How to Appear Offline on Instagram?

Like any other social media platform, it is easy to know when you are online and active on Instagram. Every time you use the app, a green dot appears next to your profile picture. 

Even if you are inactive, your friends can check the last time you were online by looking at their inboxes to see if you have chatted with them. But what if you do not want people to know you are active on Instagram or scrolling through your feed? 

There are ways to appear offline on Instagram. In this blog, let's look at the steps to follow to hide your activity status on the Instagram app and web.

How to Show Offline on Instagram (Android and iOS)

The first question is: Is it possible to go offline? Yes, you can. Although the app's default function is to appear online, you can turn it off and show as offline on Instagram to protect your privacy. 

The procedures to turn off your active status on the app are as follows: 

• Step 1: Click on your profile image after launching the Instagram app on your iOS or Android smartphone.

• Step 2: Select the hamburger menu option with three lines. 

• Step 3: Scroll until you see the message and story replies, and click on the same.

• Step 4: Click on Show Activity Status.

• Step 5: Click and toggle off the button to turn off the active status feature.

After you have completed the steps mentioned above, it won't be possible for anyone to know whether you are active and online on Instagram.

How To Show Offline On Instagram (Web)

If you prefer using Instagram on your computer instead of the mobile app, listed below are the steps to go incognito on Instagram:

• Step 1: Open www.instagram.com and click More on the left menu.

• Step 2: Click on settings.

• Step 3: Scroll until you see the messages and stories replies on the left side menu.

• Step 4: Click on the show activity status option in the who can see you online section.

• Step 5: Click and toggle off the button to turn off the status.

What Happens After You Disable Your Instagram Active Status?

Hiding your online status on Instagram does not mean you can’t browse or watch Reels on the app. Instead, it means that anyone who follows or chats with you won’t be able to know that you are online. 

Even when the option is turned off auto replies and you are typing to someone in the chat, they won’t know you are currently active. So, when you turn off your Instagram's current active status, you also restrict yourself from checking others’ statuses. 

You will not know when your friends or followers are online and do not see the profile pictures or the green dot when they are active at the top of your DM. Similarly, the word - Active Now, won’t appear next to their names. 

The only thing you would be able to see is the last message you exchanged with them; however, if you text them, you can see the last time they viewed it. 

For businesses, going inactive may also mean followers do not know when you are active, resulting in lower engagement rates. However, if going inactive is necessary and unavoidable, you can always buy Instagram followers to enhance your engagement rates.

Other Ways To Take A Break On Instagram

If you are not ready to switch off your active status but still need a breather, there are some ways to do it. Let’s look at different workarounds for taking a break from Instagram without touching your activity status.

• Mute someone: When you mute someone, you pause their interactions, including direct messages, posts, and stories in your feed. However, they can still see your content.

• Adjust your Instagram notifications: If you want a break, you can turn off notifications about likes, messages, and other interactions. This will not tempt you to log in and check your IG account.

• Block and Limit the user: If a particular user sends unwanted or spam messages, block them. Instagram will not notify them that they are blocked, and you will not see their likes and comments on your feed. Besides, they will not have access to your content.

Remember, taking a break can have pros and cons for brands and businesses' engagement levels. Therefore, watch your Instagram growth services closely to understand them.

Conclusion

Turning off the activity status on your Instagram is an excellent way to browse the platform and protect your privacy on Instagram, without your friends and followers knowing you are online. 

While managing privacy, many users also look for ways to grow their audience. One popular method is to buy Instagram followers as part of a broader growth strategy. Take assistance from Thunderclap and buy followers seamlessly.

Combine authentic content and consistent engagement to boost your visibility and credibility. And when you're ready to reconnect, simply reverse the steps to turn your activity status back on.