Instagram Privacy Settings: The Complete Checklist

Instagram's privacy controls are scattered across a dozen screens, and new sharing features usually launch switched on. This checklist covers every setting worth reviewing, grouped by what it protects. All paths start from your profile → menu (☰) → Settings and activity.

Account visibility

• Account privacy → Private account — the single biggest switch. Only approved followers see your posts and stories.
• Tags and mentions — set both to "People you follow", and enable manual tag approval so nothing appears on your profile without consent.

Activity signals

• Messages and story replies → Show activity status — turn off so contacts can't see when you're online.
• Story → Allow sharing to story / Allow sharing as messages — disable both to stop your posts circulating beyond your audience.

Messages

• Messages and story replies → Message controls — route message requests from unknown accounts into requests (or block them), and disable read receipts for requests.
• Hidden words — turn on "Hide comments" and "Advanced comment filtering" to auto-hide offensive comments and DM requests.

Data and ads

• Accounts Centre → Ad preferences → Ad settings — set "Ads shown off Meta technologies" and activity-based ads to the most restrictive options.
• Accounts Centre → Your information and permissions → Your activity off Meta technologies — clear history and disconnect future activity. This is the setting most people never find.

Troubleshooting

Settings look different? Instagram tests layouts constantly — use the search bar at the top of Settings and type the setting name. Business/creator account? Private mode isn't available; switch back to a personal account first under Account type.