Step 1: Copy the Instagram link
In the Instagram app, open the Reel or post, tap the paper-plane icon, then Copy link.
Step 2: Download in Safari
Open this page in Safari, tap Paste in the box above and tap Download MP4. When the Download button appears, tap it. Safari may ask "Do you want to download…?" — tap Download.
A small arrow appears in the address bar. Tap it to watch the progress; Reels usually finish in a second or two.
Step 3: Move it into Photos
- Open the Files app → Browse → Downloads (or tap the file in Safari's download list).
- Tap the video to open it.
- Tap the Share icon (square with an up-arrow), then Save Video.
The video is now in Photos → Recents, with no Instagram watermark — ready to edit in CapCut or iMovie, or repost.
If something goes wrong
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens when I tap Download | Make sure you're in Safari or Chrome, not inside the Instagram app's built-in browser. Copy this page's address into Safari. |
| "Save Video" is missing | The file is still downloading — wait for Safari's arrow to finish. |
| The video has no sound | Check the Reel in Instagram: if it's silent there, the original has no audio. |
| Files says the folder is empty | Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Downloads to see whether downloads go to iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. |
Android instead?
Chrome on Android saves to Downloads, and the video shows up in Gallery or Google Photos straight away — no extra step.