Instagram may look different because of an update, a temporary test or a setting. Your phone, account or a technical problem may also play a role. First, look at exactly what has changed. Have the colours changed, is a button somewhere else or are your photos not loading? That determines what you should check first.
Below, you can read how to recognise the differences and what you can try yourself.
An Instagram update can change buttons and screens
After an update, a button may be somewhere else or a screen may be arranged differently. Does your phone update apps automatically? If so, you may notice a change without having done anything yourself.
Open the app store on your phone and check whether an update for Instagram is available. Also see whether you can find out when the app was last updated. Did that coincide with the change? The update may be the cause, but you cannot be certain yet.
A different layout is not the same as an outage. Is a button in a new place but still working? Then reinstalling is not the first step. Are photos staying blank or is Instagram closing by itself? Check whether there is a technical problem.
There is no fixed way to restore every old layout. So do not search endlessly for a restore button if only the design is different.
Instagram may differ by account, phone or region
Instagram does not have to look the same for everyone. A temporary test may explain it. Instagram may also roll out a new design step by step, meaning not everyone sees it at the same time. Without confirmation, you cannot know whether your account is part of such a test.
Your region, language, account type and phone may also play a role. A single moved button cannot tell you which cause applies to you.
Do you already have two accounts? On the same phone, open the same screen for both accounts. This lets you compare more effectively than placing your profile next to a friend’s messages screen.
- Two accounts look different on the same phone. Compare the account settings. A test may also explain the difference.
- The same account looks different on two phones. Compare the app version and the phone settings.
- The app looks different from the website. Bear in mind that the app and website may have different layouts.
Also pay attention to which information you are comparing. According to Sleds’ explanation of the number of followers the total appears at the top of your profile. You can see changes in Insights, the section with statistics. A different number on another screen therefore does not automatically mean that the design has changed.
These settings can change how Instagram looks
Has the background become dark? Check the theme. Are mainly the letters larger? Check the text size on your phone. The table shows where you can start for each change.
| What is different? | What can you check? |
|---|---|
| The background is dark instead of light | Check the theme on your phone and, if available, the theme option in Instagram. |
| Text and features look larger | Check whether the text size or screen magnification on your phone has been adjusted. |
| Words appear in a different language | Check your phone’s language and, if available, the language setting for Instagram. |
| You cannot see a green dot next to someone | The dot relates to someone’s online status. That is different from a change to the overall design. |
According to Catchrs’ explanation of online status on Instagram a missing green dot does not automatically mean that someone is offline. Settings or connection problems may play a part.
Cannot find a mentioned setting? Continue with the other checks. Not every option is available everywhere or located in the same place.
Has mainly the background turned black? Then read why your Instagram is black. Have you instead suddenly been asked for your age? For that, see why Instagram asks for your date of birth.
What can you do if Instagram suddenly works differently?
Try one step at a time and check each time whether anything changes. This prevents you from adjusting all kinds of settings without knowing what helps.
- Note what is different and when it started. For example: “Photos have not loaded since this morning, but my profile still opens.”
- Close Instagram completely and open the app again. Then check the same screen to see whether the problem is still there.
- Check whether an update is available. Use the official app store on your phone. An update is not guaranteed to bring back the old design.
- Test your connection if photos or messages are not loading. If possible, switch between Wi Fi and mobile data. Keep an eye on your data allowance.
- Restart your phone. Open Instagram and check whether the same screen is still causing problems.
- Try opening your account in a browser. Does it work there? That may indicate that the problem is with the app or your phone.
Suppose a button is still in a different place after these steps but does work. Then you do not need to keep checking your connection for that change. Does a screen remain blank while other apps load properly? Then reporting the problem is more useful.
Do you still want to delete and reinstall Instagram? First check that you will be able to log in again afterwards and that you have access to your login codes. Drafts saved only on your phone may be lost.
Is your question not about the design but about which posts people see? Then read why your followers cannot see your Instagram posts. Different checks are needed for that.
Report an Instagram problem if a feature does not work
Can you still not use an important feature after the checks? Report the problem to Instagram. Examples include a screen that stays blank or a button that repeatedly does nothing.
Look in the app for help or an option to report a problem. The name and location of that option may differ. Cannot use the app? Check the official Instagram website to see what help is available.
In your report, write which phone model you have, when the problem started and which screen is not working. Also say what you have already tried. If possible, add a screenshot. First make private messages and other personal information unreadable.
Is everything working and only the layout different? Then you can share your feedback. A report alone does not automatically make the old design return. If you also publish your own content, our Instagram services includes packages for followers and likes. The product pages show the available quantities and prices.
