Instagram filters make stories and reels look more creative. Many users now want to get new filters for stories or reels. This guide explains how to get filters on Instagram and use them correctly. You will learn how to browse, save, and apply effects, along with tips to resolve some common issues related to using filters.
How to Get Filters on Instagram (Android & iOS)
To get filters on Instagram is simple once you know where to find them. Follow the steps below to access the full Effect Gallery on your Android or iOS device.
Step 1: Open the Instagram Camera
- Launch the Instagram app.
- Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Story or Reel to open the camera.
Step 2: Browse the Filter Tray
- At the bottom of the camera screen, you’ll see a row of circular icons – these are your available filters.
- Swipe left or right to preview each one.
- Tap any filter circle to see it applied immediately to your camera preview.
Step 3: Open “Browse Effects”
- Continue swiping all the way to the end of the filter tray.
- Tap Browse Effects (or the magnifying-glass icon).
- This opens the Effect Gallery, where thousands of filters are displayed.
Step 4: Explore Categories
- In the Effect Gallery, choose from categories such as: Trending, Funny, Makeup, Color & Tone, etc.
- Tap a category to view all filters under that theme.
- Scroll through the effect cards to find filters that fit your style.
Step 5: Test Any Filter
- Tap an effect card to open the filter’s detail page.
- Select Try It to preview how the filter looks in real time.
- You can switch cameras or record a sample clip to check if the effect fits your needs.
Step 6: Save the Filter to Your Camera
- Tap the bookmark/save icon on the effect page.
- A confirmation will appear, and the filter will be added to your filter tray.
- The next time you open the Instagram camera, swipe through the tray to find the filter instantly – no searching required.
How to Search New Filters on Instagram
Here are some ways to search and add new effects. Use these methods to build a unique collection of your filters on Instagram.
Method 1: Search Filters by Name
- Open Browse Effects.
- Tap the search bar at the top.
- Type keywords like aesthetic story filter, warm tone Instagram filter, or vintage camera effect.
- Choose a result, open the filter page, and tap Save to add it to your camera.
Method 2: Add Filters from Another User/Creator’s Story
- If you see a filter you like in someone’s story:
- While viewing someone’s Story, look for the filter name below their username or near the top of the screen.
- Tap the filter name.
- When the filter page opens, tap Save Effect to add it to your tray.
Method 3: Add Filters from the Reels Tab
- Tap Reels at the bottom of the app.
- Watch any video using an effect – its name will appear on the screen or near the creator’s name.
- Tap the effect name to open the filter page.
- Tap Save, and it will appear in your filter tray.
Method 4: Add Filters from Search Results
- Go to the Search tab and look up creators, hashtags, or keywords.
- Instagram may show recommended effects in the search results or on a creator’s profile under the Effects tab.
- Tap any effect to open it, then tap Save to add it to your collection.
How to Use Saved Filters on Instagram Story
Once you save an effect, you can access it directly from your Instagram Story camera. Follow the steps below to apply your saved filters quickly.
Step 1: Open the Story Camera
- Tap the + button on the bottom toolbar.
- Select Story to open the Instagram camera.
Step 2: Swipe to Find Your Saved Filters
- At the bottom of the camera screen, you’ll see the filter tray.
- Saved filters appear on the left side of the tray.
- Swipe left through the tray until you locate the effect you previously saved.
Step 3: Apply the Filter
- Aim your camera at your subject.
- The selected filter will be applied instantly to the live preview.
- Switch between filters by swiping again if needed.
Step 4: Capture or Upload a Photo
You can use your saved filter in two ways:
- Take a photo or record a video directly with the filter applied.
- Upload a photo or video from your gallery (swipe up or tap the gallery icon), then apply the filter after the media loads.
- Choose the perfect Instagram Story Size before you post.
Step 5: Post Your Story
- Once your photo or video is ready, tap Your Story.
- Instagram will publish it with the filter applied.
Read more: How to Post on Instagram: A Beginner’s Guide
Troubleshooting: Common Instagram Filter Problems & Fixes
Sometimes, you may find that the browse effects of filters are missing, or you cannot search for filters on Instagram Story. Here are the most common situations and the best solutions.
Issue 1: Why You Cannot See Filters on Instagram?
If the browse effects of filters are missing or you can’t see filters on Instagram, or are showing “Effect Not Supported,” try the fixes below.
1. Instagram App Is Outdated
Filters rely on the latest version of the app.
Fix:
Update Instagram through the Google Play Store and restart the app.
2. Slow or Unstable Network
Filter effects load from Instagram’s servers, so weak connections cause delays or missing effects.
Fix:
Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi or mobile network. For more stable routing, especially when loading large effect galleries, some users rely on tools like LightningX VPN to maintain smoother connections and safer data protection.
3. Your Device Storage Is Full
Low storage can prevent Instagram from loading AR effects.
Fix:
Delete unused apps, clear media files, or remove temporary files to free space.
4. Instagram Cache Is Corrupted
A corrupted cache may prevent filters from displaying. Learn how to clear Instagram cache or follow these quick steps.
Fix:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram.
- Tap Storage & cache.
- Select Clear Cache.
5. Your Device Does Not Support AR Effects
Some older Android devices cannot run AR features.
Fix:
Check your phone’s ARCore support by searching “Google Play Services for AR” in the Google Play Store – if it shows “Not compatible,” your device cannot load certain Instagram filters.
Issue 2: Instagram Saved Filter All Gone
If your saved filters suddenly disappear, try these fixes in order.
1. Temporary Instagram Bug
Sometimes filters vanish due to a server issue on Instagram’s side.
Fix:
Close the app completely and check again later.
Related: Fix “Instagram Something Went Wrong” Issue – 10 Tips
2. Account Logged Out or Switched
When switching accounts or logging out, filters may reset.
Fix:
Log back into the correct account and reopen the Story camera.
3. Saved Filters Hidden in the Tray
Instagram may place saved filters behind the default ones.
Fix:
Swipe all the way left through the filter tray – your saved effects may just be pushed back.
4. Filter Removed by the Creator
If the filter creator deletes or unpublishes the effect, it disappears from your saved filters.
Fix:
Search the Effect Gallery for alternative or similar filters.
5. App Data Was Reset
Reinstalling Instagram or clearing app data removes all saved effects.
Fix:
Re-save your favorite filters from Browse Effects.
Bottom Line
Instagram filters help you create unique stories with little effort. Once you know how to find, save, and apply effects, you can use them any time on Android. If your filters disappear or stop working, the simple fixes in this guide will help you restore them quickly.
