Instagram regularly releases updates to its app to add new features, improve performance, and fix bugs. While these updates are generally beneficial, in some rare instances users may prefer an older version of the app.
If you are not comfortable with the latest update of your Instagram app, in this article, I’m going to show you how to downgrade to Instagram’s old version, as well as highlight the considerations and potential risks of this action.
Unfortunately, there is no official method to downgrade within the Instagram app. Still, the process is as simple as; uninstalling the current version of your Instagram app, and then downloading and installing an older version.
I’m going to explain this process in detail in the following sections, but first…
Considerations Before Downgrading Instagram
Before downgrading Instagram, it is important to consider the following:
Your reasons for downgrading: Consider why you want to downgrade the app. Are there specific features or functionalities that are not available in the latest version that you need?
Device compatibility: Check if the older version of the app is compatible with your device and operating system. Downgrading to an older version that is not compatible can cause compatibility issues and bugs.
Security risks: Downloading and installing older versions of apps from third-party sources can pose security risks.
Be sure to download the older version of the app from a reputable source to minimize the risk of exposing your device to malware or other security threats.
Backup data: Before downgrading your Instagram app, make sure to back up any important data or settings from your current version of the app.
Alternative solutions: Consider alternative solutions to your issue, such as reaching out to Instagram support for assistance, before downgrading the app.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether downgrading Instagram is the best solution for you.
How to Downgrade Instagram Version
To downgrade Instagram, you need to follow these steps:
1. Uninstall the current Instagram version
First, you need to uninstall the current version of Instagram:
To do this go to your device’s app store and locate the Instagram app.
Press the “Uninstall” button then confirm the action to remove the app from your device.
2. Download an older version of Instagram
After removing your current Instagram version, you need to download and install an older version.
You can use a third-party app store, such as APKPure, to download an older version of Instagram. Please search for the version you want to install, then download and install it on your device
Note:
Downloading and installing older versions of apps from third-party sources can pose security risks and may violate the terms of service of the app. Proceed at your own risk.
Tip:
Remember to allow installation from unknown sources.
Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and enable the toggle to allow installation from unknown sources.
Once you’ve installed the older version, you can log in to your account and use Instagram as you did before. However, be aware that downgrading to an older version may cause compatibility issues or limit access to new features.
How to downgrade Instagram on iPhone
Downgrading Instagram on an iPhone is not officially supported by Apple or Instagram.
However, if you have previously downloaded an older version of Instagram and it is available in your purchase history, you can try the following steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner to access your account settings.
- Tap on “Purchased” or “My Purchases” to view your previously downloaded apps.
- Search for Instagram in your purchased apps list.
- If you find the older version of Instagram that you want to downgrade to, tap the cloud download icon next to it to reinstall that version.
If the desired version of Instagram is not available in your purchase history, it is not possible to downgrade Instagram through official means on an iPhone.
Disadvantages of Instagram Downgrade
It is important to note that downgrading your Instagram app to an older version may come with its disadvantages, let’s look at some of them below:
Compatibility issues: Downgrading to an older version of the app may cause compatibility issues with your device or operating system, which can lead to bugs and crashes.
Shortage of new features: By downgrading, you will miss out on new features and improvements that have been added to the app in recent updates.
Security risks: Downloading and installing older versions of apps from third-party sources can pose security risks and may violate the terms of service of the app.
You could be exposing your device to malware or other security threats.
Reduced functionality: Some features and functionalities that you may have come to rely on may not be available in the older version of the app.
Missed bug fixes: New updates to the Instagram app often include bug fixes and security patches, so downgrading to an older version may leave your app more vulnerable to bugs and security issues.
Generally, keeping your apps up to date is recommended to take advantage of the latest features and bug fixes.
Additionally, if you’re having issues with the latest version of Instagram, consider reaching out to Instagram support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions Instagram Downgrade
Q. Is it safe to downgrade Instagram?
A. Downgrading Instagram to an older version may not be safe as it can expose your device to security vulnerabilities that have been fixed in newer versions.
Also, older versions may not be compatible with your device’s operating system, leading to performance issues.
Q. Why would someone want to downgrade Instagram?
A. Some people may choose to downgrade Instagram to a previous version because they prefer the look and feel of an older version or they may have experienced issues with the latest version.
Q. What are the risks of downgrading Instagram?
A. Downgrading Instagram to an older version can expose your device to security vulnerabilities that have since been fixed in newer versions.
Additionally, older versions may not be compatible with your device’s operating system, which may lead to performance issues.
Q. Is it safe to download an older version of Instagram from an unofficial website?
A. No, it is not safe to download an older version of Instagram from an unofficial website as it may contain malware or be a phishing attempt.
It is recommended to only download apps from the official app store.
Q. Can I go back to the latest version of Instagram after downgrading?
A. Yes, you can update to the latest version of Instagram after downgrading. Simply go to your App store, locate your Instagram app, and click the Update button.
Q: Why did my Instagram downgrade?
A. If your Instagram app has downgraded or reverted to an older version without your intention or action, there could be a few potential reasons for this:
If you have disabled automatic app updates on your device, Instagram may not have been updated to the latest version and remained on an older version.
Sometimes, new versions of apps may have compatibility issues with certain devices or operating system versions.
To address this, developers may roll back to a previous version until the issues are resolved.
Occasionally, software glitches or bugs can cause an app to unexpectedly revert to a previous version. These technical issues can occur during the update process.
It is possible that you or someone else accidentally uninstalled and reinstalled an older version of Instagram or performed actions that led to the downgrade.
Understanding the precise cause of the downgrade would necessitate additional research based on the circumstances and device settings.
Conclusion
If you are not comfortable with your current Instagram app, you can follow the steps above to downgrade it. Remember to back up your data first as a safety precaution.
Generally, it’s always recommended to use the latest version of your Instagram app to take advantage of the latest features and updates for optimal performance and security.
But in the end, it depends on what your reasons are for wanting to downgrade your Instagram.
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