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How to Save Instagram Reels on iPhone
Instagram lets you bookmark a Reel inside the app, but it has no button to keep a copy in your iPhone's Photos. With SaveReelsApp you can do it in Safari in about 20 seconds. There's nothing to install from the App Store, and you don't need to log in.
Step 1: Copy the Reel link
- Open the Reel in the Instagram app.
- Tap the paper-plane (Share) icon under the video.
- Tap Copy link. The link looks like
instagram.com/reel/….
Step 2: Paste it into SaveReelsApp
- Open savereelsapp.com in Safari.
- Tap Paste (or long-press the box and choose Paste). Then tap Download Reel.
- A preview appears. Tap ⬇ Download MP4.
The preview can be silent because browsers mute autoplay. The downloaded file includes the sound.
Step 3: Move the video into Photos
Safari puts downloads in the Files app (the Downloads folder), not in Photos. To move it:
- Tap the download arrow in Safari's address bar, then tap the file. You can also open Files → Downloads.
- Open the video and tap the Share icon.
- Choose Save Video. The Reel now shows up in Photos → Recents.
Want Safari to ask before downloading? Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Downloads. On older iOS versions it's Settings → Safari → Downloads.
Step 4 (optional): Add it to your Home Screen as an app
SaveReelsApp is a web app (PWA), so it can sit on your Home Screen like a normal app without going through the App Store:
- Open savereelsapp.com in Safari.
- Tap Share (the square with an arrow).
- Scroll down, tap Add to Home Screen, then tap Add.
Next time, copy a Reel link in Instagram, tap the SaveReelsApp icon, and paste.
Troubleshooting on iPhone
- “Couldn't fetch” or an error: the account may be private or the Reel may have been deleted. Only public Reels work.
- Nothing happens when I tap Download: check that you're in Safari, not in Instagram's built-in browser. Open the ⋯ menu and choose “Open in external browser”.
- Can't find the file: look in Files → On My iPhone → Downloads, or in iCloud Drive → Downloads.
FAQ
Do I need an app from the App Store to save Reels on iPhone?
No. SaveReelsApp works in Safari. You can add it to your Home Screen so it opens like an app, and there's nothing to install from the App Store.
Why is the downloaded Reel in Files instead of Photos?
Safari saves every download to the Files app. Open the video there, tap Share, then tap Save Video to copy it to Photos.
Can I save Reels from private accounts?
No. Only public Reels can be downloaded. Private content stays private.
More guides
Mac & PC guideReels download FAQ
SaveReelsApp is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Instagram or Meta. Instagram is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc. Only download content you have the right to use.