National attention on mental health has put pressure on social media giants like Instagram to address safety and security on their platforms. In response, Instagram has recently launched new privacy feature, out of which RESTRICTION option that allows users to limit how often they see comments and messages from certain accounts on their feed. And while you can tell if someone blocked you on Instagram, this feature won’t alert the user that you have restricted them.
The restrict on Instagram feature aims to protect users from harassing, abusive or annoying comments and messages on their profile. Whether they are dealing with a menacing cyberbully or embarrassing family, oftentimes users don’t want to escalate the situation or cause unnecessary confrontation if they interact with the person offline. This makes the restrict feature a perfect solution for someone who wants to prevent another account from interacting with them without the other account knowing, “Instagram’s commitment to user privacy also explains why can’t you see who views your Instagram profile.”
Ready to try this new privacy feature for yourself? We’ve got the scoop from the experts on what the restriction feature does and how to use it. As you read, keep in mind that the restrict feature on Instagram only limits your interactions with another Instagram account. If you want to stop someone from messaging you through facebook, you’ll need to learn how to block someone on facebook messenger.
WHAT DOES RESTRICT MEAN ON INSTAGRAM?
Restricting a user on Instagram is similar to blocking them but a little more polite. Whereas blocking a user hides your entire feed and stories from them, the restrict feature simply hides their comments and messages from you while still allowing them to view your posts. “it’s a much more subtle way to limit unwanted interactions without completely removing them from seeing your content.”
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RESTRICT SOMEONE ON INSTAGRAM?
By restricting an Instagram account, you hide the account’s comments and direct messages from yourself and other users. You also will not receive any notifications when that person comments on your posts or sends you a message, and they will not be able to see some of your activity, such as when you are online, either. “restricting someone is perfect for those times when you don’t necessarily want to block, unfollow, or kick them off as a follower, but you also don’t want them to have unfettered access to you.”
HOW TO RESTRICT SOMEONE ON INSTAGRAM?
You can restrict an account on Instagram via iphone or android app as well as on Instagram’s website. This is how to restrict on Instagram through an account’s profile.
1. On the user’s profile page, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen.
2. Tap ‘RESTRICT’
3. First-time users may see and explanation about the restriction feature. Tap ‘restrict account’, if so.
4. A pop-up window will say that the user is now restricted.
5. Tap ‘learn more’ for more information or ‘dismiss’ to go back to their profile.
Want to reverse the restrict an Instagram?
Here’s how.
1. Open the user’s profile page.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon.
3. Tap ‘Unrestrict.’
To restrict an Instagram account through the comments section of a post, follow these steps.
1. For apple users, swipe left on a comment from a user you want to restrict. Android users should tap and hold the comment.
2. Tap the exclamation point icon, then choose “RESTRICT”
3. To unrestrict an Instagram user through their comment, swipe left for iphones or tap and hold the comment for androids, tap the exclamation point icon, then select “unrestrict”
HOW TO KNOW SOMEONE RESTRICTED YOU ON INSTAGRAM?
Although a restricted user won’t be notified that you have retricted them ( just like when someone screenshots your Instagram story) There are a couple of ways to find out if someone restricted you on Instagram. Check to see if you can view the green “Active Now” dot on the user’s profile picture or statuses like “Active 1h ago” underneath their messages. You can also try to leave a new comment on their latest post and ask a friend to see if your comment is visible. If your friend cannot see the comment that you just posted, then you might have been restricted.