The Ultimate Guide: How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram for Enhanced Privacy

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by being constantly visible online? That’s because it can lead to unwanted messages or pressure to respond immediately.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution: you can turn off your active status to keep your Instagram activity private. By following a few easy steps, you can enjoy scrolling without others knowing when you’re online.

I’ve done it myself, and trust me, it makes a huge difference in maintaining your privacy and peace of mind on social media.

What is Active Status on Instagram?

Active status is a feature on Instagram that shows your followers when you’re online and using the app.

That little green dot next to your profile picture lets everyone know you’re scrolling through your feed or checking your DMs.

While it can help to stay connected with friends and family, it can also feel like an invasion of privacy.

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Why You Need To Turn Off Active Status?

You might want to turn off your active status on Instagram for many reasons.

Maybe you’re trying to focus on work or school and don’t want to be distracted by notifications. Or maybe you just want some alone time without feeling like you’re being watched.

Whatever your reason, turning off your active status can relieve the pressure of being online. It can give you a much-needed break.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram (Android and iOS)

STEP 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.

STEP 2: Tap on the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu.

Graphic showing, outlining two steps to deactivate active status on Instagram for user privacy.

STEP 3: Scroll down and find “Messages and Story Replies” and Tap on it.

STEP 4: Tap on “Show Activity Status.”

STEP 5: Toggle the switch next to “Show Activity Status” to turn it off.

Image illustrating the final steps to change the default messaging app on Android while disabling active status on Instagram.

And that’s it! You will now hide your active status from your followers.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram (Desktop)

STEP 1: Go to Instagram.com and log in to your account.

STEP 2: Click your profile picture in the top right corner.

Image depicting Instagram account settings, showcasing options for privacy, notifications, and profile customization.

STEP 3: From the dropdown, select “Settings and privacy.”

Steep 2 turn off active status desktop

 STEP 4: The left-hand menu, click on “Messages and Story Replies.”

STEP 5: Click on “Show Activity Status.

Steep 3 turn off active status desktop

STEP 6: Toggle off the switch next to “Show Activity Status.

The changes are automatically saved, and your active status will be hidden from other users.

Steep 4 turn off active status desktop

How to Know When Someone Is Online on Instagram

Even with your active status off, you can still see when others are online. Look for the green dot next to their name or the “Active Now” indicator.

This only works if the other person has their active status enabled. If they’ve also turned theirs off, you won’t be able to see when they’re online.

However, you can sometimes infer someone’s activity by looking for signs like recent story posts or new likes.

What to Do After Turning Off Activity Status

Now that your active status is off, you might want to explore other privacy settings on Instagram.

Turning off your activity status may affect direct messages. So, it’s a good idea to adjust notifications and manage your connections with friends and followers.

For example, you might want to customize your notifications. This way, you get important messages without being online all the time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you can’t find the activity status setting, try searching for it in the settings menu. Just type in “activity status” and it should pop right up.

FAQs

Q: Can others see if I turned off my active status?

A: No, when you turn off your active status, your followers won’t be able to see when you’re online or using the app.

Q: How accurate is Instagram’s activity status?

A: Instagram’s activity status is generally pretty accurate, but it can sometimes be delayed by a few minutes.

Q: Why can’t I see someone’s last active status?

A: If you can’t see someone’s last active status, it’s likely because they’ve turned off their activity status or they’ve blocked you.

Conclusion

Turning off your active status on Instagram can be a great way to take a break from the constant pressure of being online. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily hide your active status and enjoy some much-needed privacy. So go ahead and give it a try – your mental health will thank you!

Additional Resources

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Instagram’s support team or leave a comment below. Happy Instagramming!

Fahad
Fahad

Hi, I’m Fahad! As a digital brand strategist with 12+ years of experience, I've helped over 200 brands build their online presence. My work has been featured in Social Media Today, Marketing Week, and Digital Trends.

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