Instagram users warn 'do not update' after latest change leaves them furious

Instagram users are being warned to 'not update' after its latest change leaves many furious.

While Apple iPhone users are already scrambling to reverse the iOS 26 update and disable its more controversial features, other social media users are now issuing warnings about another app.

With more than two billion monthly active users worldwide, Instagram is undeniably one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet.

But the Meta-owned app has just rolled out another major change to its user experience and people are absolutely not happy about it.

It seems Instagram has completely reorganised its menu bar, which allows users to navigate between different parts of the app.

While many are familiar with the menu bar running along the bottom of the app has five different icons, the new layout has shuffled everything around. In the new update, users can no longer tap the bottom centre of the screen to create a new post, while swiping the screen now switches between the main feed, direct messages and Reels.

Where the new post icon used to sit is now the icon for direct messages (DMs), the paper aeroplane symbol. As such, the new post icon has been relocated to the top-right corner of the app, represented by a plus symbol inside a square.

The head of Instagram Adam Mosseri stated that the change is currently being tested with some users before any potential wider rollout. However, many of those caught in the test group have flooded social media with complaints.

On Reddit, Instagram users are actively warning others not to update the app if they haven’t already.

“Instagram has literally become Tiktok, which isn't what ANYONE asked for. It should have remained 2 different apps, for 2 different vibes, and now I might as well just go hang out on Tiktok. This sucks,” one frustrated user posted.

The replies are filled with people desperately seeking solutions.

“Came on here because I accidentally updated it and it looks HORRIBLEE is it reversible?? I hate it so much. It didnt change my other accounts but only my main acc got updated,” one Reddit user replied in the thread.

“Help how I remove the new update,” another asked.

Over on X, users have been expressing similar irritation.

“The new Instagram layout is annoying me more than I can explain. Try to swipe to see photos on a post and end up on a completely different page,” one user shared, while another wrote: “Instagram's new menu layout is very infuriating.”

Unfortunately, it seems there's no simple undo button for the app updates, which means we’ll have to wait and see if the tech giant decides to reverse course based on user feedback.