
| Update just Instagram | Update next to Instagram | Update next to Instagram |
| Update everything | Update All | Update all |
| Automatic updates | On by default for App Store apps | Set in the Play Store, or per app from its Details page |
Turn on automatic updates so you never have to think about it
- iPhone or iPad: Apple's steps are Settings, then Apps, then App Store, then turn App Updates on.
- Android: Google lets you update apps automatically or manually from the Play Store, and an individual app's Details page is where its own update option shows up.
Here's the part people don't expect: Instagram's Terms of Use include, in the section on permissions you give Instagram, that you agree it can download and install updates to the Service on your device. So updates are part of the deal you signed up to, and keeping automatic updates on simply stops you running a version Instagram has stopped supporting.
When updating Instagram fixes things
Instagram's help pages use "update the app" as the first fix in several places:
- Something's not working with the app. Instagram recommends updating to the latest version on iOS or Android first.
- The music sticker is missing in Reels. Instagram's Reels help says to make sure your app is updated to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store. It adds that the music sticker isn't available to everyone, so an update won't always bring it back.
- The app won't download or update. Instagram's advice is to check your internet connection and connect to Wi-Fi first for best results.
If it's still misbehaving after an update, my step-by-step guide for when Instagram is glitchy goes further, and clearing the app's stored data is covered in how to clear the Instagram cache.
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Can't see an update for Instagram?
- If Instagram isn't listed under updates on either phone, there's usually no newer version waiting for your device.
- On iPhone, check whether automatic updates already installed it: Apple notes App Store apps update automatically by default.
- On Android, open Instagram's Details page in the Play Store. Google says the Update button appears there when an update is available.
- While you wait, Instagram reminds you that you can always use Instagram.com on the web from a mobile browser or computer.
A word on 'Instagram update' news
Updating the app and Instagram announcing new features aren't the same thing: an update installs the latest version of the app on your phone, and Instagram's Reels help is clear that some tools, like the music sticker, aren't available to everyone even then. If you're after what changed for businesses rather than how to install the latest version, read my roundup of Instagram updates for marketers and businesses.
My verdict
Leave automatic updates on, and when something on Instagram breaks, check for an update before you try anything clever. It takes a minute in the App Store or Google Play, it's Instagram's own first fix, and it rules out an old version as the cause of missing buttons and odd glitches.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update Instagram on my iPhone?
Open the App Store, tap the My Account button or your photo at the top, tap App Updates, then tap Update next to Instagram.
How do I update Instagram on Android?
Open the Google Play Store, tap the profile icon at the top right, tap Manage apps & device, tap See details under Updates available, then tap Update next to Instagram.
Does Instagram update automatically?
On iPhone and iPad, apps from the App Store update automatically by default. On Android, you can set apps to update automatically in the Play Store.
Why should I update Instagram?
Instagram's help page recommends updating to the latest version if something isn't working, and says some older versions of the app are no longer supported.
Why is there no update for Instagram?
If Instagram isn't listed in your available updates, there's usually no newer version waiting. On Android, Google says the Update button appears on the app's Details page when an update is available.
