how to make following private on instagram
The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Instagram Account Private: Protecting Your Privacy Online
Introduction
With the growing concerns about online privacy and data security, it is important to take measures to protect your personal information on social media platforms like Instagram. One effective way to safeguard your privacy is by making your Instagram account private. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to ensure that your Instagram account is secure and only accessible to the people you trust.
Step 1: Accessing Your Privacy Settings
To start, open the Instagram app on your mobile device and navigate to your profile page. Once there, tap on the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of the screen to access the settings menu. From the menu, select “Settings” and then tap on “Privacy” to proceed.
Step 2: Enabling Private Account
In the Privacy settings, you will find an option called “Account Privacy.” Tap on it to open the account privacy settings. Here, you will see a toggle button labeled “Private Account.” Enable this option by toggling the switch to the right. Once enabled, your Instagram account will become private, and only your approved followers will be able to see your posts, stories, and other activities.
Step 3: Managing Followers
Now that your account is private, it’s essential to review your existing followers and remove any unwanted or suspicious accounts. Tap on “Followers” under the “Account Privacy” settings, and you will see a list of your current followers. Take your time to go through the list and remove any followers whom you don’t recognize or trust. This ensures that only genuine people have access to your content.
Step 4: Approving Follow Requests
With a private account, anyone who wishes to follow you will have to send a follow request. You will receive these requests in the “Follow Requests” section, which is located just above the “Followers” list. You can review each request and decide whether to approve or deny it. This gives you complete control over who can view your content.
Conclusion
Making your Instagram account private is a crucial step towards protecting your privacy online. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your posts, stories, and personal information are only accessible to the people you trust. Remember to periodically review your followers and remove any suspicious accounts to maintain the security of your account.
FAQs
1. Can I switch my account back to public after making it private?
Yes, you can switch your account back to public at any time by following the same steps mentioned above. However, it is recommended to keep your account private to maintain better control over who can see your content.
2. Will my existing followers be notified when I make my account private?
No, your existing followers will not be notified when you switch to a private account. However, they will still be able to view your content as they were approved before the privacy settings were enabled.
3. Can I approve follow requests from people I don’t know?
It is advisable to only approve follow requests from people you know or trust. Approving requests from unknown individuals may compromise your privacy and expose your content to potential risks.
4. Will hashtags and location tags still work on my private account?
When you make your account private, your posts will no longer appear in hashtag or location searches. Only your approved followers will be able to see your posts, regardless of any tags you may use.
5. How often should I review my followers list?
It is recommended to review your followers list periodically, especially if you receive follow requests from unfamiliar accounts. Regularly checking your followers helps maintain the security and privacy of your Instagram account.
