Ever had a random stranger add you to a group chat out of nowhere? You’re not imagining things — it’s a common Instagram spam tactic. If you’re looking for a way to stop getting added to Instagram chats without your consent, this article is all you need. These unwanted group messages can compromise your privacy and become a major distraction.
In this article, I’ll show you how to stop random people from adding you to Instagram group chats and keep your DMs spam-free.
How to Stop Getting Added to Group Chats on Instagram By Anonymous Account?
To stop getting added to those annoying spammy group chats, you’ll need to adjust a specific setting on Instagram. By changing the “Who can add you to group chats” option, you can control who’s allowed to add you — helping you avoid random invites and unwanted messages.
Here’s how to do it on both Android and iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile and tap the three-line menu (≡) in the top right corner.
- Tap Messages and Story Replies.
- Select Message Requests.
- Tap on Who Can Add You to Group Chats.
- Choose Only People You Follow on Instagram.
And that’s it! This setting will stop spammers from adding you to group chats.
Tip: You can also tap Report > It’s Spam, but note that this won’t remove you from the chat or block the sender.
FAQs About Being Added to Group Chats on Instagram
1. Will I be notified if someone adds me to a group chat?
Yes, Instagram will send you a notification when someone adds you to a group chat. If the person who added you is someone you don’t follow, the conversation will appear in your Message Requests instead of your main inbox. You won’t receive message alerts for it unless you accept the request. This gives you a chance to review the chat and decide whether to join or ignore it.
2. Can I control who can add me to group chats on Instagram?
Yes, you absolutely can. Instagram provides two privacy options under the setting “Who Can Add You to Group Chats”:
- Everyone on Instagram – Anyone, including strangers, can add you to a group chat.
- Only People You Follow on Instagram – Only accounts you follow can add you to group chats.
To stop random people from adding you, switch to the second option. This helps cut down on spam, unwanted messages, and potential scams.
3. Can someone add me to a group chat without my permission?
Technically, yes — but only if your group chat settings allow it. If you’ve selected “Everyone on Instagram,” any user (except those you’ve blocked) can add you to a group chat without needing your approval. That’s why it’s highly recommended to switch to “Only People You Follow” if you want more control over who can interact with you through group chats.
4. What happens if I report a group chat as spam on Instagram?
Reporting a group chat as spam alerts Instagram to potentially harmful or abusive behavior. The platform may review the chat and take action against the users involved. However, reporting a group chat doesn’t remove you from it automatically, nor does it block the sender. You’ll still need to leave the group manually and block users if needed.
5, How do I leave an Instagram group chat I was added to?
To leave a group chat:
- Open the chat.
- Tap the group name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Leave Chat.
Once you leave, you won’t receive further messages from that group unless you’re added again (which is why adjusting your group chat settings is important).
6. Can blocked users still add me to group chats?
No. Once you block someone on Instagram, they can’t add you to group chats, message you, or interact with your profile. Blocking is an effective way to prevent harassment or repeated spam from specific users.
7. Will changing group chat settings affect my current chats?
No, changing the “Who Can Add You to Group Chats” setting only affects future invitations. If you’re already in unwanted group chats, you’ll need to manually leave or mute them.
Conclusion
Getting added to random Instagram group chats can be annoying and even risky. Thankfully, with a few quick settings adjustments, you can stop this from happening and take control of your inbox. Stay informed, update your privacy settings, and keep your Instagram experience spam-free.