I remember the first time I tried to copy text on Instagram I wanted to save a meaningful caption from a friend’s story but couldn’t figure it out. It felt strange that such a basic feature wasn’t directly available in the app.
Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or browsing through a desktop, the need to copy words from an Instagram story, comment, or post is real. Many people try the usual tap-and-hold method, but it doesn’t work on the mobile app, which can be quite tricky.
However, I quickly discovered that using a web browser makes it easy you just drag your mouse over the text, then select Copy.
On mobile, apps like Google Photos or Apple’s image recognition can even detect words in a screenshot, which is honestly a bit of magic. It’s small tricks like these that make a big difference.
After trying out various workarounds, I’ve found some simple, safe, and effective methods that anyone can follow. There are even tools that let you learn new ways to do this quickly and easily.
I’ve used third-party apps, tried it on both Android and iPhone, and even written a small guide for friends. Each method has its pros and cons, but the key is knowing the right one for your situation.
This article teaches you just that how to get the job done, whether you’re copying an Instagram caption, a comment, or text from a photo without the hassle.
How Do You Copy Someone’s Caption on Instagram?
Touch and hold the text you want to copy, then tap Copy text. You can also slide your finger across the text to highlight it, and then choose Copy text from the bottom of your screen to save it to your clipboard.
Using a Web Browser on Android or iPhone
If you’re trying to copy text or captions from Instagram and notice the app doesn’t allow it, don’t worry you can still do it using your web browser.
I’ve used this trick several times when I needed to save important quotes or messages from posts, and it works on both Android and iPhone if you follow the steps below carefully:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile phone. Make sure you’re logged in to your account so you can browse through your feed.
- Find the Instagram post that has the caption or text you want to copy. You can navigate to it by scrolling through your feed or using the search tab to locate it directly.
- Tap the three-dot menu located at the top right corner of the post:
- On Android, this appears as a vertical ⋮
- On iPhone, it appears as a horizontal •••
- On Android, this appears as a vertical ⋮
- Select Copy Link from the options. This will copy the URL of the Instagram post to your clipboard, so you can use it in a browser.
- Open your preferred web browser, such as:
- Chrome
- Safari
- Firefox
- Paste the copied link into the address bar of your browser and hit enter. This will load the specific Instagram post.
- If you’re prompted to log in, enter your credentials and continue. You must be logged in to see the caption and content of the post on the website.
- Request the desktop version of the site:
- On Chrome, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right and select Request Desktop Website.
- On Safari, tap the Aa icon in the bottom left corner, then choose Request Desktop Website.
- Once the web page reloads in desktop view, press and drag your finger over the text or caption you want to copy.
- Use the blue pins to adjust and fine-tune your selection if needed.
- Tap Copy, and the text will be copied to your clipboard, ready to paste anywhere like Notes, Messages, or a document.
Using Google Lens in Google Photos (Android and iOS)
- Take a screenshot of the Instagram caption you want to copy by pressing the Volume Down and Power buttons on your phone or tablet. This will save the caption as an image for further use.
- Once the screenshot is taken, open Google Photos. It’s a multicolored pinwheel icon that is pre-installed on most Android phones. If you have an iOS device, you can download Google Photos from the App Store.
- In Google Photos, locate the screenshot you just took. You can either scroll through your timeline or use the magnifying glass at the bottom to search for the image.
- Once you’ve opened the screenshot, tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen. This will activate Google Lens, which can read text within your image.
- Now, tap the text you want to copy. Use your finger to drag and select the text. After that, tap Copy text in the lower part of your screen, and the text will be copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted anywhere.
Copy Instagram Comments on Pixel Phones
You can easily copy Instagram comments on a Google Pixel phone directly from the recent apps menu.
- Open Instagram and make sure the comments section is visible.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the recent apps menu.
- Press and hold the comment you want to copy text from.
Copy Comments on Instagram Desktop
To copy comments on Instagram desktop, simply log in to your Instagram account on a PC or Mac. Then, find any post, and you can easily copy text like you would on any other webpage.
Unlike the mobile version, there are no restrictions here, making it simple to grab the text.
Using Apple Photos (iOS)
- Open the Instagram app and browse your feed until you find the post with the caption you want to copy. Once you’ve found it, open the post to view the full caption.
- Take a Screenshot by pressing the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously on your phone or tablet. You should see a flash, indicating the screenshot has been captured. This saves the image to your Photos app.
- Next, open the Photos app where your screenshot is stored. You can quickly access it from your timeline or navigate through your albums at the bottom of the screen to find it.
- Tap the Live Text icon that appears near the lower right corner of the image when you open the screenshot. This feature allows your device to detect and highlight any text in the image, making it ready for copying.
- Select the text you want to copy by dragging your finger over it. Once the text is highlighted, tap Copy. The selected text is now saved to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it anywhere, such as in a note, message, or document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I copy text from an Instagram post?
To copy text from an Instagram post, you can either take a screenshot or use an image-to-text converter like Google Lens or Google Photos. After capturing the image, simply select the text you want to copy and press copy text to add it to your clipboard. This process works on both Android and iOS devices.
Why can’t I copy and paste text in Instagram?
Instagram doesn’t allow copy-paste of text directly due to copyright issues. This restriction helps protect content and avoid unauthorized sharing. However, you can still share images on Instagram Stories as a workaround.
Can I copy Instagram messages?
Yes, you can copy Instagram messages. Just tap on the text you want to copy, select Copy and it will be saved to your clipboard. However, note that Instagram doesn’t allow you to copy messages from end-to-end encrypted conversations unless secure storage is enabled.
Can I directly copy Instagram comments on iPhone or Android?
You can’t directly copy Instagram comments in the app, but on iPhone or Android, using workarounds like browser view or screen text selection helps grab the comment. I’ve often used this when I needed to save or share a specific reply.
Is there any third-party app that can help with copying Instagram comments?
Yes, third-party apps from Google Play or the App Store can help copy Instagram comments and give more control over text. I’ve tried a few tools that worked well, but I always stay cautious due to privacy and security reasons. Make sure the app you use is safe and only asks for access it really needs.
Can I copy Instagram comments from the web?
Yes, you can copy Instagram comments on your computer or phone by using a web browser, then highlight the text, right-click, and select Copy. This works easily when viewing Instagram through a browser instead of the app.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to copying text on Instagram, you have various methods at your disposal. Whether you’re using your iPhone or Android, you can make use of built-in features or third-party apps to save and share important comments. Instagram’s web browser allows for easy copying by simply highlighting the text and using the right-click option. The Instagram clipboard is also a handy tool, enabling you to share content or express your thoughts by saving and posting text. But always remember to ask permission before copying images or videos to avoid any privacy issues.
That’s all! You can also check out How To Reorder Photos In Facebook Post – Detailed Guide 2025 and How Do You Send An Anonymous Message On Facebook – 6 Easy Steps
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