On Instagram, you may sometimes want to limit your interaction with certain users. The “Block” feature is a definitive way to completely remove a person, but this can make real-life encounters awkward. The “Restrict” feature offers a more nuanced solution: it allows you to control your interactions without severing ties with the person.
Key differences between restricting and blocking
There are some fundamental differences between restricting and blocking on Instagram. These are:
Commenting
Restricted User: Can comment on your posts, but these comments are only visible to them. You must press the “See comment” button to view it. Other users do not see the comment.
Blocked User: Cannot see your posts and cannot comment.
Profile visibility
Restricted User: Can see your profile and watch your posts and stories.
Blocked User: Cannot search for your profile and cannot see your posts or stories.
Direct messaging (DM)
Restricted User: Can send you messages, but these messages go to the “Requests” folder and you do not receive a notification.
Blocked User: Cannot send you messages.
Story viewing
Restricted User: Can see your stories, but the reactions they send go to the “Requests” folder.
Blocked User: Cannot see your stories.
Tagging and notifications
Restricted User: Can tag you, and you receive these notifications.
Blocked User: Cannot tag you.
How do you restrict someone on Instagram?
You can restrict a user on Instagram in different ways. These are:
Restricting via DM
- Open Instagram and go to the messages tab.
- Open the chat of the person you want to restrict.
- Tap on the username and select “Options” > “Restrict”.
Restricting via comments (iOS)
- Open the comments on your post.
- Swipe left on the comment of the person you want to restrict.
- Press the exclamation mark (!) and select “Restrict”.
Restricting via comments (Android)
- Open the comments on your post.
- Press and hold the comment you want to restrict.
- Press the exclamation mark (!) and select “Restrict”.
Restricting via Settings
- Go to your profile and tap the settings icon (⚙️).
- Go to “Settings and privacy” > “Restricted”.
- Search for the user and press the “Restrict” button.
How to remove a restriction on Instagram?
To remove a restriction on a user on Instagram, do the following in order:
- Go to Settings > “Restricted” section.
- Find the user and press the “Unrestrict” button.
How do you block someone on Instagram?
To block someone on Instagram, do the following in order:
- Open the profile of the person you want to block.
- Press the three dots (⋮) in the top right.
- Select the “Block” option and confirm.
To unblock, simply follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > “Blocked” section.
- Find the user and press the “Unblock” button.