On Android, a downloaded Reel shows up in the gallery by itself. On iPhone it takes one extra step, and that step is where most people get stuck: Safari puts every download in the Files app, not in Photos. Once you know that, saving a Reel with its sound takes less than a minute and needs no app.
Step 1: copy the Reel link
Open the Reel in the Instagram app. Tap the Share icon (the paper plane) and choose Copy link. The link now sits on your clipboard.
Step 2: download it in Safari
- Open the Instagram Reels downloader in Safari.
- Tap the box and paste the link, or use the paste button next to it.
- Tap Download and wait a few seconds.
- Tap "Download Video + Audio". Safari may ask you to confirm; tap Download.
A small arrow icon appears in the Safari address bar while the file downloads. Tap it to see the progress.
Use Safari for this. Some in-app browsers, such as the one inside Instagram, can't save files at all.
Step 3: move it to Photos
- Open the Files app and go to Browse, then On My iPhone, then Downloads. You can also tap the download arrow in Safari and tap the file.
- Open the video.
- Tap the Share icon and choose Save Video.
The Reel is now in your camera roll with its sound. You can delete the copy in Files if you want the space back.
No sound after saving?
First, check the ring/silent switch or Action button. iPhone mutes some video previews in silent mode, so turn up the volume and tap the speaker icon in Photos. If the Reel is silent on Instagram too, Instagram removed the audio and no download can restore it. If you tapped "Download Video Only" by mistake, go back and pick "Video + Audio". The Instagram video downloader page explains the difference.
Only the sound
To keep just the song or voice, tap "Download Audio Only (MP3)" instead. Safari saves an MP3 to Files that plays in the Files app and in most music players. With the ringtone maker you can cut a part of it and save an M4R ringtone for your iPhone.
Good to know
- Only public Reels work. Reels from private accounts can't be read.
- ICANDL doesn't store the files and doesn't add a watermark.
- Saving a Reel doesn't give you the right to repost it. Ask the creator first.
Not on iPhone? See downloading Instagram videos on PC or saving Reels to the Android gallery. Downloads you can't find are covered in where do downloaded videos go.
How to Download an Instagram Reel on iPhone
Save a Reel with sound to the iPhone Photos app using Safari
