How to get Instagram on your iPad by downloading the iPhone app version

Instagram was designed to be used on the smartphone, with a built-in camera, constant internet connection, and the portability of an iPhone or Android phone. While on a computer, you can like Instagram posts, comment on them, and share, but you can't add new content to the platform unless you know a clever hack.

2019-12-12T17:26:00Z
  • You can get Instagram on your iPad and use the app as you would on your iPhone, but you'll be limited by the display. 
  • Because the Instagram app is not optimized for your iPad, the window will not fill your entire screen at its highest resolution — you're essentially just using the smaller iPhone app on a larger screen. 
  • If you go to Instagram on your iPad through the Safari browser, you can view the full-sized site and enjoy viewing content, though your ability to post and comment is limited in this format.
  • This story is part of Business Insider's Guide to Instagram.

Instagram was designed to be used on the smartphone, with a built-in camera, constant internet connection, and the portability of an iPhone or Android phone. 

While on a computer, you can like Instagram posts, comment on them, and share, but you can't add new content to the platform — unless you know a clever hack. 

But what about the iPad? While there is no dedicated Instagram app for an iPad, you can still use Instagram on your tablet and engage with the social media platform as much as you would on a phone.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPad (From $329.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to get Instagram on your iPad

On your iPad, go to the App Store and search for Instagram.

You'll need to adjust the filter for available apps to include iPhone-specific apps. To do this, tap "Filters" in the top-left corner and select "iPhone Only." 

Once you've searched for and found Instagram with the correct filter, tap "GET" to download the app, then open it and log in with your Instagram account.

Download Instagram in the App Store on your iPad. Steven John/Business Insider

You might notice that the window Instagram uses does not fill the iPad screen by default. This is because the app is not optimized for your tablet. You can expand the app by selecting the full-screen option in the bottom right corner of your screen, though a black border will still surround the app, and it won't be at an optimal resolution. 

Regardless, you can post and add to your story via the app on your iPad — you're essentially just using the iPhone app on your iPad. 

For a better full-screen content viewing experience, just go to Instagram via the iPad's Safari web browser. However, because it's the browser version, you won't be able to post on Instagram this way. 

Apple iPhone 11 Check price at Walmart Check price at Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy S10 Check price at Amazon Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy Apple iPad (9th Generation) Check price at Amazon Check price at Walmart Check price at Best Buy

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech: 

spanspanSteven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at a href="http://www.stevenjohnbooks.com/"www.stevenjohnbooks.com/a./span/span Steven John Freelance Writer Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com. Read more Read less

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