Table of Contents

How to Change the Color of Instagram: A Deep Dive

Instagram, that ubiquitous window into our lives and others’, generally sticks to its iconic white and purple-blue gradient theme. But what if you yearn for a splash of something different? Good news! While a full-blown color palette swap isn’t officially baked into the app’s core settings, there are clever workarounds and hidden features that can bring some chromatic variety to your ‘gram experience.

In short, you can’t fundamentally change Instagram’s overall color scheme universally. However, you can customize app icons, use specific themes in certain features (like Chat themes), and utilize your device’s accessibility settings to invert colors or apply filters that subtly alter the visual experience. Let’s break down each method.

Unlocking Instagram’s Hidden Color Potential

Changing the color of Instagram isn’t a one-click affair. It requires embracing a bit of creativity and utilizing available features to their fullest. Here’s how:

Method 1: Customizing App Icons (Limited Time Events)

Instagram occasionally unveils limited-time custom app icon themes during special events, such as anniversary celebrations. These unlock different color schemes for your Instagram app icon, offering a visual refresh on your home screen. These events are rare, so keep an eye on Instagram’s announcements and updates. Here’s how you would access this (if available):

Open the Instagram app.
Go to your Profile.
Tap the Menu icon (three lines) in the top right corner.
Go to Settings.
If an event is active, you may find a hidden menu (often accessed by scrolling up/down on the settings screen or by interacting with specific parts of the settings). A celebratory animation or clue might hint at its presence.
Within this hidden menu, you should find a selection of alternative app icons to choose from.

Method 2: Leveraging Chat Themes

While it won’t change the entire Instagram interface, you can customize the look of your direct message conversations. Instagram offers a range of chat themes that allow you to add color and personality to your private conversations.

Open the Instagram app.
Navigate to your Direct Messages.
Open the conversation you want to customize.
Tap the contact’s name at the top of the chat.
Tap “Theme”.
Choose from a variety of available themes and color gradients. This will change the color scheme of that specific chat window.

Method 3: Utilizing Device Accessibility Settings

This is where things get interesting. Your phone’s built-in accessibility features can offer a more dramatic (though often less refined) approach to changing Instagram’s color.

Color Inversion: Most smartphones offer a color inversion feature, which reverses all the colors on your screen. While it drastically changes the look of Instagram, it also affects every other app and element on your device. This is an extreme measure and might not be visually appealing for extended use. The precise steps vary depending on your device, but look for “Color Inversion” or “Invert Colors” within your device’s accessibility settings. On iOS, you’ll find it under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Smart Invert or Classic Invert. On Android, it’s usually under Settings > Accessibility > Color Inversion or a similar option.
Color Filters: Some devices also offer color filters, designed to help people with colorblindness. However, these filters can also be used creatively to subtly adjust the color palette of Instagram. Experiment with different filter options to see if any create a visual effect you like. Look for “Color Filters” within your device’s accessibility settings. On iOS, you’ll find it under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters. On Android, the location varies, but search within the Accessibility settings.

Important Caveats:

Using accessibility features like color inversion and filters will affect the entire device’s display, not just Instagram.
The results can be unpredictable. Some images and elements might appear distorted or unnatural.
These methods are not officially supported by Instagram, so they may not always work as expected and could be affected by future updates.

FAQs: Instagram Color Customization Demystified

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about changing the color of Instagram:

Is there a way to change the overall Instagram theme to dark mode?
Yes! Instagram has a built-in Dark Mode. To enable it, go to your Profile > Menu (three lines) > Settings > Theme > Dark. This will switch the interface to a dark background, which many users find easier on the eyes.
Can I change the color of the Instagram logo on my phone?
Only during limited-time event-driven icon customization releases by Instagram. Otherwise, you can’t directly change the logo’s color. You may find third-party apps that claim to do this, but be extremely cautious as they could be malicious.
Are there any third-party apps that can change the Instagram color scheme?
Be extremely cautious about third-party apps that promise to radically change Instagram’s appearance. Many are scams or contain malware. They often require you to provide your login credentials, which can compromise your account security. Stick to the methods described above.
Will Instagram ever officially allow users to customize the app’s color scheme?
It’s impossible to say for certain. Instagram has historically maintained a consistent visual identity. However, user feedback and trends in app customization could influence future development. Keep an eye on official announcements for any changes.
Does changing my phone’s theme affect Instagram’s appearance?
Yes, particularly if you’re using Android. Android’s system-wide Dark Mode setting will generally override Instagram’s theme setting. If your phone is set to Dark Mode, Instagram will automatically switch to Dark Mode as well.
Can I change the color of Instagram stories?
You can customize the background color and add colored elements to your Instagram Stories using the built-in tools within the Stories editor. You can select colors from a palette or use the color picker to choose any color from your screen.
How can I change the text color in my Instagram posts and stories?
Within the Instagram post and story editor, you can select different text colors using the color palette. You can also highlight text to change its background color.
Is it possible to change the color of the Instagram app icon on iOS without jailbreaking my device?
Yes, during limited-time events when Instagram provides alternative app icons. Outside of these events, you cannot change the icon’s color without using potentially risky methods like jailbreaking, which is highly discouraged.
What are the risks of using unofficial methods to customize Instagram?

Using unofficial methods, such as third-party apps, can expose you to security risks, including malware, account hacking, and privacy violations. Your account could also be suspended or banned by Instagram for violating its terms of service.
Can I change the color of my Instagram profile page?
You cannot directly change the overall color scheme of your profile page. However, you can influence its visual appearance through the consistency of your content, profile picture, and highlights. A cohesive aesthetic can create a visually appealing profile.
Does Instagram offer accessibility options for users with visual impairments?
Yes, Instagram offers several accessibility features, including alt text for images, screen reader compatibility, and adjustable font sizes. These features aim to make the platform more accessible to users with visual impairments.
Why doesn’t Instagram offer more color customization options?
Instagram likely prioritizes maintaining a consistent brand identity and user experience. Extensive customization options could lead to a fragmented and inconsistent visual landscape, potentially diluting the brand’s recognizability.