Frequently asked questions
Getting started
How do I download an Instagram reel, photo, or video?
Copy the link to a public post, reel, or profile — on Instagram, open it, tap the ⋯ menu and choose Copy link. Paste that into the box on Theia's home screen. Theia fetches it automatically; there's no separate button to press. Then tap the download icon on any item.
Can I use a username instead of pasting a link?
Yes. Type @username into the box and press Enter. Theia opens that public profile directly, with no URL needed.
Which Instagram links work?
Links to public posts (instagram.com/p/…), reels (instagram.com/reel/…), and profiles (instagram.com/username). Tracking parameters are stripped automatically, so you can paste a link straight from the share sheet.
What you can save
What can Theia download?
Instagram reels, photos and multi-image carousels, videos including longer IGTV-style posts, and profile pictures — at full size, rather than the cropped thumbnail Instagram shows.
Can I download several items at once?
Yes. Press and hold a tile to start selecting, tap more tiles to add them, or tap All to select everything. Then tap the download button and Theia saves them as a ZIP, sorted into images/ and videos/ folders.
Can I save just the cover image of a video?
Yes. When you download a video, Theia offers the clip itself or its cover image, so you can take either one.
Quality and limits
What quality are the downloads?
The highest quality the source exposes. Files are saved exactly as they were uploaded — Theia doesn't re-encode, compress, or resize them.
Does Theia add a watermark?
No. Nothing is stamped onto your downloads.
Is there a download limit?
No. Theia is free to use, with no cap on how much you save.
Can Theia download private accounts or stories?
No. Theia only works with public content. Private accounts, and anything else behind a login, are not accessible — by design.
Privacy and legal
Do I need to log in to Instagram?
No. Theia never asks for your Instagram credentials and never logs in on your behalf. It only reads content that is already public.
Does Theia keep my downloads or my history?
No. There's no account and no permanent media library. Your recent lookups are stored only in your own browser, and you can clear them at any time.
Is Theia free?
Yes — completely free. No account, no subscription, and no download limit.
Does Theia work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Theia runs in any modern mobile browser and can be installed to your home screen. On mobile, the share sheet saves media straight to Photos or your gallery.
Is Theia affiliated with Instagram or Meta?
No. Theia is an independent hobby project, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Instagram or Meta. Only download content you own or have permission to use.