Instagram Privacy Settings — Complete 2026 Guide

Essential Privacy Settings

Instagram offers many privacy controls. Here's how to configure them for maximum privacy.

Account Privacy

Private vs Public Account

• Private: Only approved followers can see your content
• Public: Anyone can see your posts, stories, and reels
• You can switch between private and public at any time

Activity Status

• Controls whether others see when you're online
• Found in Settings > Privacy > Activity Status
• Turn off to hide your "Active now" indicator

Story Privacy

Story Settings

• Hide story from specific people
• Close friends list for exclusive content
• Allow/disallow story replies
• Allow/disallow sharing your story

Who Can See Your Stories

Options include:

• Everyone (public account)
• Followers only (private account)
• Close friends only (selective sharing)
• Hide from specific people

Content Privacy

Comments

• Filter offensive comments
• Block comments from specific accounts
• Approve comments before they appear (manual filter)
• Turn off comments entirely per post

Tags and Mentions

• Control who can tag you in posts
• Approve tags before they appear on your profile
• Block specific accounts from mentioning you

DMs

• Control who can message you
• Filter message requests
• Block users from sending messages

Data Privacy

Download Your Data

Instagram lets you download all your data: For more details, see our guide on download Reels in HD. For more details, see our guide on download photos full size.

• Posts, stories, and reels
• Comments and likes
• Messages
• Profile information
• Search history

Third-Party Apps

Review and revoke access for apps connected to your Instagram:

• Settings > Security > Apps and Websites
• Remove apps you no longer use
• Be cautious about granting access to new apps

Recommendations

• Review privacy settings monthly
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Be selective about who you accept as followers
• Regularly check connected third-party apps
• Use StoriesFly for anonymous browsing when you don't want to leave traces