“Restrict” is a nuanced feature introduced by Instagram to help users manage their digital space and strike a balance between maintaining connections and safeguarding boundaries.
If you’re curious about how the “Restrict” feature works on your Instagram handle, take a look at this informative piece below. Reading through it will help you untangle the mystery of restricting someone on Instagram.
Let us dive deep and unravel the nuances of Instagram’s restriction feature and its impact.
Also, read: How To Swipe On Instagram On PC
What Does “Restrict” Mean On Instagram?
The “Restrict” function on your Instagram account is a more subtle and strategic way to deal with those with whom you prefer to keep a distance. Restricting an account on Instagram will limit your access to their profile, which in turn will result in fewer opportunities to interact.
The “Restrict” feature can be termed a signature achievement on Instagram mainly because it protects users from cyberbullying, harassing, abusive, or annoying comments. It also explains Instagram’s commitment to privacy.
Unlike the “Block” button, Instagram’s “Restrict” feature is your secret weapon and limits interactions.
What Does Restricting Someone On Instagram Do?
Instagram rolled out certain privacy features, including a restriction option wherein users can limit how often they see comments and read messages from specific accounts on their feed.
When you restrict someone on Instagram, then the following things occur:
- The restricted person will not be able to see your online status.
- You will be able to read the comments and messages they sent without giving them any idea of the same.
- Only you will be able to see the comments on your post, and unless you approve it, followers in your list will not be able to view those.
- You will have the liberty to delete comments from the restricted accounts.
- Restricting multiple accounts is possible.
- You will be able to limit the number of comments from restricted accounts.
- You will not get any notification after the restricted user sends you a message.
How To Restrict Someone On Instagram In 2024?
If you are pissed off with someone and want to take a break, then restricting on Instagram can be the best possible option. There are multiple ways to deny someone, so read below and know how to go ahead with it:
1. Restrict Through Comments
If you are bothered by unnecessary or inappropriate comments and aren’t keen to block that person completely, you can restrict the person through comments without using the block option. Doing this will give you the complete authority to delete or approve the comment on your post next time.
So, here’s how you can do it:
- Firstly, open the Post with the comment from the user you want to restrict.
- For Android users, you must touch and hold the comment, tap the three dot menu, and choose “Restrict Account” from the list of provided options.
- For iPhone users, swipe left on the comment, tap the information (i) icon, and choose the “Restrict” option from the pop-up menu.
2. Restrict Through Profile
You can now head to a user’s profile and restrict their account on Instagram by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Open the user profile you want to limit and tap the ellipse or three-dot icon at the top left.
- Then, tap on “Restrict” from the pop-up menu.
3. Restrict From Settings And Activity Page
Restricting a person from Instagram settings is the last and final method, and it is yet another relatively straightforward method.
This is how it works:
- Go to your profile, tap the hamburger menu.
- From the “Settings and Activity” page select “Restricted”.
- And click on “Continue”.
- Search for the person you want to restrict and tap the “Restrict” button next to their name.
- Then tap on the Restrict button next to the name and restrict them directly.
Now that there are quite a few ways to restrict accounts on Instagram, you can follow an account and control the entire interaction process on the platform without unfollowing or blocking it.
When Should You Restrict An Account On Instagram?
The Instagram “Restrict” feature pretty much acts like a “mute” feature and is done for several reasons. A few among the many are cited below:
- If someone is being abrasive or downright nasty
- Toning down the negative feelings between you and the user
- Avoiding confrontation
- Taking a break from the content without fully unfollowing
- Undecided about blocking
Instagram Block vs. Restrict
Instagram users can restrict or block, and each serves a distinctive purpose in managing the interactions on the platform.
Instagram Restrict:
- Restricting a user will allow you to limit interaction without completely unfollowing or blocking.
- Restricted users can view your posts, stories, and comments and send direct messages.
- The restricted person will not be able to see that you are online. You will also not receive notifications for their messages.
- Comments from restricted users are only visible unless you approve them.
- Users aren’t notified when they are restricted.
Instagram Block:
- Blocking completely restricts a user’s access to your profile, posts, and stories.
- Blocked users cannot find your profile, posts, or stories as they are filtered out from your Instagram experience.
- Blocking prevents all kinds of interpersonal and professional communication within the blocked account.
- Users will not be notified when they are blocked.
- It is important to note that blocking and unblocking are reversible actions that allow users to manage their blocked list as needed.
While placing restrictions on any account, consider the following:
- Soon after you have restricted an account, all messages will be moved from the “Primary Inbox” to the “Message Request”
- Future messages from a restricted account will land automatically in the “Message Request”
- After you have imposed the restriction, you won’t be able to see their messages without letting them know that you have.
- There is always an option to delete messages or ignore them.
- When the restricted person indulges in any group chat with you, Instagram will notify you by displaying a message across your screen that says, “You’ll see a restricted account’s message.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Are The Benefits Of The “Restrict” Feature On Instagram?
If you like to restrict someone on your Instagram app, you should be aware of the benefits of using Instagram’s Restrict Feature.
The “Restrict” feature on Instagram is known to be helpful in quite several ways:
- Promotes Good Mental Health
- Controlled Engagement
- Privacy and Discretion
2. How To Tell If Someone Restricted You On Instagram?
These tell-tale signs will help you know if someone has restricted you on Instagram:
- If your messages and comments don’t appear for others.
- If your messages stay as “Delivered” and don’t change to “Seen,” you might be restricted.
- For cross-verification, ask a friend to see if they can see your comment on the specific person’s post or comment.
3.Can A Restricted User Still Tag Me In Posts On Instagram?
Yes, the restricted user can still tag you in Instagram posts, but you won’t receive notifications about those tags unless you approve them.
Takeaways
Instagram’s intriguing “Restrict” feature empowers users to curate their digital space and embodies a modern approach to digital boundaries. Therefore, the restriction is a subtle yet powerful tool that offers users a rather innovative way to manage unwanted communications without snapping ties entirely.