Learn how to restrict someone on Instagram and why it’s a useful feature to manage unwanted interactions and be safe on the platform.
What does the Instagram Restrict feature do?
If you’re reluctant to block or report a bully or an annoying user on Instagram, there’s another option: to restrict or shadow-ban them.
Instagram’s restrict feature comes with the intent to reduce the bullying that can be a big problem, especially among younger users. Instagram found that many people are reluctant to block or report others who are being offensive. To address this, they can simply restrict the user.
According to Instagram, if you restrict another user, it will:
- Keep that user from seeing when you’re online or read their messages.
- Make their comments on your posts only visible to them unless you tap See Comment to read it or Approve it for all to read.
- Eliminate notifications when you receive future comments from that user.
- Move their direct messages to you to Message Request.
Note: Instagram does not notify the other person that you’ve restricted them.
Here are four ways to restrict a user on Instagram.
1. From your profile settings
- Open the Instagram app, go to your profile screen, tap the hamburger menu icon at the top, and then select Restricted.
- Use the Search box to find the user. You can type their name or username.
- Finally, tap the Restrict button next to their name on the search suggestions page.
2. From the user’s profile
- Open the Instagram app and go to the profile of the person you want to restrict.
- Tap the three dots button on the top right of the user’s profile, select Restrict, and confirm.
3. From direct messages
If you have a direct message from a user you want to restrict, you can do it there as well.
- Go inside the message conversation and tap the user’s name from the top.
- Tap Options and choose Restrict.
4. From their comment
One more way to restrict a user is to take action on one of their comments on your posts:
- Touch and hold that person’s comment under one of your Instagram post.
- Tap Restrict from the menu and confirm.
If you feel like you’re being bullied or offended when using Instagram, this is the feature you want to use. No one should feel intimidated when using a social media app like Instagram to connect with friends.
The hope is that once you restrict another user, you’ll feel safer and not have to feel bullied when you use Instagram.
“Restrict is designed to empower you to quietly protect your account while still keeping an eye on a bully.”
National Bullying Prevention Month happens every year in October. For more on the campaign, you can visit Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center or Stomp Out Bullying online.
Also, check out: 10 tips to secure all your social media accounts