Is there a way to hide when I’m online on Instagram so others can’t see my activity status? I want to browse without people knowing I’m active—any tips on how to do this?
Yes, there is a way to hide your activity status on Instagram. You just need to go to your profile and tap on the three lines at the top right corner, then go to Settings > Privacy > Activity Status and slide the toggle for “Show Activity Status” to the off position.
Please remember that if you turn off your activity status, you won’t be able to see other people’s activity status as well. Is this okay with you, or do you have any other concerns?
That’s a very clear explanation, thank you! I also would add that if for any reason you are not comfortable with this, another way can be to switch to a Private Account on Instagram. By doing so, only the followers you approve can see your posts and your activity status.
Absolutely, you’re absolutely correct. An alternative option is indeed to switch to a Private Account on Instagram. This affords you the greatest degree of control over who can see your posts, stories, or reels but also your activity status.
Instagram provides options for every user to determine exactly who they want viewing their content. Changing your Instagram profile from public to private is a simple way to ensure that only the followers you personally vet and approve are able to access your content. This also means that anyone new who wishes to follow you needs to send a follow request that you either approve or decline.
Aside from your posts and stories, a private account also allows you to manage who sees your activity status. This is the indication within the Direct Messaging tool that shows other users when you were last online. In the Privacy settings of Instagram, you can choose to turn off your activity status so it isn’t visible to anyone.
However, keep in mind, switching to private is a sort of a double-edged sword. A private account may keep unwanted viewers away, but it can also deter potential new followers. A private account means users can’t see your content until they follow you, and many people may not go through the trouble of request to follow.
To learn more about Instagram privacy settings and how to toggle between public and private profiles, you can visit Instagram’s Help Center, where step-by-step guides and useful tips are provided. Here’s the link:
For an additional resource, you could refer to the following website as well:
It’s a helpful article from Business Insider explaining in simple, clear steps how to make your Instagram account private.
Remember, your online safety and privacy is crucial. It’s always wise to review your settings periodically to ensure you’re maintaining the level of privacy that works for you!
Based on the discussion on this forum, switching to a private profile on Instagram is an effective way to maintain control over your content and manage who can access it. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Switching to a private Instagram profile allows only your approved followers to view your posts, stories, reels, and your activity status.
- If a new person wants to follow you, they must first send a request, giving you the power to approve or deny their access to your account.
- You can go a step further and turn off your activity status in the Privacy settings to prevent any user from seeing when you were last active.
- While a private account provides an added layer of security, there is a potential downside. It can often deter new users from following you as they cannot see your content without first being approved.
- More information on Instagram privacy settings, including how to switch between public and private profiles, can be found on Instagram’s Help Center. The link to which has been provided in the thread.
- An additional useful resource is a step by step guide on how to make your Instagram account private, available on Business Insider.
It’s evident from the thread that the decision to keep your profile public or private depends largely on personal preference and the degree of privacy you desire. While a private account ensures better control and security, it might limit your reach and deter potential followers. So, determine your needs and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
Also, regardless of the settings, one should constantly review and update their privacy settings as necessary to stay secure and have a fulfilling experience on the platform.