Restrict Someone on Instagram

Before you start

• Restricting affects how the person can interact with you but does not block them.
• You won't receive notifications for comments or messages from restricted accounts.
• You can restrict or unrestrict accounts anytime from your profile settings or directly from chats and comments.
• Restricting someone moves their messages to Message Requests, so you can read them without the sender knowing.

Steps on mobile

1. Open Instagram and tap Messages at the bottom.
2. Select the chat with the person you want to restrict.
3. Tap the person's name at the top of the chat.
4. Tap Options in the top right.
5. Tap Restrict and confirm by tapping Restrict again.
6. To restrict from a comment, go to your post and tap Comments.
7. Tap and hold the comment from the person, then tap Restrict account.
8. To unrestrict, follow the same steps and tap Unrestrict account instead.

Steps on desktop

1. Click Messages on the left side of Instagram.
2. Click the chat with the person you want to restrict.
3. Click Information in the top right of the chat.
4. Click Restrict at the bottom and confirm.
5. To manage restricted accounts, click More in the bottom left, then Settings.
6. Under How others can interact with you, click Restricted accounts.
7. See the list of restricted accounts and click Unrestrict next to a username to remove restrictions.

Common problems

You don't see the Restrict option in the chat.

Make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version.

Restricted person's comments are still visible to others.

You need to approve comments manually by tapping See comment then Approve to make them visible.

Messages from restricted accounts still appear in your main inbox.

Restricted chats automatically move to Message Requests; check there if you don't see messages in the main inbox.

FAQ

What happens when I restrict someone on Instagram?

They can't see when you're online or if you've read their messages. Their comments on your posts are hidden from others unless you approve them.

Can I restrict someone without blocking them?

Yes, restricting limits interactions without blocking or unfollowing the person.

How do I unrestrict someone?

Go to your profile, tap Menu > Settings > Restricted Accounts, then tap Unrestrict next to their username.

Official source note

This guide is based on Instagram's official help article on restricting accounts, ensuring accurate and up-to-date instructions.