Instagram’s ‘Restrict’ feature is a tool designed to give you more control over your interactions on the platform. Introduced in 2019, it aims to help combat bullying and harassment online. Restricting someone is less severe than blocking them and more discreet than muting. Here’s a simple explanation of what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram and how to do it.
What Restricting Someone Means
When you restrict someone on Instagram, their comments on your posts are only visible to them unless you approve them. They won’t know if you have read their direct messages or see your active status. This feature keeps their interactions in a kind of limbo, allowing you to manage your experience without letting them know they’ve been restricted.
Benefits of Restricting
This tool is especially useful in situations where blocking someone might escalate conflict or be seen as too harsh. It’s ideal for managing interactions with people like acquaintances or colleagues without completely cutting them off. By using the restrict feature, you can reduce negative interactions while keeping the peace.
How to Restrict Someone
On the Mobile App:
- Open Instagram and go to the profile of the person you want to restrict.
- Tap the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner.
- Select “Restrict” from the menu.
- Confirm by tapping “Restrict Account.”
Alternatively, you can restrict someone through Direct Messages:
- Open Direct Messages by tapping the paper airplane icon.
- Find the conversation with the person you want to restrict.
- Tap the information icon (an ‘i’ in a circle) in the upper right corner.
- Select “Restrict” and confirm.
On the Desktop Version:
- Go to Instagram.com and log in.
- Navigate to the profile of the person you want to restrict.
- Click the three horizontal dots next to their username.
- Select “Restrict” from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm by clicking “Restrict Account.”
Effects of Restricting a User
Comments: Restricted users can still comment on your posts, but their comments will be hidden from everyone else unless you approve them. This means the restricted person might think their comments are public, but they are not.
Direct Messages: Messages from restricted users go to your message requests folder. You won’t receive notifications for these messages, and you can read them without the sender knowing. They won’t see if you’ve read their messages.
Activity Status: Restricted users can’t see when you’re active on Instagram or if you’ve read their messages. This adds a layer of privacy and control, making your interactions more manageable and less stressful.
Managing Restricted Users and Removing Restrictions
To manage your restricted users:
- Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Go to “Privacy” and then “Restricted Accounts.”
- Here, you will see a list of users you have restricted.
To unrestrict someone:
- Select the user you want to unrestrict.
- Tap “Unrestrict.”
It’s important to periodically review your restricted list and decide if any changes are needed. If someone’s behavior has improved or misunderstandings have been resolved, you might want to lift the restriction to restore normal interaction.
Best Practices for Managing Restricted Users
Regularly check your restricted list and the interactions with these users. If certain users consistently violate your boundaries, the restrict feature is a valuable tool to maintain your online well-being. By effectively managing restricted users and knowing when to remove restrictions, you can create a more positive and enjoyable Instagram experience.
In summary, What Happens When You Restrict Someone on Instagram provides a middle ground between blocking and muting, offering you a way to control unwanted interactions without alerting the other person. It’s a powerful tool for maintaining a positive and safe online environment, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your social media experience.
