Is your Instagram feed, reels, explore page, or search suggestions filled with adult content? If so, you’re not alone! Unwanted adult content can be distracting, impact mental well-being, and pose risks, especially for children and young users. If you’re looking to safeguard yourself or your family from inappropriate content on Instagram, this guide is for you. Below, you’ll find effective methods to block and filter 18+ explicit content on Instagram, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
How to Block 18+ Content on Instagram?
There are multiple ways to block 18+ or explicit content on Instagram. In this article, I’ve outlined simple and effective methods to create a safer and more secure Instagram experience, whether you’re using an Android or iPhone.
1. Adjust Sensitive Content Settings
Instagram offers built-in content filters to help create a safer experience, including the ability to limit sensitive content. By modifying these settings, you can reduce the chances of adult content appearing in your Explore, Reels, Feed, and Hashtag pages.
- Open Instagram and navigate to your Profile.
- Tap the Menu (≡) in the top right corner.
- Select Content Preferences.
- Tap on Sensitive Content.
- Choose the “Less” option to minimize exposure to sensitive content.
2. Use Instagram’s Hidden Words Feature
Adult content can sometimes slip through in comments or direct messages (DMs). To prevent this, Instagram offers a “Hidden Words” feature that allows you to filter out specific words or phrases, helping you block unwanted content.
- Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
- Tap the Menu (≡) in the top right corner.
- Select Hidden Words.
- Turn on “Hide Comments” to automatically filter offensive comments.
- Tap Manage Custom Words and Phrases.
- Add the words or phrases you want to block, separating them with commas, then tap Add.
3. Turn On Reset Suggested Content
If you keep seeing adult content in your feed, Explore page, or Reels, Instagram’s “Reset Suggested Content” feature can help. This refreshes the algorithm, ensuring that your recommendations align better with your interests and exclude inappropriate content.
- Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
- Tap the Menu (≡) in the top right corner.
- Select Content Preferences.
- Tap on Reset Suggested Content.
- Tap Next.
- Confirm by tapping Reset Suggested Content again.
4. Set Up Parental Controls on Instagram
If you’re a parent looking to protect your child from explicit content on Instagram, you can use Instagram’s Family Center feature. This built-in tool allows you to manage and restrict sensitive content, ensuring a safer browsing experience for young users.
- Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
- Tap the Menu (≡) in the top right corner.
- Select Family Center.
- Tap Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Report Explicit Content
If you come across an account or post sharing adult content, you can report it to Instagram. Once reported, Instagram’s moderation team will review the content and take necessary action to remove it if it violates community guidelines.
- Tap the Three Dots (⁝) in the top right corner of the post.
- Select Report.
- Choose Nudity or Sexual Activity as the reason for reporting.
That’s it! Instagram will review the report and take appropriate action.