Instagram is primarily used on smartphones, but you can also use it in a desktop browser on Windows or Mac. For years that meant only viewing your feed and messages, but it can also be used to upload photos too.
Instagram is primarily used on smartphones, but you can also use it in a desktop browser on Windows or Mac. For years that meant only viewing your feed and messages, but it can also be used to upload photos too.
As of October of 2021, Instagram added the long-awaited ability to post to Instagram from the website. You get nearly all of the same filters and editing tools that you can find in the iPhone and Android app, too. Let’s explore how this is done.
This is for Windows, PC, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook using Instagram
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
First, head on over to Instagram.com in a web browser such as Google Chrome or Safari. Sign in with your Instagram account if you are not already signed in. Refer to the below image:
Signing in to your Instagram account
Next, click the plus “+” icon in the upper right-hand corner. See the below image:
Selecting to add a photo
Now, click Select From Computer and choose a photo from the file manager. See the following image:
Selecting a photo from your device
Next, there are a couple of options where you can adjust the Aspect Ratio, Zoom in on the photo, or Add more photos to create a slideshow. In our example, we made no adjustments. Click Nextwhen the photo is ready. Refer to the below image:
Optionally adjust your photo
Now, you can choose a Filter or make some other adjustments to the photo. Click Next when the photo looks good. In our example, we set the Filter to Juno and increased the Temperature setting. See the below image:
Optional adjustments you can make
Next, write a Caption in the text box, add a Location if desired, and click Share. See the following image:
Setting a caption and location
Now, you will be given a message about successfully sharing your Instagram post. Refer to the below image:
Post shared message
Your photo post will now be displayed on your Instagram account. Notice the warmer color and background from the original above. See the below image:
Your photo post on Instagram
You can now post photos to your Instagram feed right from your Windows PC, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS computer. This is especially useful for uploading photos that you have transferred onto your computer,
Quote For the Day
If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to keep getting what we’re getting.
Stephen Covey
You are finished. Personally, I like this feature since I have most of my photos on my computer. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
Author’s E-book
You can access the e-book from a Kindle device, the Kindle App for the desktop or smartphone, which is a free app.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath
If you would like to share an Instagram photo or video outside the platform, you will have to get that item’s shareable link. Let’s explore how to get these links from your Instagram account, on either desktop or mobile.
Note! You can not get links to photos or videos that are in a private Instagram account. For these accounts, Instagram does not offer the option to get a link.
This is for devices running Instagram
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
The instructions to get a link to a photo or video on Instagram are the same for all Instagram-supported devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook computers, as well as iPhones and Android smartphones.
First, open Instagram and find the photo or video for which you want to get a shareable link. At the top-right corner of that item, click or tap the three dots Menu. Refer to the below image:
Accessing the Menu
Next, choose Link on an iPhone or Copy Link on other devices. See the below image:
Accessing the Link icon
Now, the link to your selected photo or video on Instagram will be copied to your device’s clipboard. Use the Paste option in any text field on your device to view your link. In our example, we pasted the link to the iPhone Notes app.
Your shareable Instagram link should look something like the following image:
Your Instagram link
You may now send this link to your friends and family. They can click or tap it to access the photo or video on Instagram.
Quote For the Day
The system is that there is no system. That doesn’t mean we don’t have process. Apple is a very disciplined company, and we have great processes. But that’s not what it’s about. Process makes you more efficient.
Steve Jobs
That was easy. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love hearing from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath
On Instagram, if you do not want someone’s updates to appear in your news feed anymore, you can unfollow them in your account. Let’s explore this feature.
This is for the iPhone and Android
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
When You Unfollow Someone
Unfollowing someone on Instagram basically means unsubscribing from their profile updates. Instagram does not notify the user when you unfollow them.
Later, if you change your mind, you can always re-follow the unfollowed account. You can also remove people who follow you on Instagram.
Unfollow Using Mobile
On your iPhone or Android device, use the Instagram app to unfollow people.
First, launch the Instagram app on your phone. You can use the Spotlight Search (your first screen) to locate the app. Just enter Instagram in the search box and tap the resulting Instagram icon. Refer to the below image:
Using Spotlight Search to find the Instagram app
Next, at the bottom of the app, tap the profile icon (the last icon in the bottom bar). See the below image:
Selecting your profile icon
Now, at the top of your profile page, tap Following. This will display the users that you follow on Instagram. See the following image:
Selecting the number of people you follow
Next, in the Following list, find the account you want to unfollow. Then, next to that account, tap Following. In our example, we are Following 92 people. Refer to the below image:
Choosing a person to unfollow
Now, Instagram will remove your selected account from your Following list. The Following option is now turned into Follow, which means you have successfully unfollowed that account on Instagram and, in our example, the account changed to Following 91 persons.. See the below image:
Unfollowing the person
Now, if you would like to unfollow someone from their profile, then on their profile, tap Following and select Unfollow from the menu that opens In our example, we tapped the profile icon for louicmoreno, selected the Following drop-down box, then chose Unfollow from the menu. See the following image:
Unfollow a person from their profile
Quote For the Day
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
Thomas A Edison
That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love hearing from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath
Instagram is a popular outlet for spontaneous texts thanks to its variety of filters and options. These are also the kind of conversations you do not want others to save permanently.
Instagram is a popular outlet for spontaneous texts thanks to its variety of filters and options. These may be the kind of conversations you do not want others to save permanently. Let’s explore how to make the messages disappear.
This is for iPhone and Android running Instagram
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
For creating self-destructing texts, Instagram offers a feature called Vanish Mode on its messaging service. An identical feature can be found in FacebookMessenger. Any text or media you send in Vanish Mode is automatically removed as soon as the recipient sees it.
First, make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app on your Android or iPhone.
Next, open the Instagram app on your phone and swipe in from the left edge of the screen (or tap the text bubble button at the top right) to view a list of your messages. Refer to the below image:
Selecting to view messages
Now, perform a swipe-up gesture above the text box to activate Vanish Mode. Once that’s successful, Instagram will update your chat background with a darker shade and throw in a few animations to let you know Vanish Mode is active. See the below image:
Activating Vanish Mode by swiping up on a text box
Next, in Vanish Mode, you can continue to chat normally and send messages in all the usual formats, like direct stories, voice clips, and more. See the following image:
You are in Vanish Mode
The difference is that once you swipe up again to leave Vanish Mode and the other person reads whatever you have sent, Instagram will delete those messages. Refer to the below image:
Exiting Vanish Mode by swiping up
Now, while the recipient is free to take a screenshot of your messages in Vanish Mode, Instagram will notify you if and when they do.
Note! Instagram retains your Vanish Mode media and texts for up to an hour after they have been deleted. This is in case the recipient files a report for abuse and harassment and Instagram needs the Vanish Mode data to take action.
Quote For the Day
When you’re young, you look at television and think, there’s a conspiracy. The networks have conspired to dumb us down. But when you get a little older, you realize that’s not true. The networks are in business to give people exactly what they want.
Steve Jobs
That was easy. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love hearing from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath
Got a new photo and want to show it off to your Instagram followers? Instagram makes it easy to change your profile picture.
Unlike Facebook, you can change your profile picture without posting. There is no notification when you change your profile photo, it just changes. Let’s explore how this is done.
This is for. iPhone/iPad and Android using Instagram
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
On your iPhone/iPad or Android phone, use the Instagram app to update your profile picture.
First, launch the Instagram app on your phone. In the app, from the bar at the bottom, select the profile icon (which is the last icon in that row). Refer to the below image:
Accessing your profile
Next, on your profile screen, beneath your profile details, tap the Edit Profile option. See the below image:
Selecting Edit Profile option
Now, beneath your current profile picture, tap Change Profile Photo. See the following image:
Selecting to change profile photo
Next, from the bottom of your app, Instagram will open a Change Profile Photo or Synced Profile Photo menu.
Now, if you want to replace your profile picture with a picture saved on your phone, tap New Profile Photo in the menu. To add a photo from your Facebook profile, tap Import from Facebook.
Tip: Use the Remove Profile Photo option if you simply want to delete the current picture from your Instagram profile.
We will choose the Choose From Library option. Refer to the below image:
Selecting where to get your profile photo
Next, Instagram will open your phone’s gallery. Here, select the photo that you would like to make your profile picture on Instagram. When you select a photo, the app will display editing options that are optional. Tap Done to continue. See the below image:
Selecting your profile photo
Now, Instagram will take you to your profile page, and you will see your new profile picture there. Tap Done to continue. See the following image:
Your new profile photo
Next, if you have enabled Sync profile photo, (from Choose From Library screen above) your new photo will be synced to Facebook. Tap OK to continue. Refer to the below image:
Syncing enabled
Now, go back to the above screen and tap Manage Sync Settings. A confirmation dialog will be displayed regarding your profile photo sync between Facebook and Instagram. See the below image:
Your sync confirmation
Next, exit Instagram.
Quote For the Day
Older people sit down and ask, ‘What is it?’ but the boy asks, ‘What can I do with it?’.
Steve Jobs
That’s it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app, and version you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath
Two-Factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra security layer to your accounts across the internet. 2FA means your accounts require information beyond user name and password to confirm you are who you say you are before you can get into the accounts. Let’s explore how to access 2FA.
Two-Factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra security layer to your accounts across the internet. 2FA means your accounts require information beyond user name and password to confirm you are who you say you are before you can get into the accounts. Let’s explore how to access 2FA.
This is for iPhone, iPad, PCs and Macs. Screenshots are from Windows 10 and iPhone XR
Copyright Scott Adams, Inc./Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS
The “second factor” comes in after you enter your username and password, which are considered to be the “first factor.” 2FA can be used to confirm your identity by asking for an extra piece of information. The additional information can be:
Something you know, like an additional passcode.
Something you have, like your phone to receive a one time authorization code.
Something you are, like a fingerprint or voice print. This is also called biometric security.
The idea is to provide another piece of information a hacker would not have, making it harder for the bad guy to break into your account.
The following is not an exhaustive list of services with 2FA ability, but we cover the major services everyone tends to use, and walk you through how to access. We will cover Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Twitter. Activate 2FA on all of these and you will be more secure. Once you have found their 2FA screens you can can set it up for each app.
Amazon
First, launch Amazon.com on the desktop and login in to your account. Next, click the Menu icon in upper left-hand corner. Now, scroll down the drop-down menu to Your Account option.
Next, click on the Login & Security big button. Now, on the next page, click Edit next to Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings. The preferred method is an authentication app (scan the QR code); phone number(s) are the backup method. Refer to below image where I already have 2SV based on my phone number (which is dimmed out):
Amazon 2SV
If you think your account has been comprised, go back to Login & Security and click the Edit button next to Secure Your Account.
Apple
Following are the steps on how to access 2FA for Apple using either iOS or macOS.
On iOS go to:
Settings > [your name at the top] > Password & Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
On macOS go to:
System Preferences > iCloud, then sign in, click Account Details > Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
Note! once Apple 2FA is activated for two weeks, you can not turn it off. “Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information,” according to Apple. See below image for iOS:
Apple 2FA
Facebook
First, login to Facebook on your desktop. Next, click the Down arrow in upper right-hand corner. Now, from the drop-down menu that appears, click on the Settings & Privacy option. On the next screen, click the Privacy & Checkup option. From there, click on the topic How to keep your account secure. Under this topic, you can access 2FA for Facebook. See following image where 2FA is On with a backup method of sending a text message to a phone number.
First, sign in to your Google account on your smart device. Next, at the top of the screen, locate the Security tab and tap it. Now, scroll down and tap the 2- Step Verification option. You can continuing scrolling to see more ways to verify you. Refer to below image where my 2SV is already turned On and I am using the backup method of Voice or text message:
Google 2SV
Google calls its system 2SV . It’s all about identifying you via phone. When you enter a password to access your Google account for almost any service, if 2SV is on, there are multiple options to get that second step. First among them now: the Google Prompt. You simply add your smartphone to your account, make sure the Google search app is on the phone, and at login, you can go to the phone and simply acknowledge with a tap that you are the one signing in.
Instagram
First, launch Instagram on your smart device. Next, go to your Profile in lower right-hand corner, then tap the menu (the hamburger icon) on the top-right. Tap Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication. There you can choose how you would like to get your authentication code by tapping the Get Started button. See below image:
Instagram 2FA
Linkedin
Business social network Linkedin makes it easy to set up verification, either by SMS texts or authentication app.
First, launch Linkedin on you smart device, then go to your Profile at upper left-hand screen. Next, go to Settings > Sign in & Security > Account > Two-step verification to activate it or deactivate. See following image:
Linkedin 2SV
Microsoft
First sign into your Microsoft account on your smart device. Now, tap your Profile. Next, scroll down and tap Security. 2FA is the second option, tap on it. Once again, tap Two -step verification > Manage. Microsoft will suggest you get app passwords as needed for older service or devices (like Xbox 360); go in later to generate one as needed. Refer to below image:
Microsoft 2SV
Twitter
First, to activate Login Verification on Twitter.com on the desktop, login to Twitter, Click the More menu on the left (the three dots) and select Security & Account Access > Security > Two-Factor Authentication. See following image:
Twitter 2FA
Quote For the Day
Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.
Christian Louis Lange
That’s it. With 2FA activated on these apps you are more secure. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.
Just click the Tweet icon below. This will launch Twitter where you click its icon to post the Tweet.
Check out TechSavvy.Life for blog posts on smartphones, PCs, and Macs! You may email us at contact@techsavvy.life for comments or questions.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love hearing from you. Do you have a computer or smart device tech question? I will do my best to answer your inquiry. Just send an email to contact@techsavvy.life. Please mention the device, app and version that you are using. To help us out, you can send screenshots of your data related to your question.
The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong: Events and Aftermath
Tech Savvy Life 