How to Make Your Instagram Account Private

Almost 1.4 billion people use Instagram, making it one of the most popular social media platforms.

There’s no doubt that Instagram is an amazing way to connect with people around the globe. You can stay in touch with distant friends, get inspiring ideas for traveling, or watch as many funny cat videos as you like.

However, you may not be keen on the idea of the entire world seeing your personal posts. If you’ve never taken a look at Instagram privacy settings, it’s time to get acquainted.

Here’s how to make your Instagram account private, along with some other tips about Instagram privacy.

Understanding Instagram Privacy Settings

If you’ve already been using Instagram for a while, it might surprise you to learn that the default setting allows anyone to see your profile and your posts. This includes people you don’t know personally or anyone searching for people on Instagram to connect with.

Of course, if you run a business account or you’re trying to build your followers list, these are great features. But if you want a private Instagram account that’s limited only to your contacts, you’ll need to adjust a few settings.

How to Make Your Instagram Account Private

Fortunately, all it takes is a few clicks to make your Instagram account private. Here’s what you need to do on your Android or Apple device:

• Open the app and go to your profile
• Tap “Settings”
• Tap “Privacy” and then tap “Account Privacy”
• Tap next to “Private Account”

Congratulations! You’ve just made your account private. Now your profile and posts will only be visible to your followers.

Instagram Privacy Tips & FAQs

To round out our discussion, let’s answer a few popular questions about Instagram privacy.

What Happens If I Share Posts to Other Platforms?

It’s easy to cross-share an Instagram post on Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, or Twitter. If you decide to cross-post on another social network, it will be publicly accessible as its own standalone post. If someone who’s not already your follower clicks on it to view your Instagram profile, they won’t be able to view your other content.

What Happens If I Use Hashtags or Tag a User?

Feel free to tag your friends or add clever hashtags to your posts. These do not override your privacy settings, so your post will continue to be visible only to your followers.

How Do I Gain New Followers With a Private Account?

If someone wants to connect with your private Instagram account, you’ll receive a follow request from that individual. It’s up to you to decide whether to approve them as a follower or delete the request. If necessary, you can also block the user from trying to contact you again.

Protect Your Online Privacy Today

There are a number of reasons for wanting more privacy online, from avoiding abusive comments to hiding those scandalous photos during spring break in Cancun. Take a look at your Instagram privacy settings and make any needed adjustments today!

Now that you know how to make your Instagram account private, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more stellar lifestyle advice.