Instagram scrollers beware: your favorite photo-sharing app has a feature that shows friends when you were last online on this platform. Just like the activity status found on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, Instagram’s “Activity Status” setting shows when you were last on the app. It’s now turned off by default in your account, however, it’s better to be safe. Let’s go through how it works. Then discover how you can turn off Instagram’s activity status feature.
How does Instagram’s activity status feature work on?
The activity status feature shows people you’ve direct messaged (DM’d) when you were last online and whether or not you’re currently active on Instagram.
Your status is just shown to people you follow. So if someone follows you but you do not follow them back, they will not be able to view your status. The same is true for your friends. You’ll be able to see when they were last online if they follow you back.
Your friends’ status is seen when you navigate to your direct messages:
Keep in mind: the feature only shows whether or not you’re online and when you last accessed the app. Your friends won’t see the posts you’ve given like or comment.
On the fence about turning it off? Read on to find out whether or not you should keep activity status on or off.
Should you keep activity status on or off?
There are a number of advantages to keeping it on. It lets you keep tabs on your friends’ online status without feeling like you’re intruding. That method, if you want to send a funny meme at just the right moment, you’ll be able to expect your friend to see it immediately or soon afterward.
However, turning it off provides the great benefit of being able to access Instagram without anyone knowing. That means that you can reply to DMs at your leisure, and you don’t really feel as if anyone is keeping tabs on when you’re utilizing the app. The one disadvantage is that when you turn the feature off, you will not be able to view anyone else’s Instagram activity status.
If you need to keep your late-night puppy picture scroll fests completely private, don’t fret. You’ll be able to turn off Instagram’s activity status feature with the following quick steps.
Turn Off Activity Status
- Open up the Instagram app on your phone.
- Navigate to your profile by tapping your profile image on the far right of the bottom navigation bar.
- Click on the menu icon on the top right-hand corner.
- Tap the menu item that says Setting.
- Click on Privacy to enter your privacy settings.
- Click on Activity Status under the Interactions heading.
- When you reach the Show Activity Status option, toggle it off.
Here’s the setting you’re looking for:
As soon as that setting is toggled off, you’re free to resume scrolling undetected. The perfect part? You’ll be able to turn it on at any time if you change your mind.
Stay Private by Turning Off Your Activity Status
Staying private on social media is already struggling enough. To make sure that you’re not accidentally showing your activity status to those whom you’ve DM’d, turn it off in your settings. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy privacy while you use the app.