As we all know Instagram is a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family, but sometimes we are stuck in simple problems like you just want to scroll in peace without anyone knowing you’re online and the “Active Status” feature lets others see when you’re using the app, which isn’t always ideal. If you prefer and want a little more privacy, here’s we guide you how you can turn it off—whether you’re on your phone or using Instagram on a computer.
Why You Might Want to Hide Your Active Status
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to keep your activity status private like some are the common we write below:
- More Privacy – When you are using Instagram No one will know when you’re online, so you can browse without feeling watched or caught.
- Fewer Interruptions – No more pressure to respond to messages instantly. We can just ignore the messages.
- Less Social Pressure – Sometimes, you just want to check posts without anyone knowing.
- More Control – You decide when and how you interact with others, on your own terms.
How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram
On the Instagram Mobile App (iOS and Android)
If you’re using Instagram on your phone, here’s how to turn off your activity status:
- Open Instagram – Launch the Instagram app.
- Go to Your Profile – Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Open Settings – Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top right and select Settings and privacy.
- Find the Activity Status Option – Scroll down and tap Messages and story replies.
- Turn Off Activity Status – Under Who can see you’re online, tap Show activity status and toggle it off.
- That’s It! – Your active status is now hidden from others.
On Instagram Web (Desktop Version)
If you prefer using Instagram on a computer, follow these steps:
- Go to Instagram – Open www.instagram.com and log in.
- Open Settings – Click your profile picture in the top right and select Settings.
- Find Privacy Settings – Click Privacy and Security.
- Turn Off Activity Status – Uncheck the box that says Show Activity Status.
- Done! – Your changes are saved automatically.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- You Won’t See Others’ Active Status Either – Once you turn this off, you won’t be able to see when others are online.
- Applies to All Devices – If you disable active status on your phone, it also turns off on any other devices where you’re logged in.
- You Can Turn It Back On Anytime – Just follow the same steps and toggle it back on.
- People Can Still Message You – Turning off active status won’t stop DMs, but others won’t know when you’re online.
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Other Ways to Keep Your Instagram Private
If you want even more privacy, here are a few extra tips:
- Restrict Certain Users – Use Instagram’s Restrict feature to hide your activity from specific people.
- Mute Conversations – Stop notifications from certain chats without blocking anyone.
- Make Your Account Private – This gives you full control over who can follow and interact with you.
- Manage Message Requests – Limit who can send you DMs by adjusting your settings.
Final Thoughts
Turning off your active status is a simple way to take control of your Instagram experience. Whether you want fewer distractions, more privacy, or just a break from social expectations, this small tweak can make a big difference. And if you ever change your mind, you can easily turn it back on. Enjoy Instagram on your own terms!
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