How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram

Instagram has an Active Status function that shows whether you are online or not. When the active status function is turned on, you can see a green dot on a user’s profile picture in your direct messages. This is how your followers can tell when you’re online. But the followers whom you do not follow back cannot see your active status.

Instagram automatically turns this feature on in an account. But if you want to disable it, there are a few ways to do it manually. Let’s take a look at these methods.

How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram?

Turning off active status lets you stay on Instagram without feeling the need to reply instantly to your direct messages. When you turn it off, you will also be unable to see if any of your friends are online. If you still want to disable this feature, you can do it through Instagram’s website or mobile app.

Through Website

You can log in to your account on Instagram’s web app to turn off your activity status. This is applicable on both PC or mobile device. 

On PC

1. Go to Instagram.
2. Log in to your account.
3. On the bottom left corner of the screen, click on the three horizontal lines.
   
4. From the menu, click on Settings. 
   
5. Click on Privacy.
   
6. In the Active Status tab, uncheck the box next to Show Activity Status. 
   

On Mobile

1. Go to Instagram.
2. Log in to your account.
3. On the bottom right corner, click on your profile picture.
   
4. On the top left corner, click on the Settings icon.
   
5. Go to Privacy and security.
   
6. Click on the box next to Show Activity Status to turn it off.
   

Through Instagram App

On PC

The steps to turn off active status on Instagram’s desktop app are the same as those on Instagram’s website.

On Mobile

1. Go to the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   
3. Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right corner of the screen.
   
4. Go to Settings.
   
5. Tap on Privacy.
   
6. Scroll down and go to Activity Status.
   
7. Tap the toggle next to Show Activity Status to turn it off.
   

How to Hide Active Status From Specific Users on Instagram?

There is a way you can hide your activity status from specific users only. You can do this by restricting the person. When you restrict someone and they comment on your posts, you will first have to approve the comment so that other people can see it. It also hides your activity status from them. 

1. Go to the person’s profile on Instagram.
2. Tap on the More icon (three dots), from the upper right corner.
   
3. Tap on Restrict.
   
4. Select Restrict Account to confirm. 

Note: Now, when this person sends you a message, it will go to Message Requests. They won’t know if you’ve read their messages, either. However, you can still respond to them if you wish. 

Can They Tell if You’ve Turned Off the Active Status or Restricted Someone?

When you turn off the activity status, no one can tell besides you. It does not show you as offline, it simply hides your status altogether.

Instagram does not send notifications to the restricted user if you hide your activity status. While their messages will go to your Message Requests, they will not get a notification when you restrict them. Neither will can they tell that you restricted them. Restricting someone only hides their interactions with you. They will be able to interact with your posts without any problem.