How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram: A Quick Privacy Guide
Last Update:
6 mins
Learn the simple steps to disabling your active status on Instagram, offering more privacy in your social media interactions.
Reviewed by Chloe Bidle
Creative social media strategist, driving engagement and innovation.
Maintaining privacy on social media platforms is a valid concern for many users. Instagram, one of the most popular social platforms, has a feature called 'Activity Status' that allows other users to see when you are online or when you last were. However, for various reasons, you might prefer to keep your browsing private. Turning off your 'Activity Status' is a simple privacy measure that can help you maintain a level of anonymity, preventing friends and followers from knowing your active times on the app.
The process of disabling the 'Activity Status' feature can be done through both the Instagram mobile app and the web interface. Within the Instagram app, you can navigate to your account settings to locate the 'Privacy' section. It's here where you'll find the option to control your online visibility. By turning off 'Activity Status,' you ensure a more private experience on Instagram, as others will not be able to see when you're active or your last seen timestamp. This setting holds the key to managing your presence on the platform and is easily reversible should you decide to share your activity status again in the future.
Managing Activity Status
Instagram provides you with the option to display or hide your online presence, giving you control over your privacy on the app. Understanding how to manage your Activity Status helps you navigate your visibility and interactions on the social media platform.
Turn Your Instagram Activity Status On or Off
To turn off your active status on Instagram from a mobile device, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram mobile app.
- Tap your profile icon at the bottom right.
- Access Settings by tapping the three-line menu (hamburger icon) at the top right.
- Select Privacy and then tap on Activity Status.
- Toggle the switch next to Show Activity Status to off.
By disabling this setting, others won’t be able to see when you are online or when you were last active in the app. Keep in mind that when you turn off your active status, you also won't be able to see the activity status of others.
Visibility of Online Presence
When your active status is on, a green dot or a timestamp will appear next to your profile icon in places like direct messages (DMs) or when viewing the list of active stories. This lets your followers know if you're available to interact through messages and story replies. If you prefer to browse Instagram without sending these notifications, turn off your active status in the Settings.
Interactions When Active
Even with your activity status turned off, you will still be able to send and receive DMs. However, the other party will not be notified of your online status. It's important to note that turning off active status doesn't affect other types of notifications related to messages, post likes, and comments. You will continue to receive these as usual, ensuring you stay informed about direct interactions on your account.
Understanding Instagram Online Status
Your activity status on Instagram is a feature that allows others to see when you're active or were last active on the app or website. Managing this feature is significant for your privacy and how you interact with your contacts.
Who Can See When You're Active on Instagram?
By default, people you have exchanged direct messages with on Instagram can see your activity status. This visibility is also extended to your followers whom you follow back. It's important to note that if you disable your online status, you won't be able to see the activity status of others either.
- People who can see your activity status:
- People you follow
- Anyone you have direct messages with
Determining Online Activity
Your online activity on Instagram is indicated in a few ways. If you're using the mobile app on Android or iOS, a small green dot will appear next to your profile picture when you're actively using the app. On the Instagram website via a web browser on desktop or computer, this may be represented by a green dot or a timestamp, showing when you were last active.
- Indicators of online activity:
- Mobile app: Green dot next to the profile picture
- Browser/Desktop: Green dot or timestamp near the profile picture
Conclusion
To enhance your privacy and security on Instagram, you have the option to control how others can interact with you by managing your active status. Whether you are browsing through your feed, checking messages, or enjoying Reels, disabling your visible online status can offer a more private experience. Here's a concise guide to ensure you retain this privacy:
-
Turn off on the App:
- Access Settings via your profile icon.
- Navigate to Privacy.
- Locate and disable the Show Activity Status.
-
Turn off on Desktop:
- Go to the Instagram website using your browser.
- Select Settings from the bottom left.
- Click Privacy and Security.
- Under Activity Status, uncheck Show Activity Status.
It's important to note that when you disable this feature, you won't be able to see the activity status of others. If you're also using Facebook or Facebook Messenger, consider reviewing your active status settings there as the platforms are connected and changes might affect visibility on both.
Remember, these changes can be reversed at any time, providing you with flexibility and control over your social media presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ability to manage your visibility while using Instagram is integral to maintaining your desired level of privacy. The following FAQs provide specific, step-by-step instructions to help you control your active status across various devices.
What are the steps to disable the active status feature on an iPhone for Instagram?
To turn off your active status on an iPhone, open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right. Then, tap the three-line menu in the top right, select 'Settings', go to 'Privacy', and then tap 'Activity Status'. Switch the toggle next to 'Show Activity Status' to off.
Can I hide my active status on Instagram when using a laptop, and how?
Yes, you can hide your active status from Instagram on a laptop. Navigate to Instagram's website, click on your profile icon, then select 'Settings'. Choose 'Privacy and Security', scroll down to 'Activity Status', and uncheck the box next to 'Show Activity Status'.
What is the method to switch off the active status on an Android device for Instagram?
To disable your active status on an Android device, launch Instagram and tap your profile icon. Select the menu (three lines) at the top right, tap 'Settings', head into 'Privacy', and then tap 'Activity Status'. Toggle off 'Show Activity Status'.
Are there any new instructions for hiding online status on Instagram after the latest update?
If there's been a recent update to the Instagram app, you should still follow the same process as outlined for various devices until Instagram announces any changes. You may want to check for any new setting options in the 'Privacy' section after updates.
Is it possible to turn off my active status for just one person on Instagram?
Instagram currently does not offer the option to hide your active status for individual users. It's an all-or-nothing setting, so turning it off will apply to all users who would otherwise be able to see your status.
Why might there be an issue when trying to disable active status on Instagram, and how can it be resolved?
Issues with disabling active status on Instagram can be due to outdated app versions or glitches in the software. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, try logging out and back into the app, or uninstall and reinstall Instagram on your device to resolve the issue.