How to Make Your Instagram Private

However, some people do not like others to see their Instagram posts on their accounts for different reasons; hence, they want their accounts private on Instagram. And you may be one of them.

Is it possible to make your account private? If so, how can you switch from a public to a private account? Let me teach you how.

By default upon making an Instagram account, your profile is public. But there’s no need to worry because Instagram gives everyone a choice from making his account public to private, and vice versa.

Here are the steps you need to follow to successfully opt from a public to a private Instagram account using the website version of Instagram.

1. STEP 1

   Go to https://www.instagram.com/ on your computer or mobile browser and log into your account.

2. STEP 2

   Click on your profile icon, and a drop-down menu will appear.

3. STEP 3

   

   Click settings.

4. STEP 4

   

   Select “Privacy and Security”.

5. STEP 5

   

   Set your Instagram account to private by clicking on the “Private Account” checkbox.

That’s it! You have successfully set your Instagram account private.

Note: Only approved followers can see your Instagram profile and posts.

Most people use the Instagram app on mobile. Here’s how you can set your Instagram account to private using your Android or iOS devices:

1. STEP 1

   Launch the Instagram app on your mobile phone.

2. STEP 2

   Tap your Instagram profile picture and you will be directed to your profile page.

3. STEP 3

   

   

   Tap the three horizontal lines on the top right sidebar menu then tap settings.

4. STEP 4

   

   Choose the “Privacy” tab.

5. STEP 5

   

   Under “Account privacy”, toggle on “Private account”.

6. STEP 6

   

   Tap on “Switch to Private” to confirm changes.

   

   Tap on the “Review followers” pop-up.

7. STEP 7

   

   Add or remove any people on your “followers list”.

People who are removed from your “follower’s list” will not see your posts as only the followers can view them.

Note: Only a personal account can be set to “Private”. You cannot make your business account private.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having either a public or private account on Instagram. Here are the pros and cons of public vs private accounts:

1. Private account

   PROS

   • Only followers can see your profile and posts
   • You can keep your information on the app private
   • You can avoid poser accounts and spam

   CONS

   • You don’t get much exposure
   • You will likely get fewer heart reactions from people
   • It’s harder to boost your account
   • Limited engagements

2. Public account

   PROS

   • You can get more engagements
   • Easier to boost your account
   • You will likely get more heart reactions
   • You can get more followers

   CONS

   • Anyone can see your account information
   • Posers can see your account
   • There’s nothing to hide when you post something