How to Make Your Instagram Account Private

By default, your posts and profile on Instagram are public to everyone. You can make your account private so that only your approved followers can see them. This article shows you how to make your Instagram account private. This setting can only be changed on the Instagram app. You cannot perform this action on a web browser.

How to make your Instagram account private

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.

Step 2: Tap the Profile icon  in the bottom-right corner to go to your profile.

Step 3: Tap  (iPhone) or  (Android).

Step 4: In the Account section, find Private Account.

Step 5: Toggle the button next to Private Account to the right. It will now turn blue.

Notes:

1. Private posts you share to other social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. may still be visible to the public depending on your privacy settings on those social networks.
2. Once you set your posts to private, anyone who wants to see your posts will have to send you a follow request.
3. Those who were already following before you make your posts private will still see your posts. If you don't want them to see your posts, you can block them.
4. People can still send a photo or video directly to you even if they are not following you.