Ever notice that tiny green dot next to names in Instagram DMs? That’s your active status, letting friends and followers know when you’re online—or when you were last active.
Personally, I turn it off whenever I want more privacy or to scroll in peace. It helps me control my online visibility and enjoy a secure browsing experience.
I also turn it off when browsing feeds for content ideas or Reels inspiration, which helps me focus and grow my social media profiles.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to turn off active status on Instagram and maintain your privacy.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram’s active status shows when you’re online or last active, indicated by the green dot in DMs. It was designed for real-time messaging, but many users prefer more privacy.
- Turning off your active status helps you browse Instagram without others knowing you’re online, but it also hides their activity status from you.
- To disable Instagram’s active status on mobile:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Messages and Story Replies > Show Activity Status
- Toggle it off
- To disable active status on the desktop:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security
- Toggle off Show Activity Status
How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram (Mobile App)
Follow these steps to turn off active status on the Instagram mobile app.
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device and tap your profile icon at the bottom right.
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right.
- Scroll to How Others Can Interact With You, then tap Messages and Story Replies.
- Tap Show activity status.
- Toggle Show Activity Status OFF.
Once disabled, others won’t see when you’re online or your last activity time.
Personally, I keep this off whenever I want to browse Instagram privately or check feeds for content ideas without distractions.
However, for extra privacy, you can also unlink Facebook from Instagram from your Accounts Centre.
How to Hide or Disable Active Status on Instagram on a Web Browser
Here are the steps to stop your active status on Instagram using a web browser:
- Open Instagram in your browser and click the More button at the bottom left of the screen.
- Choose Settings from the pop-up.
- Scroll to Messages and Story Replies in the settings panel.
- Then, click Show Activity Status on the right-hand bar.
- Toggle the button to turn off your activity status.
What Happens When You Turn off Instagram Activity?
- No one can see when you’re online or your last active time.
- But you also won’t be able to see others’ online status
Related article you may like to read: How to See the Viewer List on Instagram Highlights
Take Control of Your Instagram Privacy
Turning off your active status is a small tweak that makes a big difference. Personally, I love the freedom it gives me to browse, gather content ideas, and enjoy Instagram without letting anyone know I am online.
It’s a simple step that not only protects your privacy but also helps you focus, giving you more control over your social media platform experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to see Someone’s active status on Instagram?
When activity status is enabled, you can see the green dot or “Active now” label next to a user’s name in Instagram DMs.
How do I turn off active now on Ig in 2026?
Go to the Messages and Story Replies section inside the settings panel of your Instagram. Click on the activity status and switch it off in 2025.
How do I turn the active status on?
Access the account settings and then choose Messages and Stories Reply from “How Others Can Interact With You” section. Toggle the activity status to turn it on or off.
Is a public Instagram account safe?
While Instagram is highly secure, you may face unnecessary suggestions on public Instagram account. That’s why you should follow some essential security measures.
Why can’t I see the active status of other users?
It is because you have also turned off your online activity status on Instagram as it is a reciprocal setting.
How to turn off active status on Instagram on iPhone
Open App> Go to your profile> Access Settings> Navigate to Privacy> Disable Show Activity Status.
