Life on social media is ruthless, whether you like it or not. So, it is legitimate if you do not want some people to see what content you share if you are not comfortable. People behind the keyboard feel free to spit anything because, hey, it is all anonymous, right?
If we are talking about Instagram, the pictures you post are public by default. It means that anyone with access to the app can view what you share. It may sound absurd to others if you wish to keep someone from seeing what you post.
However, as we stated, it is always fair if it upsets you because you have good reasons for it. For instance, it makes sense to hide your posts on the app if you do not want your snooping relatives to rat on you. Isn’t it so?
So, many Instagram users are puzzled about this whole dilemma. The app acknowledges that not every user is comfortable broadcasting their life for the entire world to see. And keeping this in mind, the photo-sharing app makes it easier to hide that information in some way or the other. So, let us get started on how the app assists its users in resolving these issues.
Can You Stop Someone from Seeing Your Posts on Instagram?
Yes, you can stop someone from seeing your posts on Instagram. First, you can employ techniques to prevent someone from viewing your posts, of course. However, if you were anticipating something similar to the Hide feature of the Instagram story, then you’re in for disappointment. To be honest, we wish it were possible, but it isn’t the case.
However, we hope Instagram adds this feature soon. But until then, we will have to do with what the app makers have to offer, and rest assured, they are worth it.
Instagram does offer some compensation in this regard which comes in the form of alterations in your privacy setting limits. You can take measures to prevent someone from seeing what you post, and we will go over them as the blog progresses.
How to Stop Someone from Seeing Your Posts on Instagram
1. Making Your Instagram Account Private
Switching a personal or public account to a private is an easy affair. But the catch in making your Instagram private is that it does not work if you want to hide posts from your followers. It only works to limit the people who do not follow you from seeing your posts. So, your job is done if they weren’t your mutual in the first place.
However, if they are someone from your followers’ list, you might want to remove them from there and then go Private. Here, we will show you different steps you need to follow to make your account private for both the official mobile app and web browser since the steps differ slightly.
Going Private via the mobile app
Step 1: To make your Instagram account private, visit the official Instagram app on your mobile. Tap on your profile icon located in the bottom right corner of the page.
Step 2: Here, in the top-right corner, you will find three horizontal lines; tap on them.
Step 3: You should click on the settings options from the list of options that appears on the screen. Go to the Privacy setting located in the panel.
Step 4: Tap on the grey toggle located right next to the Private Account option to make it blue.
Step 5: Switch to Private Account? It will pop up on the screen. Click on the Switch to Private option to confirm.
Going Private via the web browser
Step 1: You need to go into your Instagram account in your mobile browser. Login to your account.
Step 2: You will see your profile in the bottom right corner; tap on it.
Step 3: Here, you will locate the settings icon on the top-left corner of the screen; tap on that.
Step 4: Among the list of options, you will have to select the Privacy and Security option.
Step 5: Tap the checkbox for Private Account under the Account Privacy section.
Note that the instructions for A PC/Laptop are similar to the mobile browser steps. The slight difference is on the profile icon location for PC (Top right side)
2. Blocking The User
We realize how blocking works, and it’s a solid strategy to have control over any social media platform. Blocking them is a perfect idea if you want to prevent someone from seeing your post.
And whether you want to do it or not is entirely up to you. So, it is the best alternative if you have absolutely no interest in ever engaging with someone. Keep in mind that blocking someone implies that the blocked person will not gain access to your profile altogether.
Step 1: To block someone on Instagram, you need to go to the person’s profile.
Step 2: Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of their screen.
Step 3: Select the Block option from the panel.
Step 4: A question Block with the person’s name will appear similar to Block XYZ?
Step 6: Here, you will find two options, one is to block the person and new accounts they may create, which is selected by default, and the second is to simply block the person.
Step 7: Select your preferred option and click on the Block option to complete the procedure.
Now that you’ve successfully blocked this person, you have no reason to worry about them seeing any picture or video you upload, be it in your post or stories. Just be careful about one thing: as soon as you unblock them, they can send you another follow request and can resume checking out your posts once you accept.
3. Archiving Your Posts on Instagram
Did someone just tell your mom about Instagram, and now she wants to look at yours? But what will you do about those outing posts of which she has no idea? Scary right? In that case, you need a temporary arrangement, and the Instagram archive gives you just that.
Note that it won’t delete anything since it is simply an alternative if you are not up for deleting your posts. Consider it a sort of a less radical option? With this feature, you can hide your posts permanently or temporarily, and it depends totally on you. And when you feel like bringing those posts back on your profile, you can do it as well.
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