Instagram’s active status feature allows others to see when you were last active on the app. While some find it useful, others may want more privacy and to disable this feature.
Fortunately, Instagram gives Android users the option to turn off active status and control who can see when they’re active.
This prevents others from knowing exactly when you were last on Instagram.
What Does Instagram’s Active Status Show Other Users?
Instagram’s active status or activity status feature allows other users to see when you were “last active” or were “active today” in the Direct Messaging section of the app.
Here’s what others can see about your Instagram activity:
- Last Active – This shows the last time you were actively using Instagram. For example, “Active 2 hours ago” indicates you were last active on Instagram 2 hours ago.
- Active Today – If you’ve used Instagram sometime in the last 24 hours, it will show “Active Today” under your name.
So Instagram’s active status gives other users a general sense of when you last opened or were scrolling through the app.
Keep in mind activity status is only visible to your followers and those you follow back.
Why You May Want to Disable Instagram’s Active Status
Here are some reasons why you may want to turn off or limit your active status on Instagram:
- More privacy – Disabling active status gives you more privacy and prevents others from knowing exactly when you’re on Instagram.
- Avoid unwanted messages – Some users get more direct messages when others see they’re currently active on the app. Turning it off can help minimize disruptive messages.
- Appear offline – You may not want certain people to know when you were last active. Disabling active status helps you appear offline.
- Reduce social pressure – Active status can create a social expectation to respond quickly. Turning it off removes this pressure.
- Focus better – Disable active status if you want to focus without constant distractions from Instagram notifications.
So if having your active status visible makes you uncomfortable or you simply want more privacy, turning this feature off can be beneficial.
How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram for Android
Instagram makes it simple to disable active status on Android devices.
Just follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap your profile photo in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
- Tap the three-line menu button in the top-right corner.
- Go to the “Settings” page.
- Tap on “Privacy”.
- Tap “Activity Status”.
- Toggle the switch next to “Show Activity Status” off.
- Confirm you want to turn off the feature when prompted.
That’s it! This instantly turns off your Instagram active status.
Other users will no longer see your last active or when you’re active today.
You can follow the same steps to turn the active status back on at any time.
The change takes effect right away.
Disabling Active Status for Specific Followers Only
Instagram also gives you the option to disable active status for some followers while keeping it on for others.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your profile and tap the three-line menu.
- Tap “Settings”.
- Select “Privacy”.
- Tap “Story”.
- Tap “Hide Story From”.
- Begin typing in a follower’s username you wish to hide your story from. Select them when they appear.
- Repeat step 6 to add more followers you wish to hide your story and active status from.
- Tap “Done” once finished.
Now active status will remain hidden specifically from the followers you selected.
They will see you as offline, while everyone else still sees your activity status.
This is perfect if you just want to hide your active times from a few specific people.
All other steps of the process remain the same.
Using Alternative Methods to Appear Offline
In addition to disabling active status, there are some other tricks you can use to appear offline on Instagram:
- Airplane mode – Turn on airplane mode before opening Instagram. You can scroll through the app while offline.
- Disconnect WiFi/Data – Load Instagram, then turn off your WiFi and mobile data. This lets you use Instagram without showing as active.
- Turn off notifications – Go to your phone’s settings and turn off notifications for Instagram. This prevents push notifications that would show you as active.
While not foolproof, these methods can help you go under the radar and make it appear like you’re not actively using Instagram when you are.
FAQs About Instagram’s Active Status Feature
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Instagram’s active status:
Can you see who views your active status?
No, Instagram doesn’t show who specifically has viewed your active status. You just know it’s visible to your followers and the people you follow.
Is active status always accurate?
It’s not a perfect system. Sometimes active status fails to update properly. So it’s not foolproof, but generally accurate.
Can you disable the active status on the iPhone?
Yes! The process to turn off active status is the same on both iPhone and Android. Just go to your profile, settings, privacy, and toggle it off.
Can someone see if you screenshot their story if they have active status?
No. Turning off active status also prevents others from knowing if you screenshot their story or post.
Can muting someone stop them from seeing your active status?
Muting or blocking a follower prevents them from seeing when you were last active or are active presently.
Turn Off Active Status for More Privacy on Instagram
Having the ability to control your active status is key to keeping your privacy on Instagram. While Instagram designed it as a social feature, many prefer keeping their activity private.
Luckily it only takes a few taps to disable active status on Android devices. You can take back control and browse Instagram more discreetly.
We recommend periodically checking that active status remains disabled in your settings as Instagram has been known to turn it back on automatically during app updates.
